PT100 sensors are the most common platinum resistance thermometers on the market, owing largely to their simple, precise and linear temperature measurement capabilities. Also known as ‘Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs)’ or ‘Platinum Resistance Thermometers (PRTs)’, PT100 resistors are a tried and trusted type of temperature measurement device. As an updated and modified model of RTD, a PT100 resistor can match and surpass the precision of previously relied upon measurement methods while offering greater flexibility.
Platinum Makes Perfect
As a highly diverse and adaptable metal, platinum is deployed in the measurement of temperatures because it is stable and unreactive to the resistance-producing current that it comes into contact with. It is virtually impervious to corrosion and oxidation so it can stay operational for longer without needing to be replaced.
Finally, platinum is a comparatively light composite that can be shaped and shaved down to extremely small sizes, making it easier to connect to wires and sensors.
The Applicable Advantages of PT100 Resistors
As the newest, most modern resistance-based temperature monitoring sensor, PT100 resistors are rapidly replacing previously popular sensors such as thermocouples. Resistance-reliant components offer greater versatility in the range of applicable tasks they can be utilized in.
Explicitly in jobs that deal with lower overall temperatures, advanced in the areas of accuracy and regular repeatability, PT100 resistors have pushed to the front of the queue, ahead of standard thermocouples. Some may point to the fact that RTDs are marginally more expensive to produce but the extra cost is repaid in the reassurance of its superior usability and overall quality.
Further supporting the PT100 resistor’s campaign to be the world-renowned number one in the industrial thermometer market, is its capability to gauge temperatures from solely the current-based resistance. This means that the stress associated with the setting up of special cables or cold junction compensations can be avoided and the monitoring of thermal activities can be conducted in a greater scope of situations.
If the resistivity of the connecting cables is known, a 2-wire connection can be used. For precision measurements a 4-wire connection is recommended. The measurement instrument will compensate the resistivity of the connection wires automatically.
The Related Risks of PT100 Resistors
Because the components were created to deal with a more diverse selection of temperature taking tasks, the technology employed in the assembly of resistance thermometers is more vulnerable to impact damage. Its flexibility of multi-functionality makes it fragile, requiring more care to be taken in its operation. Allectra can supply HV/UHV compatible PT100 sensors either on their own, with 4 radiation resistant Kapton wires (301-KAPM) or as a complete component with wiring, in-vacuum connector and optionally with a suitable multi-pin feedthrough. No special thermocouple connector pins are required.
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