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DESCRIPTION
The SBE 8 Microstructure Temperature Sensor is a reliable, lightweight instrument intended for use in marine profiling applications where its high speed and spatial resolving power offer the ability to characterize small scale ocean temperature features. Used in conjunction with the SBE 7 Microstructure Conductivity Sensor, the SBE 8 can provide comparably sensitive resolution of salinity and density fields.
The sensing element is a remote-cabled, probe-mounted thermistor (Thermometrics type FP07). The sensor probe is a small, stainless steel assembly which may be mounted at distances up to 3 meters (9.8 ft) from the sensor electronics housing. This arrangement minimizes the effect of the instrument housing and its wake on the data. The thermistor body is O-ring sealed into the sensor assembly to ensure pressure integrity.
The thermistor has a 25 °C resistance of 270 K ohms and is driven by a DC current derived from a low-noise, 6.9 volt reference and 1 megohm resistor. The thermistor voltage is buffered by a low-noise FET op amp. The output is subsequently pre-emphasized, so the sensor's output increases as a function of the frequency components in the temperature signal. The effect of pre-emphasis is to magnify the sensor output for rapidly changing temperature, thereby overcoming the restrictions on system resolving power that would otherwise be imparted by the use of conventional (e.g., 16-bit) digitizers. The SBE 8's pre-emphasis response magnifies a 20 Hz temperature signal by a factor of 200, facilitating acquisition of signals 200 times smaller than could be characterized by conventional CTD sensors.
Although the SBE 8 is intended primarily for determination of temperature gradients, it is configured to respond also to absolute temperatures. There are three reasons for this:
General characteristics of similar sensors are described in a paper by Gregg, et al¹. A discussion of field experiences with instruments of this type may be found in another paper by Gregg².
¹ Gregg, M.C.; T.B. Meagher; A.M. Pederson; and E. Aagaard,
"Low Noise Temperature Microstructure Measurements with
Thermistors", Instruments and Methods, Deep-Sea Research,
Vol 25, pp 843-856, 1978.
² Gregg, M.C., "Variations in the Intensity of
Small-Scale Mixing in the Main Thermocline", Journal of
Physical Oceanography, Vol 7, pp 436-454, 1977.
SPECIFICATIONS
High-Speed Micro-Scale Resolution:
Extremely Low Noise:
Temperature Element:
Output (Pre-Emphasized):
Power Required:
Pressure Housing:
Connector:
Weight:
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