I wide variety of industries require environment monitoring solutions that utilises temperature sensors.
Wireless and IoT Systems
A wireless temperature data logger measures the temperature of an environment in which it is situated via internal sensors. The sensors send data to a central server that logs the data. When data is logged and collected it can be statistically analysed.
Wireless automated monitoring systems also have the ability to alert. If temperature passes beyond certain high or low parameters, the system will send alerts to the relevant stakeholders from anything ranging from SMS, voice alerts through a mobile phone, email or mobile apps.
Types of Temperature Sensors
There are two different types of temperature sensors:
- Contact sensors include thermocouples and thermistors that touch the object they are to measure.
- Non-contact sensors measure the thermal radiation a heat source releases to determine its temperature. Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs) are non-contact sensors.
An RTD is the most accurate and stable temperature sensor and is more linear than a thermocouple or thermistor. However, RTDs are the slowest and most expensive temperature sensors. Therefore, they are used in precision applications where accuracy is critical while speed and cost are less important.
Temperature Integrated Circuit (IC)
A temperature integrated circuit (IC) is a digital temperature sensor with a very linear voltage- or current-to-temperature relationship.
Temperature Detection Circuit
Maintaining a specific temperature is essential in many industrial applications of sensors. Equipment used to fabricate medical drugs and industries with cold chain transportation are two examples where the responsiveness and accuracy of the detection circuit can be critical for quality control.
How Sensors Work
A sensor is a device, module, or subsystem whose purpose is to detect events or changes in its environment and send the information to other electronics, frequently a computer processor. Any device which gives an output by detecting the changes in quantities or events can be defined as a sensor. A sensor is always used with other electronics.
From Analogue Date to Digital
Sensors measure different data. Some data, such as temperature is analogue data. However, computers can only work with digital data and therefore an interface box or analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) is needed to convert the analogue data from the sensors into digital data the computer can process.
Symptoms of Bad Temperature Sensors
Some sensors, such as thermocouple sensors are prone to temperature-reading mistakes after long use. The most common reason is that the insulation of the wires loses resistance with time as moisture or thermal conditions affect it. Other reasons can be effects of chemical, nuclear radiation, or mechanical interference in the environment.
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