Basic Knowledge of Temperature Data Loggers

When selecting a temperature data logger, you need to understand the meanings of terms written in the specifications. This section explains how to read the specifications of temperature data loggers.

Since temperature data is generally collected over a long time, the reliability of data collection is an important factor in selecting a temperature data logger.

Collected temperature data is meant to be analyzed.
In addition to measurement functions, important factors in selection also include how easy it is to create reports and similar factors, such as whether the necessary analysis functions are provided.

Temperature data loggers such as KEYENCE NR Series, also known as temperature data loggers, are specialized devices used to monitor and record temperature data over some time. This data is subsequently stored and processed on the device and made available for further analysis and interpretation.

These devices, when paired with adequate sensors, can be used to monitor and record temperature data of virtually any object, save for gases. They’re most commonly used in a variety of applications that include perishable goods and/or those applications that demand strictly and precisely controlled temperature environments.
Temperature data loggers are typically small, compact, and battery-powered for easier portability and reliability. They’re usually composed of a main computing unit, one or more temperature sensors, and an internal memory for recording temperature data over time.

It’s important to note the importance of these devices over a wide range of industrial applications, in which temperature monitoring is an essential component of maintaining product quality—at any point during the production and logistics phases.

All data recorders are the same, as they perform the same function—only the external design and extra features might be different. Modern data records are quite compact and portable and can be used with a wide variety of input transducers, which makes them nearly universal for measuring and recording the temperatures of solids and liquids.

As such, they’re typically categorized by sensor type into thermocouples, thermistors, resistance temperature detectors, and infrared sensors.

Thermocouples are incredibly common in metrology, as they’re capable of operating in a vast temperature range from -200°C to 1700°C. Thermistors, on the other hand, have a non-linear response to temperature change, which makes them perfect for precise temperature measurements in a limited temperature range. Resistance temperature detectors, also known as RTDs, are incredibly accurate over a reasonable temperature range, and the same applies to infrared temperature sensors—the latter has to be calibrated for a specific range for higher accuracy.

The science of measuring temperature is called thermometry, and it’s a really important branch of metrology with vast applications across scientific research and practical, everyday applications. Thermometry is a rather dynamic field that’s completely based on the understanding of temperature and the physical properties of objects.

The purpose of thermometry is to determine the relative thermal properties of objects and environments and compare them to a thermal reference point, 0°C and 20ºC, which is crucial for many everyday processes in both personal and industrial applications.

Besides just measurements, the field also includes the development, calibration, and use of various measuring devices ranging from traditional mercury- and gallium-filled to modern and digital thermometers—such as resistance temperature detectors, thermistors, and infrared sensors.

Given that temperature measurements play a crucial role in controlling diverse processes, ensuring the precision and accuracy of equipment and metrology methods becomes the foremost priority in thermology. That’s why researchers in thermometry constantly engage in improving the methodology of thermometry and the sophistication of measuring equipment.

Ready to elevate your temperature measurements, taking your precision and accuracy to the next level? Contact us to learn more about KEYENCE's range of advanced equipment.