Glossary · Sensors and measurement
Temperature sensor
Also known as: Temperature probe, Thermometer
German: Temperatursensor
In measurement technology, a temperature sensor is a sensor that measures temperature, either by contact, as with thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors and thermistors, or without contact, as with pyrometers and thermal imaging.
- Sensors
In one sentence
A temperature sensor measures temperature by contact, e.g. RTD or thermocouple, or without contact, e.g. pyrometer.
Example
Temperature sensors in the windings of a motor trip the drive before the insulation overheats.
How it applies
- Engineering: Choose the principle by range, accuracy, response time and environment. RTDs dominate in the lower and medium range, thermocouples at high temperatures, pyrometers for non-contact measurement.
- Installation: The measurement shows the temperature of the sensor, not necessarily of the medium. Immersion depth, thermowells and heat conduction along the sensor influence the reading.
- Operation: Temperature limits for motors, bearings and processes are common protective functions. When they serve safety, the whole function must be designed for it.
- Documentation: Specify sensor type, connection method and measuring point location in instrument lists and diagrams, and warn about hot surfaces during sensor replacement.
Temperature sensor vs. temperature transmitter
The temperature sensor is the element in the process. A temperature transmitter converts its signal into a standardized output and applies linearization.