A Pt100 RTD (Platinum 100 Ohm Resistance Temperature Detector) is a type of resistance temperature detector (RTD) that uses platinum as the sensing element. The "Pt100" designation refers to the resistance of the RTD at 0°C, which is 100 ohms.
Here's a bit more detail:
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Sensing Element: The sensing element of a Pt100 RTD is typically made of platinum wire wound into a coil or deposited on a ceramic substrate. Platinum is chosen for its linear resistance-temperature relationship, stability, and high accuracy over a wide temperature range.
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Resistance-Temperature Relationship: The resistance of the Pt100 RTD increases linearly with temperature. Specifically, at 0°C, its resistance is 100 ohms. As the temperature changes, the resistance of the Pt100 RTD changes according to a defined curve, typically following the Callendar-Van Dusen equation or the ITS-90 standard.
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Temperature Measurement: To measure temperature using a Pt100 RTD, a known current is passed through the RTD, and the voltage drop across it is measured. By knowing the resistance of the RTD at the measured temperature and the resistance at a known reference temperature (usually 0°C), the temperature can be calculated using the RTD's resistance-temperature relationship.
Pt100 RTDs are widely used in various industries and applications where high accuracy and stability are required, such as laboratory equipment, industrial process control, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, and automotive applications. They offer excellent linearity, repeatability, and stability over a wide temperature range, making them popular for precise temperature measurement requirements.