What is the primary function of a Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD)?

The primary function of a Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD) is to measure temperature. RTDs operate based on the principle that the electrical resistance of certain materials changes with temperature. As temperature increases, the resistance of the RTD typically increases as well. This relationship can be accurately measured and is used to determine the temperature of the environment or process being monitored.

RTDs are valued for their accuracy, stability, and repeatability in temperature measurements, making them suitable for a wide range of industrial applications. Their design allows them to be highly precise compared to other temperature measuring devices.

While the other options mention functions that are important in electrical and instrumentation tasks—like adjusting voltage levels, converting temperature into digital signals, or acting as a fuse—they are not functions of the RTD itself. RTDs focus exclusively on the accurate measurement of temperature without performing these other tasks.