STATUS INSTRUMENTS

Suppliers of electronic test and measurement instruments, temperature sensors and transmitters

The means of accurately measuring temperature has long fascinated people. One of the differences between temperature and other physical concepts such as mass or length, is that it is subjective. Different people have different perceptions of what is hot and cold. To make objective measurements we must use a thermometer in which some physical property of a substance changes with temperature in a reliable and reproducible way.

One of the most common thermometers is the Pt100 sensor otherwise known as a Platinum Resistance Thermometer or a resistance temperature detector RTD. These temperature sensors make use of the variation of resistance of high purity platinum wire with temperature. This variation is predictable enabling accurate measurements to be performed.

The most common sensor in industrial use is the thermocouple. These consist of two dissimilar metallic conductors joined at the point of measurement. When the conductors are heated a voltage is generated in the circuit and this can be used to determine the temperature. (National Physical Laboratory 2006)

Status Instruments UK was founded in 1982 pioneering their design of temperature transmitters. Temperature transmitters take the resistive or voltage inputs from resistance sensors or thermocouples and convert it to an industry standard 4/20mA signal. Since then, Status Instruments UK has developed an extensive range of temperature transmitters which can be programmed to measure the required temperature range either by push button or PC. To complement the temperature transmitter range Status Instruments UK also can provide a wide range of Pt100 sensors or thermocouple sensors assembled complete with connection head and transmitter.

The 4/20mA signal produced by the temperature sensor assembly is often conditioned to provide inputs for other electronic test and measurement instruments. Status Instruments UK has developed a complete range of signal conditioners to provide these functions. The signal conditioner range includes isolators, converters, programmable product and control products. Such is our confidence in our products we supply all our temperature transmitters and signal conditioners with a 10 year warranty.