Temperature sensores
Basically, a temperature sensor is an electrical or electronic component that provides an electrical signal regarding the temperature. The term ‘temperature sensor’ is not used exclusively here; the terms temperature sensor, heat sensor or heat sensor are also occasionally used.
In general, a distinction can be made between two different components depending on the change in resistance: the thermistors (NTC) and the PTC thermistors (PTC). Accordingly, semiconductors reduce their resistance when the temperature increases, while PTC thermistors increase their resistance.
A common example of a corresponding PTC resistor is the platinum measuring resistor, which has an almost temperature-linear resistance curve. In general, these can be used in a temperature range from -200 to +850 °C, depending on their design and corresponding variant.
Functionality of the temperature sensors
A temperature sensor detects and monitors the actual surface or ambient temperature of a wide variety of materials, gases, liquids and in the environment. The sensor measures the specific values and converts them into corresponding data. This data can then be interpreted by a measuring device or a computer.
Areas of application of a temperature sensor
Temperature sensors can be used in a wide range of applications, including temperature sensors, thermocouples, pyrometers, thermal imaging cameras and temperature switches.
Differences between analogue and digital temperature sensors
Temperature sensors such as thermocouples, resistance thermometers (PTCs, NTCs) etc. provide us with an output signal that changes continuously with the temperature. We call this corresponding output signal an analogue output signal. In addition, we speak of a so-called analogue output signal if a transmitter is used that standardises the signal to 0...10 V or 4...20 mA.
A digital temperature sensor, on the other hand, is a sensor with an integrated analogue-to-digital converter (AD converter). Accordingly, the analogue signal is converted directly into a digital signal. While analogue sensors only have the corresponding measuring element at the measuring point, digital temperature sensors also have the corresponding electronics integrated. In this way, direct signal conversion can be guaranteed.
Range of temperature sensors at B+B
B+B's product range includes digital temperature sensors, platinum temperature sensors, NTC temperature sensors, wire-wound temperature sensors in the form of a glass or ceramic wire winding, surface temperature sensors and the digital humidity/temperature sensor (which integrates both the measured variable humidity and temperature).
Digital sensors output data directly in a format that can be processed by microcontrollers, computers or other digital systems (e.g. via I²C, SPI or One-Wire).
Yes, data sheets for all sensors are available online.
NTC temperature sensors (negative temperature coefficient) are resistors whose electrical resistance decreases significantly as the temperature rises. They are usually made of semiconductor materials such as metal oxides, are widely used and inexpensive. Typical NTCs have, for example, 10 kΩ at 25 °C and are described by the B value (characteristic number for the steepness of the characteristic curve). One disadvantage is their limited interchangeability; when selecting an NTC, not only the nominal resistance but also the B value must be taken into account.
We offer digital temperature sensors, glass or ceramic wire-wound and thin-film platinum temperature sensors, various NTC sensors and special sensors, for example for measuring surface temperature or combined digital temperature and humidity sensors.
Digital temperature sensors enable precise real-time measurements, automated controls and reliable warning systems in Industry 4.0, medical technology, smart homes and environmental monitoring – for greater efficiency, safety and comfort.