RTDs (Resistance Temperature Detectors) come in various types based on their construction, resistance values, and the material used. Here are the primary types of RTDs.
Wire-Wound RTD
These are constructed by winding a fine resistive wire, typically platinum, around a ceramic or glass core. They offer high accuracy and can be used for a wide range of temperatures. In addition, they are suitable for a wider-range of applications as their construction makes them more resistant to mechanical stress. They can be used in harsh environments like oil rigs, production plants, energy harvesting systems, etc.
Thin-Film RTD
These are made by depositing a very thin layer of platinum onto a ceramic substrate. Thin-film RTDs are generally more compact and have faster response times compared to wire-wound types, however they are less robust.
Pt100
This is the most common type and has a resistance of 100 ohms at 0°C. It’s made from platinum, which is indicated by the “Pt” prefix.
Pt500 and Pt1000
These have resistances of 500 ohms and 1000 ohms at 0°C, respectively. They are also made from platinum but offer higher resistance values, which can sometimes be advantageous in certain measurement scenarios. These tend to be more sensitive and accurate and stable, but also more expensive.
Platinum RTDs (Pt100, Pt500, Pt1000)
The most common and widely used due to their accuracy and stability.
Nickel RTDs
Less common and used in certain specialized applications. They have a more limited temperature range than platinum RTDs.
Copper RTDs
Less common than platinum, mainly used for applications requiring measurements in a narrow temperature range around ambient.
2-Wire RTD
The simplest connection with two wires of the same material as the RTD connected to it. It’s the least accurate because it does not compensate for the lead wire resistance.
3-Wire RTD
A common configuration, especially for industrial applications. The third wire compensates for the lead wire resistance, offering a balance between cost and accuracy.
4-Wire RTD
Offers the highest accuracy as it completely compensates for lead wire resistance. It uses two wires for the current supply and two separate wires to measure the voltage across the RTD. Requires a more complex receiver.
European (IEC)
This standard RTD has an alpha coefficient of 0.00385 ohms/ohm/°C. This means its resistance increases by 0.385% for every 1°C rise in temperature.
American (US)
This RTD has an alpha coefficient of 0.00392 ohms/ohm/°C, so its resistance rises by 0.392% for every 1°C increase in temperature.
RTD: An Introduction Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs) have emerged as a precise and prevalent method for measuring temperature. While numerous RTD configurations exist, they predominantly
Choosing between a Pt100 and Pt1000 RTD sensor involves considering the specific requirements of your application and the inherent characteristics of each sensor type. Here’s a breakdown to help you make an informed decision
Does your measuring instrument support Pt100, Pt1000, or both? NCD IoT Wireless RTD Temperature Sensors support both probe types
Resolution Needs
If you need higher resolution, Pt1000 s the better choice as it is more sensitive and is able to detect smaller temperature changes.
Installation Distance
For longer distances between the sensor and the measuring device, a Pt1000 might offer advantages due to its higher resistance.
Environmental Conditions
Pt100 having a thicker wire is more robust in the sense of mechanical rigidity. It is better suited to harsh environments like oil rights for example.
Budget and Availability
Pt100 sensors are more common and might be more readily available in many regions in addition to being more cost efficient as their measurement characteristics are lower than what Pt1000 offers. Pt1000 tend to be more narrowly specialized, more expensive and harder to find.
In conclusion, both Pt100 and Pt1000 RTDs have their advantages and are suitable for various applications. Your choice should be based on the specific requirements of your application and the equipment you’re using. If in doubt, consulting with an instrumentation engineer or a specialist supplier can provide further guidance tailored to your situation.
Contact the NCD team of experts to get help on selecting the right sensor probe for your application.
Industrial IoT Wireless RTD Temperature Sensor
$249.95 - $269.95RTD: An Introduction Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs) have emerged as a precise and prevalent method for measuring temperature. While numerous RTD configurations exist, they predominantly adopt either a two-wire, three-wire, or four-wire system. Further variations stem from differences in resistance, typically seen between Pt100 and Pt1000 RTDs. These types of sensors as the name implies work based on the fact that when the temperature of the metal in the sensor
Principles of Operation and Types of RTDs Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs) are a type of temperature measurement device that relies on the ability of certain metal materials (most notably Platinum) to increase their resistance with the increase in temperature. These are utilized together with a current source, where as the temperature changes so does the current (as a result of the changing resistance) in order to produce temperature measurements. Depending
What are Thermocouples / RTDs These two types of sensors might seen very similar on the surface, however they are in fact quite different. They have different operational mechanics, mainly one relies on current measurement, the other on voltage. Additionally, they find application in very different use-case scenarios and more often than not one is a lot better suited than the other for solving a particular problem. RTD Temperature Sensors
