Multi-channel Reference Thermometer MBW T12

Multi-channel Thermometer System with 12 Channels

The T12 is a high-precision, stable platinum resistance thermometer (PRT) based on a multi-channel temperature measurement system. With specially designed high-quality measurement circuitry, 24-bit analogue-to-digital converters and multiplexer sampling, the T12 provides 12 temperature data channels with low uncertainty for validation and calibration purposes.

• Precision multi-channel thermometer system
• High precision, stability and repeatability
• Internal reference resistors
• PC software for instrument control and data acquisition
• Easy to configure and operate
• Dedicated Pt-100 and Pt-25 models

Data sheet MBW T12

Typical applications of the temperature measuring system

The ideal application for the T12 is the validation of temperature uniformity in climatic chambers and humidity generators. Combined with dew point readings from an MBW chilled mirror instrument , the T12 can also be used to determine relative humidity uniformity, presented directly in the MBW Gecko R2 software. This means that development, validation, and calibration engineers can directly assess performance and monitor the impact of changes to system settings.

• Climatic chamber validation
• Temperature Calibration

• Testing energy efficiency
• Calibration system for sensor production

Features - MBW T12 Resistance Thermometer

Using one of the two selectable excitation currents, the T12 repeatedly scans all 12 channels. By employing a complete current reversal for each measurement cycle, the T12 eliminates polarity-sensitive errors normally associated with DC measurement techniques. Accuracy is further improved by referencing all measurements to highly stable internal precision resistors.

Two versions of the multichannel thermometer are available, the T12 and the T12-E. The T12 is the highest specification version with dedicated configurations available for Pt-25 or Pt-100 probes. The T12-E is an entry-level version with a 1 to 380 Ω resistance range for Pt-100 compatibility with a lower accuracy specification.

The supplied software allows the individual programming of each channel with ITS-90 or Callendar-Van Dusen coefficients for the direct conversion of resistance measurements into temperature. The T12 gets connected to a PC via the RS-232 interface.

Internal reference resistors

Compensation of the measurements against drift is achieved via two high-precision, highly stable internal reference resistors. During each sampling sequence, the T12 measures a high and low reference resistance to define the measurement range and accurately determine the values of each of the 12 channels. As a result of this specific reference resistance measurement technique, a significant reduction in overall uncertainty is achieved.

Fast sampling rates

For applications requiring fast sampling rates, the T12 is the ideal choice. The system can be configured to scan all 12 channels in less than five seconds. If required, faster sampling of individual input channels can be programmed.

Sensor selection

The T12 is equipped with 5-pin Lemo sockets for the shielded connection of its own 4-wire, 100 Ω PRT probes. In addition, MBW also supplies probes in a variety of types, sizes and specifications with pre-assembled connectors ready for immediate use. 

Intelligent data acquisition

The T12 Gecko software is used to configure, display and log the T12 measurement data. As soon as the PRT’s are connected to the device, the measured values are displayed and the measurement data are automatically saved with time and date stamps. The Gecko software provides advanced functionality for simultaneous reading of additional instruments such as chilled mirrors instruments, moisture generators or other instruments. Channel selection and data storage interval are freely selectable. The data are automatically written to separate device-specific files as well as to a combined file.

	T12 Pt100	T12 Pt25	T12E Pt100
Measurement ranges
Temperature	-200 °C to 800 °C		-200 °C to 800 °C
Resistance	1 to 380 ohms	1 to 70 ohms	1 to 380 ohms
Excitation current	0.33, 0.66 mA	1, 1.14 mA	0.33, 0.66 mA
Measured performance
Range	-200 °C to 250 °C		-200 °C to 250 °C
Resolution	0.12 mK		0.12 mK
Accuracy	≤ ±2 mK @ 23 °C		≤ ±20 mK @ 23 °C
Temperature coefficient	0.1 mK / °C		0.2 mK / °C
Extended measurement range
Range	-200 °C to 850 °C	-200 °C to 500 °C	-200 °C to 850 °C
Resolution	0.25 mK	0.18 mK	0.25 mK

Features - all models
Available inputs	12 channels
Input type	Platinum resistance thermometer (PRT), 4-wire, shielded
Supported coefficients	ITS-90, Callendar-Van Dusen
Reference resistors	2 internal (low and high end of the Ω range)
Data interface	RS-232 (including USB adapter)
Control and data acquisition	Control Software "Gecko" R2
Recording interval	User programmable from 5 seconds to 60 minutes
Sampling rate	<0.5 seconds per channel
Chassis	Aluminium
Power supply	External AC/DC power supply with 1.5 m cable (for indoor use only)
Factory calibration certificate	Resistance calibration