Temperature Sensor

A temperature sensor is an integrated circuit sensor that measures the centigrade temperature and provides an output voltage that is linearly proportional to the temperature. It can be used in various applications such as microwave ovens, fridges, air conditioners, and water temperature monitoring.

Types of Temperature Sensors

• Thermistors : can be very small in size. They consist of a sensing element which can be either glass or epoxy coated and have 2 wires so they can be connected to an electric circuit. They measure temperature by measuring the change in resistance of the electric current. Thermistors are available as either NTC or PTC and are often low cost
• Temperature Probes: are a very common and diverse type of temperature sensor. They consist of either a thermistor, a thermocouple or RTD sensing element and can be finished with a terminal head. All three types of sensor can be manufactured into a variety of housing types – stock and bespoke. This allows for enhanced utility, that may span over a multitude of different environments and media that they encounter.
• Thermocouples: use two conductors, made up of different metals that are joined at the end to form a junction. When this junction is subjected to heat, a voltage is produced that is directly proportional to the temperature input. They are highly versatile as different metal combinations allow for different measurement ranges; however, they lack the fine accuracy of NTC’s and RTD’s making them the least precise out of the three types
• RTDs or Resistance Temperature Detectors work in a similar way to Thermistors and measure ohmic resistance to measure temperature. They are connected to a circuit in a similar way to a thermistor but they have a much wider temperature range and can measure extreme temperatures.

Applications of Temperature Sensors

• Industrial Automation: Monitor and control processes in manufacturing, refineries, and power plants.
• Medical Devices:Measure body temperature (e.g., thermometers, MRI machines).
• Automotive Systems: Monitor engine and exhaust temperatures for efficiency and safety.
• Agriculture: Ensure optimal conditions in greenhouses and storage facilities.
• HVAC Systems: Regulate heating, cooling, and ventilation for comfort and efficiency.

Advantages

• Accuracy: Reliable measurement for precise control.
• Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of applications and industries
• Durability: Many types can withstand harsh environments
• Ease of Integration: Compatible with IoT systems for advanced monitoring.