Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs)

Resistance temperature detectors or resistive thermal devices (RTDs) are temperature sensors that consist of a wire coil wrapped around a ceramic or glass center. The sensor exploits the predictable change in electrical resistance of some materials with changing temperature. The most widely used sensor is the 100 ohm or 1000 ohm RTD platinum resistance thermometer.

RTD’s are the most accurate sensors for scientific and many other applications and also offer the best long-term stability. A representative value for the accuracy of a platinum resistance is +0.5 percent of the measured temperature. After one year there may be a shift of +0.05°C through aging. Platinum resistance thermometers can cover temperature ranges from -200 to 800°C.

View our Temperature Resistance Specification Spreadsheet