Week 7 - Temperature Sensors

There are many different types and many different uses for temperature sensors. For instance, temperature sensors can be used in food processing, HVAC control, medical devices, and in other parts or machines that require monitoring such as cars or chemical handling. By and large, temperature sensors are used to make sure that items aren’t overheating or performing at a level they weren’t designed for.

As Carolyn Mathas points out in her article, there are two main types of temperature sensors – contact sensors and noncontact sensors. Some examples of contact sensors are thermocouples and thermistors. These two are making physical contact with whatever object is in need of monitoring. The subsequent heat that is released by the object is then directly recorded by the sensors. Conversely there are noncontact sensors. These noncontact sensors measure the amount of heat that radiates from the object in question. These would be preferable in environments that aren’t exactly safe for a sensor to be installed or if the installation of a contact sensor would interfere with the function of the object that needs to be monitored.

Another part of the article that I found very interesting was the use of infrared sensors. I’d like to directly quote the Carolyn Mathas here because I don’t want to paraphrase the exact science of these sensors.

Infrared sensors are used to measure surface temperatures ranging from -70 to 1,000°C. They convert thermal energy sent from an object in a wavelength range of 0.7 to 20 um into an electrical signal that converts the signal for display in units of temperature after compensating for any ambient temperature. 

I found it absolutely incredible that infrared sensors were capable of such accurate temperature sensing. I didn’t think they’d be able to handle both extremes spectrums of heat and coldness and additionally, monitor such minute wavelengths.

            In my own personal experience, the only temperature sensor I’ve ever known to interact with is that in my car. I suppose the thermometers in my refrigerators and freezers qualify as a sort of temperature sensor, but nothing close to the magnitude of what is described in this article.

Reference:

Mathas, Carolyn. "Temperature Sensors." Digi-Key. N.p., 27 Oct. 2011. Web. 18 Feb. 2014.

Comments:

Phil - I never knew how useful pressure sensors were and I had no idea about their future potential as you described in your article. Good find on that Siemens pressure sensor, it really enhanced your article. Keep up the good work.

Signe - Great post Signe! You give a very detailed explanation of flow sensors, but what I like most about your post is the use of those images - they really helped me visualize what exactly flow sensors do.