Different types of Temperature Sensors

A temperature sensor is an electronic device that measures the temperature of its environment and converts the input data into electronic data to record, monitor, or signal temperature changes. Temperature Sensors measure the amount of heat energy or even coldness that is generated by an object or system, allowing us to “sense” or detect any physical change to that temperature producing either an analogue or digital output.

What are the different types of temperature sensors?

The two main types of temperature sensors are:

Contact Type Temperature Sensors: There are a few temperature meters that measure the degree of hotness or coolness in an object by being in direct contact with it. Such temperature sensors fall under the category contact-type. They can be used to detect solids, liquids or gases over a wide range of temperatures.

Non-Contact Type Temperature Sensors: These types of temperature meters are not in direct contact of the object rather, they measure the degree of hotness or coolness through the radiation emitted by the heat source.

Thermostats temperature sensors:

A thermostat is a contact type sensor containing a bi-metallic section constructed from two different metals such as aluminum, nickel, tungsten, or copper.The main principle of thermostats is based on the difference in the linear expansion coefficient of the metals. Therefore, it forces them to generate a mechanical movement due to heat rise.

Resistive Temperature Detectors (RTD).

RTD’s are precision temperature sensors made from high-purity conducting metals such as platinum, copper or nickel wound into a coil and whose electrical resistance changes as a function of temperature, similar to that of the thermistor. Resistive temperature detectors have positive temperature coefficients (PTC) but unlike the thermistor their output is extremely linear producing very accurate measurements of temperature.However, they have very poor thermal sensitivity, that is a change in temperature only produces a very small output change for example, 1Ω/oC.

Because the RTD is a resistive device, we need to pass a current through them and monitor the resulting voltage. However, any variation in resistance due to self heat of the resistive wires as the current flows through it, I2R, (Ohms Law) causes an error in the readings. To avoid this, the RTD is usually connected into a Wheatstone Bridge network which has additional connecting wires for lead-compensation and/or connection to a constant current source.

Thermocouple temperature sensors:

Thermocouples are thermoelectric sensors that basically consists of two junctions of dissimilar metals, such as copper and constantan that are welded or crimped together. One junction is kept at a constant temperature called the reference (Cold) junction, while the other the measuring (Hot) junction. When the two junctions are at different temperatures, a voltage is developed across the junction which is used to measure the temperature sensor as shown below.

Thermocouples are popular due to its simplicity, ease of use and their speed of response to changes in temperature, due mainly to their small size. Thermocouples also have the widest temperature range of all the temperature sensors from below -200oC to well over 2000oC.

Temperature sensors in market

LM35:

LM35 can measure from -55 degrees centigrade to 150-degree centigrade. The accuracy level is very high if operated at optimal temperature and humidity levels. The conversion of the output voltage to centigrade is also easy and straight forward. For more details check.

LM35 Temperature sensor Features

• Calibrated Directly in Celsius (Centigrade)
• Linear + 10-mV/°C Scale Factor
• 0.5°C Ensured Accuracy (at 25°C)
• Rated for Full −55°C to 150°C Range
• Suitable for Remote Applications
• Operates from 4 V to 30 V
• Less than 60-µA Current Drain
• Low Self-Heating, 0.08°C in Still Air
• Non-Linearity Only ±¼°C Typical
• Low-Impedance Output, 0.1 Ω for 1-mA Load

DS18B20 temperature sensor:

DS18B20 Sensor Technical specs:-

• Usable temperature range: -55 to 125°C (-67°F to +257°F)
• 9 to 12 bit selectable resolution
• Uses 1-Wire interface- requires only one digital pin for communication
• Unique 64 bit ID burned into chip
• Multiple sensors can share one pin
• ±0.5°C Accuracy from -10°C to +85°C
• Temperature-limit alarm system
• Query time is less than 750ms
• Usable with 3.0V to 5.5V power/data

NTC :

■ Features

1. Excellent solderability and high stability in environment

2. Excellent long time aging stability

3. High accuracy in resistance and B-constant

4. Reflow soldering possible

5. Lead is not contained in the product.

Application of Temperature Sensor

The function of temperature sensor is to measure the temperature of engine intake, cooling water, fuel, etc., and to convert the measured results into electrical signals for transmission to ECU. Measuring temperature of a particular environment. Providing thermal shutdown for a circuit/component. Monitoring Battery Temperature. Measuring Temperatures for HVAC applications.