(by Jacob Bass, Engineering Team)
This week the sensor team worked to prepare for resistance thermal detector (RTD) fabrication, as well as collecting data from a previously fabricated RTD in order to learn how to obtain a relationship between the electrical resistance of the RTD and the ambient temperature.
This work included completing a signal conditioning circuit on a breadboard, replacing the LEDs in a flashlight with UV bulbs for the fabrication process, and creating a PCB schematic of the signal conditioning circuit. The RTD was tested by coating it in a liquid electrical tape solution, and then placing the RTD in a beaker of water placed on a hot plate. As the temperature increased, the RTDs resistance was monitored and recorded. Additionally the sensor team continued the process of learning the Solid Works and COMSOL software in order to simulate the conditions and performance of the temperature sensor.
This week the sensor team worked to prepare for resistance thermal detector (RTD) fabrication, as well as collecting data from a previously fabricated RTD in order to learn how to obtain a relationship between the electrical resistance of the RTD and the ambient temperature.
This work included completing a signal conditioning circuit on a breadboard, replacing the LEDs in a flashlight with UV bulbs for the fabrication process, and creating a PCB schematic of the signal conditioning circuit. The RTD was tested by coating it in a liquid electrical tape solution, and then placing the RTD in a beaker of water placed on a hot plate. As the temperature increased, the RTDs resistance was monitored and recorded. Additionally the sensor team continued the process of learning the Solid Works and COMSOL software in order to simulate the conditions and performance of the temperature sensor.
(Image: The LED flashlight with UV bulbs installed.)
