Agilent Technologies 34970A, User Manual, Page: 267 / 356

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Chapter 7 Tutorial
Measurement Fundamentals
4
7
Temperature Measurements
A temperature transducer measurement is typically either a resistance
or voltage measurement converted to an equivalent temperature by
software conversion routines inside the instrument. The mathematical
conversion is based on specific properties of the various transducers. The
mathematical conversion accuracy (not including the transducer
accuracy) for each transducer type is shown below.
Errors associated with temperature measurements include all of those
listed for DC voltage and resistance measurements elsewhere in this
chapter. The largest source of error in temperature measurements is
generally the transducer itself.
Your measurement requirements will help you to determine which
temperature transducer type to use. Each transducer type has a
particular temperature range, accuracy, and cost. The table below
summarizes some typical specifications for each transducer type. Use
this information to help select the transducer for your application. The
transducer manufacturers can provide you with exact specifications for a
particular transducer.
.
Transducer Conversion Accuracy
Thermocouple
RTD
Thermistor
0.05°C
0.02°C
0.05°C
Parameter Thermocouple RTD Thermistor
Temperature Range
Measurement Type
Transducer Sensitivity
Probe Accuracy
Cost (U.S. Dollars)
Durability
-210°C to 1820°C
Voltage
6  V/°C to 60  V/°C
0.5°C to 5°C
$1 / foot
Rugged
-200°C to 850°C
2- or 4-Wire Ohms
 R
0
x 0.004°C
0.01°C to 0.1°C
$20 to $100 each
Fragile
-80°C to 150°C
2- or 4-Wire Ohms
 400  /°C
0.1°C to 1°C
$10 to $100 each
Fragile
34970A Refresh UG.book Page 267 Wednesday, February 17, 2010 12:34 PM