Temperature

In Contact Temperature Sensor Category, Thermocouples (TC) are the most commonly used sensors. These sensors are extremely rugged, low-cost, self-powered and can be used for long distance. A Thermocouple is a voltage device that indicates temperature by measuring a change in the voltage. It consists of two different metals: opened and closed. These metals work on the principle of thermo-electric effect. When two dissimilar metals produce a voltage, then a thermal difference exists between the two metals. When the temperature goes up, the output voltage of the thermocouple also increases.

This sensor is usually sealed inside a ceramic shield or a metal that protects it from different environments. Some common types of thermo couples include K, J, T, R, E, S, N, and B. The most common type of thermocouples is J, T and K type, which are available in pre-made forms.

In Contact Temperature Sensor Category, RTD is one of the most accurate sensors. In a resistor temperature detector, the resistance is proportional to the temperature. This sensor is made from platinum, nickel and copper metals. It has a wide range of temperature measurement capabilities as it can be used to measure temperature in the range between -270°C to +850°C. RTD requires an external current source to function properly. However, the current produces heat in a resistive element causing an error in the temperature measurements. They are two wired, three-wired and four-wired method.

In Non-Contact Temperature Sensor Category, IR Sensor (generally called Pyrometers as well) is an electronic instrument which is used to sense certain characteristics of its surroundings by either emitting or detecting IR radiation. IR non-contact temperature sensors incorporate state-of-the-art technology to achieve high precision. With this method, the infrared sensors measure on the target precisely, wear-free and without any physical effect or impact. IR temperature sensors and IR cameras are used in a variety of applications within any industry from R&D to production and process monitoring.