Thermistor Measurements on the PXI Platform

Updated Dec 13, 2023

Reported In

Hardware

  • PXI Chassis
  • PXIe-4353
  • PXIe-4357

Driver

  • NI-DMM
  • NI-SWITCH

Issue Details

  • I want to take thermistor measurements (2-wire or 4-wire) using a PXI(e) chassis. However, I can't seem to find any PXI(e) modules that read thermistors. How can I acquire thermistor data on the PXI platform? 
  • Can I use one of the NI PXI temperature input modules?
  • I need to take temperature measurements from an RTD of more than 400Ω, so I can't use the PXIe-4357. Which options do I have to measure this RTD?

Solution

NI recommends using our line of high-precision DMMs to take thermistor measurements on the PXI platform. Because thermistors are active sensors, they require precise excitation.

Our PXI(e) temperature modules are designed specifically for thermocouples and RTD's and cannot be used to accurately measure resistance over the large range of possible values required by thermistors.
 

Additional Information

If you require a higher channel count to read various thermistors, we recommend pairing it with one of our multiplexing switch modules. For more information about how to connect a DMM and a Switch to measure many Thermistors and RTDs look at the document: Performing High-Accuracy Temperature Measurements Using a NI Digital Multimeter and Switch.

Related Links

Measuring Temperature with Thermocouples, RTDs, and Thermistors

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