Applications and Examples of Temperature Measurement

The Multi-Input Data Logger “NR Series,” which is packed with various evaluation and analysis functions on the smallest and lightest body in its class, supports a wide variety of temperature measurements. You can accurately perform many types of temperature measurements by combining this product with the high-precision temperature/voltage measurement unit “NR-TH08,” in which each input channel is insulated with high-voltage semiconductor relays to ensure noise resistance.

Because the NR Series supports measurement using up to 576 channels, it is also effective in measuring the temperature distribution. The addition of a measurement unit enables a single unit to collect multiple types of data—including analog measurement, distortion, and acceleration. Also, this product’s compact design enhances its portability, and its dedicated software allows for easy setup and analysis. In this way, you can utilize this general-purpose, multi-input data logger for various types of analyses in a wide variety of situations.

Temperature measurement systems are, for lack of a better term, device setups consisting of measuring units and input transducers that are dedicated to measuring temperature. These devices usually use sensors to detect the object’s temperature, which is then converted into a digital signal by the measuring unit and relayed to the main computing unit for processing and data storage.

These systems are incredibly important across a variety of different industrial, commercial, and residential applications. However, we’ll focus primarily on the industrial aspect of temperature measurement, as they’re used to monitor and record temperature data but also trigger specific pre-set processes during the production and other manufacturing processes.

Temperature measurement systems come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the application. Large-scale manufacturing facilities would most likely benefit from large, stationary temperature measurement systems that are capable of receiving, processing, and storing data from tens, if not hundreds, of input transducers.

Other applications might benefit more from smaller, more compact, and portable temperature measuring tools with a more limited processing power and number of channels/inputs. As such, the choice of an adequate temperature measurement system mostly comes down to the application.

How do temperature sensors work, and what are they? Temperature sensors are input transducers, which means they measure a certain physical property, in this case, the temperature of an object, and convert the measurement into an electrical signal. Temperature is an analog physical property that represents a continuous range of values instead of discrete steps or levels.

Because of that, many sensor types output an analog signal, such as voltage, current, or resistance.
There are several different types of sensors, but the main categorization divides temperature sensors into two classes: contact and non-contact sensors—both are pretty self-explanatory. The classification is further divided into the following types:

• Resistance temperature detectors: Resistance temperature detectors change their resistance with temperature. They’re mostly made of platinum, as the metal offers a linear response to temperature fluctuations, thus eliminating the need for complex readouts. They’re typically suitable for temperature ranges from 200° to 600°C.
• Thermistors: Thermistors are resistors whose resistance changes with the temperature; however, their response is exponential rather than linear. This makes them less accurate over larger temperature ranges but incredibly accurate within limited temperature ranges that require a rapid and accurate temperature response. However, the exponential response requires using calculation methods to derive the readout.
• Infrared sensors: Infrared sensors are non-contact temperature sensors that capture the heat of a particular object by measuring the infrared radiation the object emits due to high temperature. This readout is then converted into either an analog or digital electrical signal and relayed to the measuring unit, which converts the signal and sends it to the computing unit for storage and further analysis.

Temperature-measuring devices are an important component of temperature-measuring systems, as they’re directly responsible for receiving the sensor signal, converting it into an adequate form, and relaying it to the system’s central computing unit for storage and further analysis and interpretation. In simpler terms, they are the interface between the input transducers and the computing unit.

Are you in need of accurate temperature measurement solutions for your business? Look no further than KEYENCE. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you improve your processes and increase productivity.