RESISTANCE TEMPERATURE DETECTOR (RTD)

Resistance Temperature Detectors are sensors used to measure temperature. Many RTD elements
consist of a length of fine wire wrapped around a ceramic or glass core but other construction are also
used. The RTD wire is a pure material, typically platinum, nickel or copper. The material has accurate
resistance or temperature relationship which is used to provide an indication of temperature, as RTD
elements are flagile, they are often housed in protective probes. RTD require a power source to operate.

The resistive element is flagile, they are always requiring insulation. Insulator leads are attached to the
element. The temperature below 250⁰C insulators such as silicon rubber, PVC is used.

The linear approximation of the resistance temperature relationship of the metals between 0⁰C and
100⁰C is considered as the significant characteristics of the metal which is used as wire in the sensor.

WORKING PRINCIPLE OF RTD

A RTD works by using a basic principle, as the temperature of metal increases, so does the resistance to
the flow of electricity. An electrical current is passed through a sensor, the resistance element is used to
measure the resistance of the current being passed through it. As the temperature of resistance
element increases the electrical resistance also increases. The electrical resistance is measured in ohm.
The resistance value can then be converted into temperature based on characteristics of the element.
Typical response time for an RTD is between 0.5 and 5 seconds making them suitable to applications
where an immediate response is not required.

EXAMPLES OF RDT

Some of the examples of RTD sensor are coolant sensor, transmission oil temperature sensors, intake air
temperature sensor, fire detectors. Due to the accuracy stability, RTD sensors are rapidly replacing
thermocouples in industrial applications.

APPLICATIONS OF RTD

1. RTD sensors are used in automotive to measure to measure the engine temperature
2. RTD sensors are used in communication and instrumentation for sensing the temperature of
amplifiers, transistor gain stabilizers.
3. RTD sensors are used in power electronics, computers, consumer electronics, industrial
electronics and medical electronics.
 ADVANTAGES OF RTD

1. They have high accuracy

2. They offer long term stability
3. They have high repeatability
4. They are suitable for extreme environment
5. They have high temperature range (depending on resistance element material)