thermocouple & pt100 sensors - Peak Sensors

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Temperature Sensor Comparison

Comparision of different types of temperature sensors

Thermocouple
Resistance Thermometer (RTD)
Thermistor
Infrared
Accuracy
Less Accurate
More Accurate
Less Accurate
Less Accurate
Temperature Range
-250 °C to +2600 °C
-200 °C to +850 °C
-60 °C to 300 °C
-50 °C to 3000 °C
Stability (Drift)
Reasonable for limited lifetime
Good
Good
Good
Repeatability
Reasonable
Good
Good
Good
Hysteresis
Excellent
Good
Good
Good
Vibration
Very Resistant
Less Resistant
Good
Tolerant
Measurement Area
Single Point
Whole RT Element
Whole bead (Small)
Varies
Diameter
Small Sizes (to 0.25mm)
Larger (3.0mm min)
Small (0.5mm min)
Varies
Linearity
Not Linear
Linear
Not Linear
Reasonably Linear
Reference Junction
Required
Not Required
Not Required
Not Required
Lead Wire Resistance
No Problem
Must be Considered
No Problem
Not Required
Contact Required
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Response
Fast
Slower
Medium
Fast

 

If you are still unsure which type of temperature measurement system you require do not hesitate to contact us.