Annexure – I

Report on disassembling a digital thermometer and try to understand

how temperature is measured

Objective
The primary aim of this project is to disassemble a digital thermometer to
understand the components involved in the measurement of temperature and
the underlying principles that enable this process.

Introduction
Digital thermometers are commonly used in various settings, including medical,
laboratory, and household environments, for accurate temperature readings. This
project focuses on exploring the internal mechanism of a digital thermometer by
disassembling it and studying its components and their function

Tools and Materials Needed

 A digital thermometer (preferably one that is no longer in use, as disassembling it
may damage the device).
 A small Phillips screwdriver.
 A flathead screwdriver or a pry tool.
 Tweezers
 A magnifying glass (optional, for a better view of small components).
 Safety glasses (recommended to protect your eyes).

Methodology
1
Preparation and Safety
Ensure the digital thermometer is not connected to any power source. Work in a
well-lit area with enough space to arrange the disassembled parts.

Disassembly
 Start by carefully removing the battery cover and batteries to ensure there’s no
power running though the device.
 Use the appropriate screwdriver to remove screws, if any, that hold the outer casing
together.
 Gently pry open the casing using a flat-head screwdriver if necessary, taking care not
to damage the internal components.
 Document the process with photographs for future reference.

Identify the Components:

 Once open, you'll likely see a small circuit board (the printed circuit board or PCB), a
battery compartment, a display (typically an LCD), and a sensor probe
 Battery Compartment and Power Supply : Note how the batteries are connected to
the PCB, providing the power necessary for the thermometer to operate.
 Printed Circuit Board (PCB): Observe the PCB, which houses the microcontroller (a
small computer that processes the temperature readings), and other electronic
components like resistors and capacitors.
 Sensor Probe: This is key to how the thermometer measures temperature. Most
digital thermometers use a thermistor or a similar temperature-sensitive component
placed at the tip of the probe.

2
Understanding temperature Measurement
 Thermistor-Based Measurement: The sensor (thermistor) in the probe changes its
electrical resistance with temperature. When you measure someone's temperature,
the thermistor's resistance varies depending on the person's body temperature.
 Signal Conversion and Processing: The change in resistance is converted into a
temperature reading by the microcontroller on the PCB. This conversion is based on
a pre-programmed calibration curve that correlates specific resistance values to
temperatures.
 Display: The calculated temperature is then shown on the LCD screen in either
Celsius or Fahrenheit.

Reassembly (Optional)
 If you wish to attempt to reassemble the thermometer, carefully reverse the
disassembly steps. Note that the device may not function as intended if not
reassembled correctly.

Conclusion:
Disassembling a digital thermometer reveals a sophisticated integration of sensor
technology, electronic circuitry, and computational algorithms. The process of
measuring temperature involves sensing physical changes in a material (like
resistance or voltage), converting those physical changes into an electronic signal,
digitally processing that signal to calculate temperature, and then displaying that
temperature for the user. This exploration underscores the elegance and complexity
of seemingly simple devices in our everyday lives.