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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.