Industrial IoT Wireless RTD Temperature Sensor Brochure

Device Overview

The NCD Industrial IoT Wireless RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector) Temperature Sensor is capable of measuring extreme high and low temperatures with incredible precision.  This IoT RTD Temperature Sensor transmitter supports any 100 Ohm 3-Wire RTD sensor, and includes a free RTD PT100 probe for the purposes of experimentation and testing within room temperature environments, but best results are achieved when connecting a high-quality sensor that meets your application requirements.  This Temperature Sensor transmitter includes a on-board RTD signal amplifier for precision measurement.  This wireless IoT RTD Temperature Sensor Transmitter is ideal for industrial temperature monitoring applications supporting extreme temperature ranges, such as industrial boiler temperature measurement, liquid temperature measurement, and temperature monitoring of food storage units.  The Industrial IoT Wireless RTD Temperature Sensor is designed to consume extremely low power and send data at extremely long distances of up to 2 miles line-of-light or up to 28 miles using high gain antennas.

Feature

  • Industrial Long Range Wireless RTD Temperature Sensor Transmitter
  • Industrial Grade with an Accuracy of ±0.5°C FS
  • Works with Any PT100 100-Ohm 3-Wire Sensor
  • Includes Sample PT100 Sensor for Experimentation Purposes
  • 15-Bit ADC Resolution; Nominal Temperature Resolution 0.03125NC
  • 3-Wire Differential VREF Inputs for Common RTD Sensors
  • 2-Mile Line of Sight Range with On-Board Antenna
  • IP65 Enclosure Rating
  • Send RTD Data to Multiple Communication 
  • Supports Wireless Mesh Networking
Figure 1: Device Overview

Wireless Technology

The NCD Industrial range of sensors utilizes DigiMesh, a proprietary networking technology designed by Digi® International. It is especially suitable for IIoT applications as it provides a number of benefits over conventional wireless stacks:

  • Long range – 2 miles+ in line of sight conditions, estimated 1000 ft indoors.
  • Mesh networking topology – no single point of failure, self healing network with high redundancy.
  • Long battery life due to low power consumption – up to 10 years
  • Simplified provisioning – extending the mesh network via repeater at no additional configuration complexity
  • Works in the 868MHz, 900MHz and 2.4GHz bands – worldwide region interoperability.

Battery Life

SpecificationsMinimumNominalMaximumNotes
Batteries266May be Powered by 2 or 4 AA Batteries
Battery Life 1 TPD10 YearsTPD Transmissions per Day
Battery Life 12 TPD8 YearsTPD Transmissions per Day
Battery Life 24 TPD5 YearTPD Transmissions per Day
Battery Life 96 TPD3 YearTPD Transmissions per Day

The Truth About Battery Life

Under the best of circumstances, the best non-rechargeable batteries commonly available today are limited to a 10 year non-working shelf life in a room temperature environment. Factors such as actual usage, temperature, and humidity will impact the working life. Be wary of any battery claims in excess of 10 years, as this would only apply to the most exotic and expensive batteries that are not commonly available. Also note that most battery chemistries are not rated for use in extreme temperatures. NCD only uses the best Non-Rechargeable Lithium batteries available today, which are also rated for use in extreme temperatures and have been tested by our customers in light radioactive environments. Lithium batteries offer a 10 year maximum expected shelf life due to limitations of battery technology. NCD will never rate sensor life beyond the rated shelf life of the best batteries available today, which is currently 10 years.

Applications & Use-cases

The Industrial IoT Wireless RTD Temperature Sensor  is capable of monitoring key environmental metrics like CO2 levels, temperature, humidity in real-time. Such a sensor can be useful in various industries and sectors due to its ability to wirelessly transmit critical environmental data for analysis and decision-making.

Industrial IoT Wireless RTD Temperature Sensor Applications

Cold Chain Monitoring

The sensor plays a crucial role in cold chain logistics, continuously monitoring temperature throughout the storage and transportation of sensitive goods like food, vaccines, and pharmaceuticals. With real-time data, companies can ensure these products remain within safe temperature ranges, preventing spoilage and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Industrial Equipment Monitoring

Industrial machinery can experience performance issues if temperatures exceed recommended thresholds. By using this sensor to monitor machinery temperatures, operators can detect early signs of overheating or mechanical failure, enabling timely maintenance that prevents costly breakdowns and improves operational efficiency.

HVAC Systems

Accurate temperature control is essential for HVAC systems in large buildings, ensuring comfort for occupants while optimizing energy consumption. This sensor provides precise temperature readings, allowing HVAC systems to adjust heating or cooling as needed, leading to significant energy savings and improved environmental control in commercial and industrial environments.

Environmental Monitoring

In agricultural settings or environmental research, maintaining specific temperature ranges is critical for the health of crops, animals, or ecosystems. This sensor can be deployed in fields, barns, or research sites to provide continuous temperature data, helping farmers and researchers make informed decisions about heating, cooling, or protection against weather extremes.

Industrial IoT Wireless RTD Temperature Sensor Use-cases

Pharmaceutical Cold Storage

In pharmaceutical facilities storing temperature-sensitive medications or vaccines, this sensor ensures real-time temperature monitoring, alerting managers when conditions fall outside safe ranges. This prevents loss of product due to temperature fluctuations, ensuring the integrity and efficacy of medicines are maintained, especially for vaccines that require strict cold storage compliance.

Machinery Maintenance in Factories

Installed on industrial equipment, this sensor helps monitor internal machinery temperatures, ensuring they stay within safe operational limits. In a steel plant, for example, it can alert technicians to overheating risks in critical systems like furnaces or engines, allowing preventive maintenance before any serious damage occurs, thus reducing downtime and improving equipment lifespan.

Greenhouse Temperature Control

In greenhouses where maintaining optimal growing conditions is critical, this sensor provides constant temperature data, allowing automated systems to adjust heating or cooling. For delicate crops like flowers or exotic plants, precise temperature control is essential for maximizing yield and quality, ensuring the environment remains conducive to growth.

HVAC System Efficiency in Commercial Buildings

This sensor is integrated into large commercial building HVAC systems to provide precise control of internal temperatures. By constantly monitoring temperature fluctuations, the system can adjust air conditioning or heating based on real-time data. This improves energy efficiency, reduces operational costs, and ensures a comfortable environment for employees and customers in offices, malls, or hotels.