Sensors
Sensors
Sensors are designed to measure vacuum or sub-atmospheric pressures. They also provide signals for the user to monitor air and gases. Sensors also come in a variety of options including, but not limited to, Thermocouples, RTDs, and Thermistors.
Models
Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs)
Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTD) generate varying resistance values. They use metals or metal oxides that provide repeatable changes of resitance with temperature. The instrument receiving their “signal” reads temperature as the change in voltage. Looked at another way, as temperature changes, so dies the sensor’s resistance.
Thermistors
Thermistors are semiconductor devices made from oxides of metals and other ceramics. As with all semiconductors, heat is the primary cause of failure, and, while this appears contradictory, thermistors have properties that make them advantageous.
Thermocouples
Thermocouples combine dissimilar metallic elements or alloys to produce a voltage. Using specific combinations of metals and alloys in the thermocouple’s legs produces a predictable change in voltage based on a change in temperature. Thermocouples are classified by calibration type because they have differing EMF (electromotive force) vs. temperature curves. Calibration types vary in terms of temperature compatibility and atmospheric conditions.
