### Detailed Overview of FRTD-R-26-R The **FRTD-R-26-R** is a specific technical component, typically identified as a **Ribbon Flexible Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD)**. These sensors are designed for surface temperature measurement where space is limited or where the sensor must conform to a curved surface. --- ### 1. Key Technical Specifications Based on standard industrial naming conventions for this series, here are the primary electronic and physical characteristics: | Property | Specification | Details | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Element Type** | Pt100 (Platinum) | Resistance of 100 $\Omega$ at 0°C. | | **Temperature Coefficient** | 0.00385 $\Omega$/$\Omega$/°C | Standard DIN/IEC 60751 curve. | | **Configuration** | 2-Wire or 3-Wire | Typically thin-film element bonded to a flexible substrate. | | **Lead Wire Length** | 26 Inches | The "26" in the part number usually denotes lead length. | | **Substrate Material** | Kapton® / Polyimide | Provides electrical insulation and flexibility. | | **Adhesive Backing** | Pressure Sensitive (PSA) | The "R" often indicates a self-adhesive "Ready-to-stick" back. | --- ### 2. Operational Electronic Principles The device operates on the principle of **Resistance Thermometry**. As the temperature of the surface increases, the electrical resistance of the platinum element increases linearly. #### Mathematical Relationship (Callendar-Van Dusen): For temperatures above 0°C, the resistance $R_t$ is calculated as: `Rt = R0 * (1 + A*t + B*t^2)` * **R0:** 100 $\Omega$ * **A:** $3.9083 \times 10^{-3} °C^{-1}$ * **B:** $-5.775 \times 10^{-7} °C^{-2}$ --- ### 3. Construction & Materials The electronic integrity of the FRTD-R-26-R is maintained through its multi-layer construction: 1. **Sensing Element:** A thin-film platinum grid deposited on a ceramic or polymer base. 2. **Encapsulation:** Laminated between layers of Kapton® tape to protect against moisture and mechanical stress. 3. **Strain Relief:** The transition point where the flexible ribbon meets the 26-inch lead wires is reinforced to prevent electrical opens due to bending. 4. **Lead Wires:** Usually PFA-insulated stranded copper or nickel-plated copper to maintain low resistance. --- ### 4. Application Use Cases * **Aerospace:** Monitoring temperatures on the skin of aircraft or inside satellite components. * **Medical:** Temperature regulation for surgical tools or laboratory incubators. * **HVAC/Industrial:** Monitoring heat sink temperatures in power electronics where a standard probe won't fit. --- ### 5. Installation Best Practices * **Surface Preparation:** The surface must be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol to ensure the adhesive bonds correctly. * **Bend Radius:** While flexible, avoid sharp 90-degree kinks directly over the sensing element to prevent fracturing the platinum film. * **Connection:** Use a 3-wire bridge circuit if the 26-inch leads introduce significant lead-wire resistance error.