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A G R E AT E R M E A S U R E O F C O N F I D E N C E
How to Select the
Right Temperature
Sensor
By: Dale Cigoy
Title: Senior Applications Engineer
Keithley Instruments, Inc.
Cleveland, OH
can handle this temperature range, and
Introduction interfaces. Due to the scope of this article,
the type K is the most general purpose
The most widely measured physical such sensors will not be covered in detail.
thermocouple for such applications. On
parameter is temperature. Whether the other hand, a ceramic firing kiln can
in process industry applications or in Selecting a Temperature Sensor be many hundreds of degrees C. A type N
laboratory settings, accurate temperature There are several considerations would be good for the higher temperature,
measurements are a critical part of success. when selecting a temperature because of their stability and resistance
Accurate temperature measurements are sensor. First, consider to high temperature oxidation. On the
needed in medical applications, materials the type of application. What is the other end of the scale, superconducting
research in labs, electrical/electronic device to be measured? Is it ambient air devices achieve superconductivity at
component studies, biology research, temperature in a room or enclosure? An very low temperatures, around several
geological studies, and electrical product electronic component with plastic or metal Kelvin (or just above absolute zero or
device thermal characterization. packaging that may or may not have high