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Temperature Sensor Comparison

Temperature sensors are part of our product portfolio. They are very common and the different temperature sensor types range from simple & cheap NTC thermistors up to complex temperature transducers.

There are many different temperature sensor types. They are all suited to different applications and industries and have different features and advantages.

Types of Temperature Sensors

At Variohm we have a wide range of temperature sensors available at Variohm, some of these are;

Temperature Probes – Temperature probes consist of a temperature sensing element such as NTC   Thermistors, RTD’s or Thermocouples which may be potted into differing housing designs to suit the requirements of your application.

NTC Thermistors – Thermistors are very small and highly sensitive temperature measuring devices. They are usually glass or epoxy coated and detects the temperature by measuring electrical resistance.

RTD Sensors – RTD sensors are also small and sensitive. Like NTC thermistors, RTDs use Ohmic resistance to calculate the temperature.   Temperature is reflected in the amount of resistance detected within the sensor itself.

Thermocouples – Thermocouples are highly versatile. They measure temperature by monitoring the electrical current across two differing metals. The different metals used allow the thermocouple to measure different temperature ranges.

Other temperature measuring devicesAs well as the above-mentioned products, there are other ways of measuring temperature such as non-contacting infrared sensors, thermopiles, high precision thermometers and digital temperature sensing technologies.  These are all available to view on our website.

Temperature Sensor Comparison  

The below table shows a temperature sensor comparison

Temperature Sensor Type Advantages Applications Temperature Range
Temperature Probe
  • Customisation options
  • Wide temperature ranges
  • Highly accurate
  • Cost effective
  • Stock models available
  • Industrial monitoring
  • Patient monitoring
  • Transit
  • Computers
  • Home appliances
  • HVAC
  • Laboratory
  • Motorsport
  • Food and beverage
  • Range will depend on sensing element
NTC Thermistors
  • Highly sensitive
  • Perfect for small temperature ranges
  • Easy to use
  • Fast response
  • Standard two wire connection
  • Environmental monitoring
  • Aerospace applications
  • Medical devices
  • Communications and computing equipment
  • White goods
  • Usually, -40°C to 125°C but can go to 325°C
RTD Sensors
  • Highly accurate
  • Good stability
  • Good linearity
  • Consistent
  • High temperature ranges 
  • Automotive applications
  • Engineer temperature
  • Power electronics
  • Computers
  • Consumer electronics
  • Aerospace applications
  • -196°C +850°C
Thermocouples
  • Wide temperature range
  • Highly rugged
  • Best for high temperatures
  • Industrial Applications
  • Science
  • OEM applications
  • Biotech
  • 95°C – 1260°C

Temperature Sensor in Industry

Temperature sensors are one of the most common types of sensors so they are used throughout a wide variety of industries including;

  • HVAC
  • Transit
  • Heat exchangers
  • Industrial process
  • Laboratory and testing
  • Renewable energy
  • Power and utilities
  • White goods
  • Domestic appliances

Temperature Sensors from Variohm

At Variohm, we have a wide range of temperature sensors which are well proven in a wide range of applications. Take a look at the temperature sensors section of our website to see our full range. Datasheets with specific product details are available for download.

Many of our temperature sensors are manufactured onsite which means they can be custom built to specific application requirements. If you have an application requiring a custom built temperature probe please contact us.  

For more information on temperature sensors or to discuss an application for any of our products please contact us.

Article published on: 27/08/2020

Article last updated on: 27/08/2020