4 Types of Temperature Sensors Commonly Used In the Industry for Temperature Measurement!

NTC Thermistor a.k.a. Negative Temperature Coefficient Thermistor

RTD Sensor OR Resistance Temperature Detector

Thermocouples 

Semiconductor OR Integrated Circuit Temperature Sensors 

Temperature sensors are one of the most important tools that scientists and engineers use to measure the temperature of the objects around us. From industries needing controlled environments for carrying out different processes to fire safety equipment, temperature sensors are so much so important these days to ensure the optimum temperatures at all times. They come in all shapes and sizes, and each one is designed to measure temperature in a different way. Each type of sensor has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right sensor for the job. No matter what type of temperature sensor you use, it’s important to calibrate it regularly to ensure accuracy. Temperature sensors are an essential tool for anyone who needs to measure temperature, whether they’re scientists, engineers, or even just amateur hobbyists. Here, we are going to discuss 4 Types of Temperature Sensors Commonly Used In the Industry for Temperature Measurement.

  1. NTC Thermistor a.k.a. Negative Temperature Coefficient Thermistor

A Negative Temperature Coefficient thermistor, or NTC thermistor, is a type of resistor that decreases in resistance as temperature increases. The resistance of an NTC thermistor decreases as temperature increases because the increase in thermal energy causes the atomic particles in the material to vibrate more, which reduces the number of available electrons. The resistance of an NTC thermistor can be used to measure temperature in applications where high accuracy is required as even small changes in temperature can cause changes in resistance of the thermistor in a big way. They are commonly used in temperature sensing applications which operate in the range of anywhere between -50 0C and 250 0C.

  1. RTD Sensor OR Resistance Temperature Detector

RTDs or resistance temperature detectors are made of metal, and they work by measuring the resistance of the metal to changes in temperature. The choice of the metal for creating an RTD is responsible for its accuracy and stability. While platinum based RTD is most stable and accurate, the copper and nickel based RTDs have lower costs and are little unstable for repeated use. RTDs are used in a variety of applications, including HVAC, automotive, and industrial control. RTDs are more accurate than other types of temperature sensors, and they are also more stable over time. However, RTDs are more expensive than other types of temperature sensors. If you need a temperature sensor for your application, an RTD may be the best option. They are applicable in systems where high accuracy linear output is needed and platinum based RTD operates between a great range of -200 0C and 600 0C.

  1. Thermocouples 

A thermocouple is a temperature sensor that consists of two dissimilar metals that are joined together at one end. When the two metals are at different temperatures, a voltage is generated. This voltage can be used to determine the temperature difference between the two metals. Thermocouples are very common in industrial applications. They are used to measure the temperature of things like ovens, furnaces, and pipelines. Thermocouples can also be used to measure the temperature of the environment. They have the widest temperature range and operate between -200 0C to 1750 0C. 

  1. Semiconductor OR Integrated Circuit Temperature Sensors 

Semiconductor temperature sensors are used to measure the temperature of semiconductor materials and electronic devices. These sensors are made from materials that have a high thermal conductivity, such as silicon or germanium. Semiconductor temperature sensors can be used to measure the temperature of electronic devices, such as CPUs and GPUs. These sensors are accurate and reliable, and can be used to monitor the temperature of devices in real-time. They are slowest in their responsiveness and have the lowest accuracy. They offer linear response to temperature changes and operate between the temperature ranges of -70 0C to 150 0C. 

For the best temperature sensors and to understand what type of temperature sensor works best for your industry, you may contact one of the experts from Heatcon Sensors; a leading global manufacturer of quality temperature sensors.

A molten metal thermocouple is a temperature sensor that is used in a variety of industrial applications to control temperature. There are many different types of molten metal thermocouples, each with its own unique set of characteristics. The most common type of molten metal thermocouple is the Bobbin Heaters which is made up of two different metals that are placed in a ceramic cup. The two metals are then connected to a power source and the resulting voltage is used to measure the temperature of the metals. Bobbin Heaters are often used in chemical immersion heater and hot air blower.

Another type of molten metal thermocouple is the chemical immersion heater which is often used in industrial applications to control the temperature of a variety of different liquids. Whereas, the hot air blower is often used in humidity chambers to control the humidity levels which is why most industrial applications of humidity chambers prefer to use a hot air blower.