3 Basic Types of Temperature Sensors 1.

) RTD - Resistance temperature detector RTDs operate by exhibiting an increase in resistivity with an increase in temperature. RTDs are most commonly made from platinum, nickel, or copper. Copper and nickel versions operate at lower temperature ranges and are less expensive than platinum. Platinum is the most versatile material because of its wide temperature range (200C to 850C), excellent repeatability, stability, and resistance to chemicals and corrosion. Platinum RTDs are available in 100 (omega), 200 (omega), 500 (omega), and 1000 (omega) nominal resistance values at 0C, of which the 100 (omega) is the most popular. (Reference: www.sensorsmag.com) 2.) Thermocouple They are based on the Seebeck effect that occurs in electrical conductors that experience a temperature gradient along their length. They are "simple", rugged, need no batteries, measure over very wide temperature ranges and more.Thermocouples measure their own temperature. You must infer the temperature of the object of interest by being certain there is no heat flow between them when you take the measurement.. (Reference: www.temperature .com) 3.) Thermistor Thermistors are temperature sensitive resistors. All resistors vary with temperature, but thermistors are constructed of semiconductor material with a resistivity that is especially sensitive to temperature. However, unlike most other resistive devices, the resistance of a thermistor decreases with increasing temperature. That's due to the properties of the semiconductor material that the thermistor is made from. (Reference: www.facstaff.bucknell.edu)