Appendix f. thermistor information, F.1 converting resistance to temperature, F.2 accuracy and resolution – Campbell Scientific CDM-VW300 Series Dynamic Vibrating-Wire Analyzer System User Manual
Page 89: F.1.1

Appendix F. Thermistor Information
F.1 Converting Resistance to Temperature
The CDM-VW300 outputs a resistance value for sensors that contain a 
thermistor. Temperature is normally calculated by applying the resistance to 
the 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 contact the sensor manufacturer to get coefficients for a 
specific thermistor. 
NOTE
F.1.1 Resistance Conversion Example – Geokon Sensor
If the coefficients for the Steinhart-Hart equation are as follows
A = 1.4051E–03 
B = 2.369E–04 
C = 1.019E–07 
The equation for converting the resistance measurement to degrees Celsius is:
Temperature = 1/(1.4051E–03 + 2.369E–04 • LN(resistance) +
1.019E–07 • (LN(resistance))^3) – 273.15
If the measured resistance is 2221 Ω, the calculated temperature in degree 
Celsius is: 
Temperature = 1/(1.4051E–03 + 2.369E–04 • LN(2221) +
1.019E–07 • (LN(2221))^3) – 273.15
Temperature = 31.98°C
F.2 Accuracy and Resolution
The accuracy of the temperature measurement is a function of the following 
factors: 
1. Thermistor interchangeability
2. Resistance of the wire
F-1
