I. Temperature Sensor
In recent years, the modernization of my country's industry and the continuous high-speed growth of its electronic information industry have driven the rapid rise of the sensor market. Temperature sensors, as a crucial category of sensors, account for over 40% of the total sensor demand. Temperature sensors utilize the characteristic of NTC (nitrile metal detector) resistance changing with temperature to convert non-electrical physical quantities into electrical quantities, enabling precise temperature measurement and automatic control. Temperature sensors have a wide range of applications, including temperature measurement and control, temperature compensation, flow rate, airflow and wind speed determination, liquid level indication, ultraviolet and infrared light measurement, and microwave power measurement. They are widely used in color TVs, computer color monitors, switching power supplies, water heaters, refrigerators, kitchen equipment, air conditioners, and automobiles. The rapid growth of the automotive electronics and consumer electronics industries in recent years has further fueled the rapid growth in demand for temperature sensors in my country.
In 2020, the human body temperature measurement accuracy of domestically produced infrared temperature sensors in China reached 0.1℃. High-performance ear thermometers, forehead thermometers, and other non-contact temperature measurement tools are among the main tools for large-scale fever screening. However, the core component of these sensors, the MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) infrared temperature sensor, has long relied heavily on imports. Recently, the East China Optoelectronic Integrated Devices Research Institute of the China Ordnance Industry Group Electronics Research Institute, through technological breakthroughs, has completed various individual tests on the sensor chip, achieving an accuracy of 0.1℃ and superior anti-interference capabilities compared to current mainstream products on the market (with an accuracy of 0.3℃).
II. Differences between temperature sensors and temperature transmitters
Temperature sensors and temperature transmitters are devices for measuring and monitoring temperature, and they differ in some ways in function and application.
1. Function: Temperature sensors are primarily used to measure and detect temperature, converting it into an electrical signal output. They can measure the temperature of various objects, environments, or fluids based on different working principles, such as resistance, thermoelectricity, and semiconductors. Temperature sensors generally possess high accuracy and sensitivity and are widely used in various temperature monitoring and control systems.
Temperature transmitters amplify, linearize, and convert the temperature signal measured by a temperature sensor into a standard output signal (such as analog signals: 4-20mA, 0-10V or digital signals: RS485, Modbus, etc.). Temperature transmitters typically also provide linearity compensation, cold contact compensation, and input resistance adjustment during signal transmission to ensure signal accuracy and stability.
2. Installation and Use: Temperature sensors typically come into direct contact with the object being measured or the environment, converting its temperature into an electrical signal output. They can be standalone sensor modules or components integrated into other devices or systems. The installation method of temperature sensors can be selected according to the specific application scenario, such as insert type, surface mount type, or surface mount type.
Typically, temperature transmitters are used in conjunction with temperature sensors. The temperature sensor transmits the measurement signal to the temperature transmitter via a connecting cable. The transmitter then processes and converts the signal before transmitting it to other systems or devices through its output interface. Temperature transmitters generally use standardized interfaces and mounting dimensions, facilitating installation and integration into different devices or systems.
3. Applications: Temperature sensors and temperature transmitters play different roles in different applications. Common applications of temperature sensors include indoor temperature monitoring, industrial process control, thermal management systems, medical equipment, and weather forecasting. Temperature transmitters are generally used in situations requiring the conversion of temperature signals into standardized output signals, such as industrial automation, instrumentation, and control systems.
In summary, a temperature sensor is a device used to measure and detect temperature, converting it into an electrical signal output; while a temperature transmitter amplifies, linearizes, and converts the temperature signal measured by the temperature sensor, while providing related functional enhancements, converting the signal into a standard output signal for easy signal transmission and integration into other systems.
