Data Dolphin Tech Note

D30101

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Connecting Temperature Sensors to the Model 300 (Thermistor Type)

Introduction
A powerful feature of the Model 300 datalogger is its ability to read from a large variety of sensor devices.
A resistive temperature sensor, commonly known as a thermistor, can easily be connected to any of the
Model 300’s inputs. This can be done without the assistance of any type of signal-conditioning device.

Figure 1. Typical 5Kohm thermistors

Technical considerations
Before connecting a thermistor to the Model 300’s analog inputs, there are a few things to consider.
Firstly, is the thermistor recognized by the Data Dolphin software? Thermistors are classified by their
resistance at 25° Celsius. Thus, a 10kΩ thermistor will provide 10000 ohms of resistance at a
temperature of 25° Celsius. The Data Dolphin software will accept 2252Ω, 5 kΩ, 10 kΩ and 30 kΩ
thermistors. Ensure that your thermistor matches one of these values.
Next, a termination resistance is required. Typically a precision resistor of 10kΩ or 33kΩ is used. The
Data Dolphin software suggests a default termination resistance when a specific thermistor value is
selected from the drop down combo box (see Figure 5: Input configuration in the Data Dolphin Software).
This resistance is 10kΩ for the 2252Ω, 5kΩ, and 30kΩ thermistors and 33kΩ for the 10kΩ thermistor.
These termination resistances are recommended, but you may want to select a value that will provide the
most accuracy and resolution for the temperature range that you will be measuring. For example, say you
are interested in measuring the temperatures in the 0°C and 10°C range. Referring to your thermistor
specification charts, you find that the resistance of your thermistor in the middle of this temperature range
is approximately 10kΩ. You will then want a termination resistor with an equivalent value. Note that a
resistor with a tolerance of 0.1% and a temperature coefficient of either 15 ppm or 50 ppm is typically
used.

Figure 2 : Precision resistors used for termination resistance.

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Termination resistance is restricted to certain values by the Data Dolphin software. The resistance must
be in multiples of 1000, ending in 000, 100, 250 and 350. It also cannot exceed a value of 63350Ω or be
less than 0 ohms. For example, if you require a termination resistance of 26,267Ω, then the closest values
allowed to you by the Data Dolphin software would be 26,250Ω and 26,350Ω.
Wiring the thermistors to the Model 300
Once you have satisfied the above conditions, you are ready to connect the thermistors to the Model 300.
Refer to the wiring diagram below to connect the thermistors and resistor(s) into the screw type terminal
block.

Figure 3 : Thermistor connections for temperature measurement

In a typical thermistor and terminating resistor connection, one end of the thermistor is connected to the
2.5V reference terminal and the other to the enabled input. The termination resistor(s) is(are) connected
between the input and ground terminals. If you are using a temperature probe pre-assembled by
Optimum, connect the red lead to the 2.5V reference terminal, the white lead to the enabled input and the
black lead to the analog common ground.

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Figure 4 : Wiring schematic of thermistor to Data Dolphin input

Configuration of the Data Dolphin inputs for thermistor data

The last thing to consider is whether or not you have correctly configured the Model 300 inputs to read the
voltages from the thermistor. In the Data Dolphin software, ensure that you have “turned on” the inputs
you will be connecting the thermistors to, chosen the correct thermistor in the “scaling” drop down box and
entered the correct termination resistance. On the following page is a typical screen capture of the Data
Dolphin software’s set-up tab, just prior to programming the Model 300’s inputs to record temperatures
from the thermistors connected to its inputs (see Figure 3). When these settings are programmed into the
Model 300, it will record the temperature 1 on input 1, temperature 2 on input 2 and temperature 3 on input
3.

Figure 5 : Input configuration in the Data Dolphin Software

Note the settings in Figure 5 above must be programmed into the Model 300’s memory by clicking the
“Apply” button before the datalogger can start recording voltages (which correspond to temperatures) from
the connected thermistor.
Optimum Instruments Inc. makes no warranty for the use of its products, other than those expressly contained in the Company’s standard
warranty. The Company assumes no responsibility for any errors which may appear in this document, reserves the right to change devices or
specifications detailed herein at any time without notice, and does not make any commitment to update the information contained herein. No
licenses to patents or other intellectual property of Optimum are granted by the Company in connection with the sale of Optimum products,
expressly or by implication. Optimum’s products are not authorized for use as critical components in life support devices or systems.

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