Advanced Methodology for Precisely Simulating RTD Sensor Types

Resistance thermometers, also called resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), are very common sensors used for temperature measurement. Their reliability, ruggedness, wide range, and value make them popular in the process industry and research laboratories alike. A wide range of instruments, PLC I/O systems, data acquisition, and control systems are designed to interface with these sensors and perform actions based on their measured value. Testing of such systems requires a sensor to be simulated, where hardware-in-the-loop testing is mandatory. Often the validation of such systems will end up being a complex issue if not properly planned.