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Appendix b. thermistor information, B.1 converting resistance to temperature, B.2 accuracy and resolution – Campbell Scientific AVW200-series Vibrating Wire Interfaces User Manual

Page 67: B.1.1, Appendix b

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Appendix B. Thermistor Information

B.1 Converting Resistance to Temperature

The AVW200 outputs a resistance value for sensors that contain a thermistor.

Temperature is calculated by applying the resistance to a known equation (e.g.,

Steinhart-Hart equation) which converts resistance to temperature.

The Steinhart-Hart equation for converting resistance to degree Celsius is as

follows:

Temperature = 1/(A + B*LN(resistance) + C*(LN(resistance))^3) - 273.15

Where A, B, and C are coefficients for the Steinhart-Hart equation.

The coefficients for the Steinhart-Hart equation are specific to the thermistor

contained in your sensor and are obtained from the sensor manufacturer.

Please see your manufacturer to get the coefficients for their

thermistor.

B.1.1 Resistance Conversion Example – Geokon Sensor

If the coefficients for Steinhart-Hart equation are as follows

A=0.0014051

B=0.0002369

C=0.0000001019

The equation for converting the resistance measurement to degrees Celsius is:

Temperature = 1/(0.0014051 + 0.0002369*LN(resistance) +

0.0000001019*(LN(resistance))^3) - 273.15

If the measured resistance is 2221 ohms, the calculated temperature in degree

Celsius is:

Temperature = 1/(0.0014051 + 0.0002369*LN(2221) +

0.0000001019*(LN(2221))^3) - 273.15

Temperature = 31.98°C

B.2 Accuracy and Resolution

The accuracy of the temperature measurement is a function of the following

factors:

1. Thermistor's interchangeability

2. Resistance of the wire

3. Steinhart-Hart Equation error

NOTE

B-1