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Interpolation Errors in Thermistor Calibration Equations

  • TEMPMEKO 2016
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International Journal of Thermophysics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Thermistors are widely used temperature sensors capable of measurement uncertainties approaching those of standard platinum resistance thermometers. However, the extreme nonlinearity of thermistors means that complicated calibration equations are required to minimize the effects of interpolation errors and achieve low uncertainties. This study investigates the magnitude of interpolation errors as a function of temperature range and the number of terms in the calibration equation. Approximation theory is used to derive an expression for the interpolation error and indicates that the temperature range and the number of terms in the calibration equation are the key influence variables. Numerical experiments based on published resistance–temperature data confirm these conclusions and additionally give guidelines on the maximum and minimum interpolation error likely to occur for a given temperature range and number of terms in the calibration equation.

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Correspondence to D. R. White.

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Selected Papers of the 13th International Symposium on Temperature, Humidity, Moisture and Thermal Measurements in Industry and Science.

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White, D.R. Interpolation Errors in Thermistor Calibration Equations. Int J Thermophys 38, 59 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10765-017-2194-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10765-017-2194-x

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