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DESCRIPTION
The SBE 3S is an enhanced version of Sea-Bird's proven SBE 3 (slow response) temperature sensor. The superior performance of the SBE 3S results from its optimized electronic design, combined with an extraordinarily precise calibration procedure and quality testing program. The SBE 3S has a time response of approximately 0.6 second, has an initial accuracy of 0.001 °C, and is typically stable to 0.002 °C per year.
Every SBE 3S is calibrated in Sea-Bird's computer-controlled calibration baths. These super-low-gradient baths produce temperature calibrations with resolution and accuracy previously unavailable commercially.
These sensors can be successfully calibrated as separate modules, because they have built-in acquisition circuits and frequency outputs. When used with a data logging system, overall system accuracy is equal to the sensor accuracy degraded only by the uncertainty in the logger'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 moored and fixed-site temperature measuring systems, the SBE 3S can be used as a component in custom systems or for high-accuracy industrial and environmental temperature-monitoring applications. The low noise characteristics of the SBE 3S allow the use of hybrid frequency measuring techniques to obtain rapid sampling with very high resolution; a resolution of 40 µ°C can be readily obtained at a 6 Hz sampling rate. Depth ratings to 3400, 6800, and 10500 meters (11,100, 22,300, and 34,400 ft) are offered to suit different application requirements.
Note: See the SBE 38 for a digital oceanographic thermometer with RS-232 or RS-485 output.
OPERATION
The sensing element is a glass-coated thermistor bead, pressure-protected inside a 2.1 mm (0.083 in.) diameter thin-walled 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 about 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)
Settling Time: < 0.5 seconds to within 0.001 °C
Power Required: 11 - 16 VDC, 25 ma
Signal Output: ± 0.5V square wave
| Housing | Depth Rating | Weight |
| 6061 aluminum | 3400 m | 0.63 kg (1.4 lbs) in air; 0.28 kg (0.6 lbs) in water |
| 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