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DESCRIPTION
The SBE 3F is an enhanced version of Sea-Bird's proven SBE 3 temperature sensor. The superior performance of the SBE 3F results from its optimized electronic design, combined with an extraordinarily precise calibration procedure and quality testing program. The SBE 3F has a time response of approximately 0.07 second, an initial accuracy of 0.001 °C, and is typically stable to 0.002 °C per year.
Every SBE 3F is calibrated in Sea-Bird's computer-controlled calibration baths. These super-low-gradient baths produce temperature calibrations with resolution and accuracy not previously available to oceanographers.
These sensors can be successfully calibrated as separate modules, because they have built-in acquisition circuits and frequency outputs. When used with a CTD system, overall system accuracy is equal to the sensor accuracy degraded only by the uncertainty in the CTD's master clock. A typically small clock error of 1 ppm results in a temperature error of less than 50 µ°C.
APPLICATION
Intended primarily for use on the SBE 25 SEALOGGER CTD system, the SBE 3F can also be used as a component in custom oceanographic profiling systems or for high-accuracy industrial and environmental temperature-monitoring applications. Depth ratings to 6800 and 10500 meters (22,300 and 34,400 ft) are offered to suit different application requirements.
OPERATION
The sensing element is a glass-coated thermistor bead, pressure-protected in a thin-walled 0.8 mm (0.03 in.) diameter stainless steel tube. Exponentially related to temperature, the thermistor resistance is the controlling element in an optimized Wien Bridge oscillator circuit. The resulting sensor frequency is inversely proportional to the square root of the thermistor resistance and ranges from approximately 2 to 6 kHz, corresponding to temperatures from -5 to +35 °C.
SPECIFICATIONS
Initial Accuracy: ± 0.001 °C (NIST-traceable calibration applying over the entire oceanographic range)
Stability: 0.002 °C per year typical
Response Time [seconds]: (Time to reach 63% of final value following a step change in temperature)
Self-heating Error: < 0.0001 °C in still water
Settling Time: < 0.5 seconds to within 0.001 °CPower Required: 11 - 16 VDC, 25 ma
Signal Output: ± 0.5V square wave
| Housing | Depth Rating | Weight |
| 7075 aluminum | 6800 m | 0.63 kg (1.4 lbs) in air; 0.28 kg (0.6 lbs) in water |
| 6Al-4V titanium | 10500 m | 0.90 kg (2.0 lbs) in air; 0.55 kg (1.2 lbs) in water |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / LINKS:
Documentation -- manual, photos, technical papers, application notes, etc.
Sales Information -- options, accessories, cables, mount kits, spares, etc.
Links to Other Instruments of Interest
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Sea-Bird Home Phone: (+1) 425-643-9866 Fax: (+1) 425-643-9954 E-mail: seabird@seabird.com