Resistance to Temperature Conversion Formula:
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The resistance to temperature conversion calculates temperature based on the electrical resistance of a material, using its temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR). This method is commonly used with RTDs (Resistance Temperature Detectors) and thermistors for precise temperature measurement.
The calculator uses the resistance-temperature conversion formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula assumes a linear relationship between resistance and temperature, which is valid for many materials over limited temperature ranges.
Details: Accurate temperature calculation from resistance measurements is crucial for industrial process control, scientific research, HVAC systems, and temperature monitoring in various applications where precise thermal management is required.
Tips: Enter resistance in ohms (Ω), reference resistance in ohms (Ω), temperature coefficient in /°C, and reference temperature in °C. Ensure all values are positive and TCR is non-zero.
Q1: What is Temperature Coefficient of Resistance (TCR)?
A: TCR describes how much a material's electrical resistance changes with temperature. Positive TCR means resistance increases with temperature (most metals), while negative TCR means resistance decreases with temperature (semiconductors).
Q2: What materials are commonly used for temperature sensing?
A: Platinum (Pt100, Pt1000), nickel, copper for RTDs; NTC and PTC thermistors for semiconductors. Platinum is preferred for high accuracy and stability.
Q3: Is the linear approximation always accurate?
A: For precise measurements over wide temperature ranges, higher-order polynomial equations (Callendar-Van Dusen) are often used instead of the linear approximation.
Q4: What are typical TCR values?
A: Platinum: ~0.00385/°C, Copper: ~0.00427/°C, Nickel: ~0.00617/°C. Always refer to manufacturer specifications for exact values.
Q5: How does self-heating affect accuracy?
A: Current flowing through the sensor causes self-heating, which can affect accuracy. Use appropriate excitation currents and consider thermal design for precise measurements.