Temperature sensor PT100 RTD amplifier, MAX31865

Amplifier for Platinium RTD precision temperature sensor PT100

If you need for precision temperature sensing then the Platinum RTD sensor would be the best choice. The RTD (Resistance temperature detectors) are temperature sensors containing a small platinium resistor. The value of the Platinium resistor change with the temperature (like the thermistor). The small piece of Platinum have a resistance of 100 ohms at 0°C (this is the reason why such sensors are called PT100).

In comparison with the NTC/PTC thermistors, the PT based RTD is quite more stable and precise (also more expensive because of the Platinium). The PT100 sensors are used for years in laboratory to measure temperature. They are also appreciated in industrial environment for their accuracy (better than thermocouples), repeatability and great stability.

To get the best from your PT100 RTD sensor, it must be used with an amplifier able to read low resistance. The amplifier used on this breakout is able to adjust automatically and compensate the connexion wire's resistance. I

The Adafruit RTD Sensor MAX31865 Amplifier breakout is great to be used  with any 2, 3, 4 wires PT100 RTD!

We also propose various MAXIM thermocouple amplifiers. Thermocouple are great but PT100 RTD would be even greated. Choose for PT100 when best accuracy and best precision are needed. The MAX31865 will handle all your needs about RTD, it can also compensate 3 or 4 wire's RTD to improve accuracy. MAXIM31865 can be connected to any microcontroller over SPI and read out the resistance ratio from the internal ADC. Adafruit uses a 430Ω 0.1% resistor as a reference resistor. The tutorial offers an example showing the  calculation if the temperature based on the resistance.

The breakout is 5V compliant and includes a 3.3V regulator and level shifting. You can use it with any 3.3V or 5V  microcontroller.

Content

For each order, you will receive an assembled RTD amplifier breakout board. The product includes a 2 x 2-pin terminal blocks (to connecti the RTD sensor) and pin header section (to plug on breadboard).

A PT100 RTD is required to use this product! The RTD is not included!
Some soldering is needed to solder the headers and terminals blocks on the breakout.

Please note: This product DOES NOT INCLUDE the RTD sensor (PT100)! The terminal blocks may be black or blue depending on the supplying.

Dimensions

• Dimensions: 28.0mm x 25.0mm x 2.4mm
• Weight: 2.6g
• Datasheet (see Adafruit tutorial)