For precision temperature sensing, nothing beats a Platinum RTD. Resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) are temperature sensors that contain a resistor that changes resistance value as its temperature changes, basically a kind of thermistor. In this sensor, the resistor is actually a small strip of Platinum with a resistance of 100 ohms at 0C, thus the name PT100. Compared to most NTC/PTC thermistors, the PT type of RTD is much most stable and precise (but also more expensive) PT100’s have been used for many years to measure temperature in laboratory and industrial processes, and have developed a reputation for accuracy (better than thermocouples), repeatability, and stability.

This high-temperature PT100 sensor is equipped with an stainless steel shield that is good for -50C to 280C.

PT100 features:

• Based on resistance measurement principles
• Resistor material is Platinum with a value of 100 ohm at temperature 0C
• Platinum has a positive resistance temperature factor; resistance increases with rising temperature
• Resistance variation is a function of temperature: 0.385/C nominal
• High accuracy and stability compared to thermocouples, silicon-based temperature sensors, or thermistors

Each sensor comes with three wires. Two of the wires connect to either side of the platinum resistor like you’d expect. The third wire is also connected to one end of the PT100. If your RTD amplifier supports 3-wire sensors, it will drive the resistor with the first two wires, and measure the voltage differences so that it can subtract any voltage drop from the wires. If your RTD amplifier only has 2-wire support simply leave the third wire disconnected.

Use our Adafruit RTD sensor breakout to connect this fine sensor to your favorite microcontroller

Technical Details

Cable specs:

• Stainless steel tube: 4mm diameter by ~30mm long (size of stainless steel capsule may vary!)
• Cable is approx 1m / 100cm long
• Contains a PT100 temperature sensor
• Three wires with terminal prong ends

PT100 technical specs:

• Usable temperature range: -200 to 550C (-328F to +1,022F)
• Uses 3-wire interface
• 0.5C Accuracy from -10C to +85C

Product Weight: 19.3g / 0.7oz