MAX231865 RTD interface

Ultra-Precise Temperature Sensing with Adafruit RTD Sensor Amplifier

For ultra-precise temperature sensing, there's nothing that can match the performance of a Platinum RTD. Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs) function as temperature sensors featuring a resistor whose resistance changes with temperature, essentially acting as a thermistor. In the case of this sensor, the resistor is a tiny strip of Platinum with a resistance of 1000 ohms at 0°C, hence its designation as PT1000. In comparison to the more common NTC/PTC thermistors, the PT type of RTD stands out for its remarkable stability and precision, albeit at a higher cost. PT1000s have established themselves over the years as the go-to choice for temperature measurement in laboratory and industrial processes, earning a reputation for superior accuracy (outperforming thermocouples), repeatability, and stability.

To unlock the full potential of your PT1000 RTD in terms of precision and accuracy, it's crucial to employ an amplifier specifically designed to handle low resistance. Even better, opt for an amplifier that can autonomously adjust and compensate for the resistance in the connecting wires. Today is your lucky day if you're on the lookout for an exceptional RTD sensor interface. RTD Sensor Amplifier featuring the MAX31865 breakout, compatible with any 2, 3, or 4-wire PT1000 RTD!

For those with PT100 RTDs, the resistor would need to be changed.

MAXIM thermocouple amplifiers make RTD use simple, and while they're fantastic, thermocouples may not always provide the desired accuracy or precision. Enter the MAX31865, addressing all your RTD requirements and even compensating 3 or 4-wire RTDs for enhanced accuracy. Simply connect it to any microcontroller via SPI and retrieve the resistance ratio from the internal ADC. The breakout features a 4300Ω 0.1% reference resistor, and we provide example code for temperature calculation based on resistance. Notably, the breakout is 5V compliant with a 3.3V regulator and level shifting, ensuring compatibility with any Arduino or microcontroller.

Each order includes one fully assembled RTD amplifier breakout board, along with two 2-pin terminal blocks for RTD sensor connection and a pin header for seamless integration into any breadboard or perfboard. Keep in mind that the required PT1000 RTD is not included but is available in our shop. Minor soldering is necessary for attaching the headers and terminal blocks to the breakout, but it's a straightforward task with standard soldering tools.

Important note: The product does not include an RTD sensor, and the terminal blocks provided may be either blue or green.