Working principle of temperature sensor

TIME: 2025.01.16 AUTHOR: Coco Li NUMBER OF VIEWS 4854

What is the working principle of a temperature sensor?


The working principle of a temperature sensor is mainly based on the principle of thermocouple, thermal resistor, and thermistor.


1. Thermocouple sensor

This sensor uses the thermoelectric potential generated by two different metals when the temperature changes to measure temperature. For example, the thermoelectric potential generated by a K-type thermocouple at 500°C is about 20 mV.


2. ‌Thermal resistor sensor‌

It includes the property that the resistance value of metal or semiconductor changes with temperature. For example, the resistance value of the PT100 thermal resistor is 100Ω at 0℃, and the resistance value increases by about 0.385Ω for every 1℃ increase in temperature.


3. ‌Thermistor Sensor‌

Its resistance value is extremely sensitive to temperature changes and is usually divided into two types: positive temperature coefficient and negative temperature coefficient. The resistance value of a negative temperature coefficient thermistor drops rapidly when the temperature rises.


4. Infrared temperature sensor‌

It measures temperature by receiving infrared radiation energy emitted by an object without contacting the object being measured.


5. DS18B20 Temperature Sensor‌

This digital temperature sensor uses the 1-Wire bus protocol to measure the ambient temperature through thermistor characteristics and converts the analog signal into a digital signal output. It can operate in the range of -55℃ to +125℃, and the measurement accuracy can reach ±0.5℃ in the range of -10℃ to +85℃.


Types of temperature sensor


GAIMC temperature sensors mainly involve ntc temperature sensor, ds18b20 temperature sensor, pt100/pt1000 temperature sensor, and the temperature humidity sensor.



Contact us and learn more about our temperature measurement.


HOT keyword: NTC PT100 PT1000 DS18B20
Recommend View More
TIME 2026.10.23

Temperature & Humidity Sensors in Smart Homes

Discover how temperature and humidity sensors enable intelligent climate control in smart homes. Learn about sensor applications in air conditioners, refrigerators, water heaters, ovens, and HVAC systems for automatic temperature regulation and enhanced comfort.

TIME 2026.10.22

Electromagnetic Flow Meters in the Pulp & Paper Industry

Discover how electromagnetic flow meters optimize pulp and paper production. Learn about stock flow measurement, white water recycling, chemical dosing control, coating applications, and wastewater monitoring in paper mills.

TIME 2026.10.21

Temperature Sensors for Liquid Hydrogen & Liquid Nitrogen

Discover how temperature sensors enable safe and accurate measurement of liquid hydrogen (LH2) and liquid nitrogen (LN2) at cryogenic temperatures. Learn about sensor types, installation techniques, safety considerations, and applications in aerospace, hydrogen energy, and industrial processes.

029-81292510

info@gaimc.com

Rm. 1208, Building B, Huixin IBC, No. 1 Zhang Bayi Road, High-tech Zone, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China

Copyright © Xi'an Gavin Electronic Technology Co., Ltd Site Map

Message Form