Temperature Sensors Information

Image Credit: ACROLab | LAND | OMEGA

About Temperature Sensors

Temperature sensors are measurement devices that determine temperature by sensing a
corresponding physical characteristic, such as electrical resistance, electromagnetic field
(EMF), or thermal radiation.

Temperature Sensors. Image Credit: Wholesalec

How Temperature Sensors Work

The way a temperature sensor works depends upon the physical property that is measured.
Sensor options include thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), thermistors,
and bimetal switches. Each is described below.

Selection Criteria for Temperature Sensors

The GlobalSpec SpecSearch database allows industrial buyers to select temperature
instruments by type, specification, and temperature range.

Type
There are four common types of temperature instruments. Each has advantages and
disadvantages

Thermocouples are accurate, highly-sensitive to small temperature changes, and

quickly respond to changes to the environment. They consist of a pair of dissimilar
metal wires joined at one end. The metal pair generates a net thermoelectric voltage
between their opening and according to the size of the temperature difference between
the ends. A temperature reading is made by calibrating the device with known
temperatures, then placing one of the metal junctions on ice (or something else of a
known temperature) and the other on the object whose temperature needs to be
identified. The voltage displayed is read using the calibration formula, and the
temperature of the object can be calculated.
o Advantages of thermocouples include their high accuracy and reliable
operation over an extremely wide range of temperatures. They are also wellsuited for making automated measurements both inexpensive and durable.
o Disadvantages include errors caused by their use over an extended period of
time, and that two temperatures are required to make measurements.
Thermocouple materials are also subject to corrosion, which can affect the
thermoelectric voltage
o Thermocouple temperature sensors are divided into various types, and include
devices made of Chromel and Constantan (Type E), iron and Constantan (Type
J), Chromel and Alumel (Type K), and copper and Constantan (Type T).
Chromel, Alumel, and Constantan are registered trademarks of the Hoskin
Manufacturing Company. Nobel metal thermocouples are also available from
some temperature sensor suppliers. Each type operates within a specified
temperature range.

Resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) are wire windings that exhibit changes in
resistance with changes in temperature. The hotter they become, the higher the value
of their electrical resistance. Platinum is the most commonly used material because it
is nearly linear over a wide range of temperatures, is very accurate, and has a fast
response time. RTDs can also be made of copper or nickel, but these materials have
restricted ranges and problems with oxidation. RTD elements are usually long, springlike wires surrounded by an insulator and enclosed in a sheath of metal.

o Advantages of RTDs include their stable output for long periods of time. They
are also easy to calibrate and provide very accurate readings.
o Disadvantages include a smaller overall temperature range, higher initial cost,
and a less rugged design.

Thermistors are extremely sensitive, but have a limited temperature range. A

thermistor is a semiconductor device with an electrical resistance that is proportional
to temperature. There are two types of thermistors: negative temperature coefficient
(NTC), where the resistance drops nonlinearly with a rise in temperature; and positive
temperature coefficient (PTC), where the resistance increases as the temperature rises.
There are several advantage and disadvantages to using an NTC thermistor
thermometer.
o Advantages of thermistors include their small size and high degree of stability.
NTCs are also long lasting and very accurate.
o Disadvantages include their non-linearity, and unsuitability for use in extreme
temperatures.

Bimetal switches use a bimetal spring as their temperature-sensing element. This coil
spring is made of two different types of metals that are fastened together. These
metals could include copper, steel or brass as long as one has low heat sensitivity
while the other metal has high heat sensitivity. Whenever the welded strip is heated,
the two metals change length based on their individual rates of thermal expansion.
Since the two metals expand to different lengths, the bimetallic strip is forced to bend
or curl towards the side with a lower coefficient of thermal expansion. The movement
of the strip is used to deflect a pointer over a calibrated scale, which then indicates
temperature to the user.
o Advantages of bimetal switches include their low cost and toughness. they are
also easy to use and install, and accurate over a wide range of temperatures
o Disadvantages include that only indicating types are available, the possibility
of calibration change due to use or environment, and that bimetal switches are
not as accurate as glass stem thermometers.