School Of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering, NUST
ME-327 Instrumentation & Measurement Lab (Spring 2023)
Experiment 3: Temperature Measurement (IC & RTD Sensor)
Objectives:
1. To understand the working principle of an IC and platinum RTD sensor for temperature
measurement
2. To investigate the relationship between temperature and resistance in a platinum RTD
sensor.
3. To calibrate the temperature measurement system to improve accuracy.
4. To gain practical skills in designing and setting up a temperature measurement system
using an IC and a platinum RTD sensor.
Learning Outcomes:
• Knowledge of the principles of temperature measurement using an IC and platinum RTD sensor.
• Familiarity with the advantages and disadvantages of different types of temperature measurement
systems.
• Understanding of the importance of safety precautions when handling temperature measurement
equipment.
Apparatus:
1. DIGIAC 1750 Transducer and Instrumentation Trainer
2. 4mm Connecting Leads
3. Digital Multimeter
Figure 1: DIGIAC-1750 Trainers
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The IC Temperature Sensor:
This is an integrated circuit containing 16 transistors, 9 resistors and 2 capacitors contained in a transistor
type package. The device reference number is LM335, and it provides an output of 10mV/°K.
Measurements of the output voltage therefore indicate the temperature directly in degrees Kelvin (°K).
For example, at a temperature of 20°C (293°K) the output voltage will be 2.93V.
Figure 2: Circuit Arrangement for IC Temperature Sensor
Platinum RTD:
Figure 3: Platinum RTD Construction
The construction of the Platinum RTD Transducer consisting of a thin film of platinum deposited on a
ceramic substrate and having gold contact plates at each end that contact the film. The platinum film is
trimmed with a laser beam to achieve a resistance of 100Ω at 0°C. The resistance of the film increases
as the temperature increases. It has a positive temperature coefficient (PTC). The increase in resistance
is linear, the relationship between resistance change and temperature rise being 0.385Ω/°C.
Rt = Ro + 0.385t
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Where:
Rt = resistance at temperature t°C
Ro = resistance at 0°C (= 100Ω)
Procedure (IC Temperature Sensor):
Figure 4: IC Temperature Sensor Connections
1. Connect a voltmeter to the circuit (as shown in Fig 4), switch the power supply ON and note the
output voltage, this (x100) representing the ambient temperature in °K. Record the value in table.
2. Connect the +12V supply to the heater input socket and note the voltage reading every minute
until the value stabilizes. Record the values in T\table. (Note °C = °K - 273.)
Procedure (Platinum RTD Temperature Sensor):
Figure 5: RTD Connections
1. Set the slider of the 10kΩ slide resistor to mid-way and connect the circuit as shown in Fig 5,
with the digital multimeter set to its 200mV or 2V DC range.
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2. Switch ON the power supply and adjust the slider control so that the voltage drop across the
platinum RTD is 108mV (0.108V) as indicated by the digital multimeter.
3. This calibrates the platinum RTD for an assumed ambient temperature of 20°C, since the
resistance of the RTD at 20°C will be 108Ω. Note that the voltage reading across the RTD in mV
is the same as the RTD resistance in Ω, since the current flowing must be 0.108/108 = 1mA.
4. Connect the voltmeter, set to its 20V DC range, to the INT output of the IC Temperature Sensor.
This represents the RTD temperature (voltage x 100 = temperature in °K). Record the
temperature in the first column of table.
5. Connect a second voltmeter, set to its 200mV range, to measure the voltage output from the RTD
transducer. This voltage (in mV) is equal to the RTD resistance (in Ω). Record the resistance in
the first column of the table.
6. Connect the +12V supply to the Heater Element input and record the RTD temperature (in °K)
and RTD resistance (in Ω) after each of the times given in the table.
7. Convert the RTD Temperature into °C (°K - 273) and add to table.
Readings and Calculations:
For IC Temperature Sensor
Temprature Temprature
Time(s) Voltage(V) C K
0 0.19 17 290
20 0.25 23 296
40 0.33 31 304
60 0.4 38 311
80 0.45 43 316
100 0.5 48 321
120 0.53 51 324
140 0.56 54 327
160 0.59 57 330
180 0.61 59 332
200 0.63 61 334
220 0.64 62 335
240 0.66 64 337
260 0.67 65 338
280 0.68 66 339
300 0.69 67 340
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For Platinum RTD
Time Temprature Temprature RTD
(min) (C) (K) Resistance
0 28.57 301.57 111
1 33.77 306.77 113
2 36.36 309.36 114
3 44.16 317.16 117
4 54.55 327.55 121
5 54.55 327.55 121
6 59.74 332.74 123
7 62.34 335.34 124
8 62.86 335.86 124.2
9 64.16 337.16 124.7
10 67.53 340.53 126
Graph:
Plot the graph of RTD resistance (Ω) against temperature (°C)
Temprature vs RTD Resistance
128
126
124.7
126
124.2
124
124 123
122 121
120
Temp C
118 117
116
114
114 113
112 111
110
0.00 10.00 20.00 30.00 40.00 50.00 60.00 70.00 80.00
RTD Resistance (ohm)
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Results and Discussion:
This lab focused on understanding the working principle of an IC and platinum RTD sensor for
temperature measurement, investigating the relationship between temperature and resistance in a
platinum RTD sensor, calibrating the temperature measurement system for accuracy improvement, and
gaining practical skills in designing and setting up a temperature measurement system.
The results showed that the IC and platinum RTD sensor work together to accurately measure
temperature using resistance-temperature conversion. The relationship between temperature and
resistance in a platinum RTD sensor is linear, with a typical resistance change of 0.00385 ohms/ohm/°C.
Calibration of the system is important to correct for any errors or drift in the measurements. Overall,
this lab provides practical experience in electronic circuit design and measurement techniques for
temperature measurement
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this lab provides an excellent opportunity for students to gain practical experience in
electronic circuit design and measurement techniques for temperature measurement. By understanding
the working principle of an IC and platinum RTD sensor, investigating the relationship between
temperature and resistance in a platinum RTD sensor, and calibrating the system for accuracy
improvement, students can develop a deeper understanding of the underlying principles of temperature
measurement. Additionally, the hands-on experience gained through designing and setting up a
temperature measurement system can be valuable in future engineering applications. Overall, this lab is
a valuable tool for students looking to gain practical skills and knowledge in the field of temperature
measurement.
Task 1: What are some common applications of IC temperature sensors and
platinum RTD sensors?
IC temperature sensors and platinum RTD sensors are widely used in many different applications due to
their high accuracy, reliability, and stability. One of the most common applications of these sensors is in
HVAC systems, where they are used to monitor and control indoor temperatures. They are also widely
used in medical equipment, such as incubators and blood storage units, to maintain precise temperature
control.
In the automotive industry, IC temperature sensors are used to monitor engine temperatures and
prevent overheating. In the food and beverage industry, platinum RTD sensors are commonly used to
monitor and control temperatures during food processing and manufacturing. In aerospace applications,
IC temperature sensors and platinum RTD sensors are used to monitor and control temperatures in
various systems and components, such as spacecraft and airplanes.
Temperature sensors are also used in various industrial processes, such as chemical processing, oil
refining, and metal smelting, to monitor and control temperatures. They play a critical role in ensuring
process control and maintaining product quality.
In summary, IC temperature sensors and platinum RTD sensors have many practical applications across a
wide range of industries and fields, making them an essential tool for temperature monitoring and
control
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Marks Distribution:
Readings, Graph Results & Conclusion Task 1 Total
& Calculations Discussion
3 3 2 2 10
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