SENSORS

TEMPERATUREWhat is a temperature sensor?As one of the most commonly available and widely usedsensor types, a temperature sensor simply detects thetemperature of the surrounding environment and convertsthe temperature reading into an electronic signal. A varietyof temperature sensors is available in various materials (i.e.ceramic, polymer, metal or semiconductor), form factors,functions and features; from simple discrete thermistors,to thermopile, thermocouple, and to fully integrated siliconbandgap temperature sensor ICs.Infrared temperature sensors have emerged in recentyears to become widely used in non-contact temperaturemeasurement, which are well suited to medical, securityand comfort sensing applications as well as more extremeenvironments such as industrial furnaces.As manufacturing technology and design techniqueimproves, today’s temperature sensors are extremelyaccurate and designed with rich features and functions suchas analog or digital interfaces and multiple remote junctionsensing capabilities, which make it much easier to design inthe system.Important selection parametersSensing Range is the operating temperature range overwhich the device can measure temperature while maintainingrated accuracy.Accuracy is defined as the worst-case error in temperaturebetween measured and the actual temperature.Output Type includes analog voltage output, or a rangeof digital options including SPI, I 2 C, set-point comparatoroutputs, PWM, to name a few choices.Depending on the device output type, other parameters maybe important, such as:resolution (digital, in number of bits), orgain and output impedance (analog)Typical applicationsTemperature sensors are used in a wide range of medical,security, industrial and commercial applications suchas thermostats, and industrial process control, weathermonitoring, engine controls, etc. One of the most commonuses today is in monitoring and managing the temperatureof high performance electronic circuits, including powersupplies, microprocessors and FPGAs, memory, and radiotransmitter circuits.TEMPERATURE93www.FutureElectronics.com/Sensors