What is a Temperature Sensor & What Types Are There?
Introduction
Do you want to know what a temperature sensor is, how it works and what types there are? Then you are on the right spot, we have answered all those questions and many more for you.
Enjoy your reading!
What is a temperature sensor?
A temperature sensor is a device which is used to detect and measure the coolness or the hotness (temperature) of an object. This can be the temperature of a liquid, air temperature or a solid object.
What Is The Most Common Type Of Temperature Sensor?
The most common type of temperature sensor is the thermistor. Thermistors are widely used in various applications due to their affordability, decent accuracy, and sensitivity. They are commonly found in consumer electronics, automotive systems, medical devices, and home appliances.
Types of temperature sensors
There are different types of “contact” temperature sensors which are available on the market. The main difference in their types comes from the technologies and principles used to take the temperature measurement.
Thermistors
The first type of temperature sensors are “Thermistors“. Usually, they are tiny, inexpensive and comprise sensing elements which can be epoxy or glass coated and usually have two wires connected to an electric circuit. The way by which they measure temperature is by measuring the change in resistance of the electric circuit. Thermistors are divided in two types:
- PTC – ‘’Positive Temperature Coefficient” which has more resistance at higher temperatures.
- NTC – “Negative Temperature Coefficient” which has less resistance at higher temperatures.
RTDs (Resistance Temperature Detectors)
RTDs or Resistance Temperature Detectors work in a similar way to Thermistors. They need to measure resistance to determine temperature. They are also connected to a circuit in a similar way, however, they have a wider temperature range, making them more versatile and used in more applications. Since RTDs work at much lower resistances than thermistors they often have three or four connection wires to allow for lead resistance.
Thermocouples
Lastly, thermocouples are made of two conductors which are made of different materials, which form a junction by being joined together. When the junction is subjected to heat, a voltage is produced that is related to the temperature input. Thermocouples are very versatile due to the fact that a number of metal combinations can be used, allowing for different measurement ranges.
Non-contact temperature sensor
Apart from the “contact” sensors, there are also “non-contact”.
Infrared sensors
Infrared temperature sensors are used to determine the temperature from a distance, without contact, by measuring the thermal radiation emitted by the heat source. The applications for these are often in hazardous environments or high temperatures where you need to maintain a safe distance away from the object. Infrared sensors are mostly used in the following circumstances:
- Fever detection
- Moving Object (object on a conveyor belt)
- Dangerous surrounding environment (high-voltage)
- Extremely high temperatures
Where are temperature sensors used?
Temperature sensors have numerous practical applications both for consumer and commercial needs. Below we have provided some applications.
Home applications
In our homes, temperature sensors can be found in most electrical appliances, such as freezers, and fridges to maintain cold temperatures. Sensors can also be found in air-cons, heaters and ovens to ensure the required heat level for cooking.
Medical applications
The most common application is within a thermometer to accurately and quickly measure the temperature of patients. Temperature sensors can actually be used for a variety of medical products, including MRI imaging equipment and ultrasound scanners.
Renewable energy
In the renewable energy industry, energy sources depend on temperature sensors for effective energy production. Temperature sensors can be used in wind power turbines, heating pumps, biomass combustions and many more.
Glass manufacturing
In the glass industry, temperature measurement is of paramount importance, for the optimisation and regulation of the production process. Due to the very high-quality requirements in this industry, close monitoring of glass temperatures as well as the machinery being used is essential.
Vehicles
In vehicles, there is a temperature sensor in the radiator. This is vital due to the fact that it warns you when the water in the engines is getting too hot, leading to engine failure. Another application in vehicles is climate control.
Conclusion
A temperature sensor is a device used to detect and measure the temperature of an object. There are several temperature sensor types such as: thermistors, RTDs, temperature probes and thermocouples. These are examples of “contact” sensors. On the other hand, there are “non-contact” sensors such as the infrared sensors.
Temperature sensors are used in a vast array of applications. For example, they can be seen in home appliances, medical appliances, oil mining, renewable energy, glass manufacturing, vehicles and many more.
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