Interpolation Errors in Thermistor Calibration Equations

Thermistors are widely used temperature sensors capable of measurement uncertainties approaching those of standard platinum resistance thermometers. However, the extreme nonlinearity of thermistors means that complicated calibration equations are required to minimize the effects of interpolation errors and achieve low uncertainties. This study investigates the magnitude of interpolation errors as a function of temperature range and the number of terms in the calibration equation. Approximation theory is used to derive an expression for the interpolation error and indicates that the temperature range and the number of terms in the calibration equation are the key influence variables. Numerical experiments based on published resistance–temperature data confirm these conclusions and additionally give guidelines on the maximum and minimum interpolation error likely to occur for a given temperature range and number of terms in the calibration equation.