Temperature Sensors - Thermocouples, Temperature Probes

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
B4-1-J-36 Nanmac	J, RIBBON TC, A=7/8, B=1/2, 36FL	5
I7-4-18-3WIRE Nanmac	PT100, 3W, 1/4 X 18 SS304,GP	10
A8A-22-12 Nanmac	THERMOCOUPLE K TYP SS304 .125"DI	99
SN179 Comet America	2061-200/0, TEMP. PROBE, 1M	20
B4-2-K-36 Nanmac	K, RBN, 0.013 X 5/8 X 3/8, 36FL	5
SN175M Comet America	2034-220/M, TEMP. PROBE, 1M	20
A8A-9-18 Nanmac	THERMOCOUPLE J TYP SS304 .062"DI	100
SN201C Comet America	PT1000TR160/C, TEMP PROBE 5 M	20
WBP-TR-01-6I Digital Six Laboratories, LLC	THERM PROBE KIT 3IN 6IN CABLE	34
E52-CA6AFD1S2 1M Omron Automation & Safety Services	THERMOCOUPLE K TYPE 1MM DIA 1M C	2
A8A-21-18 Nanmac	THERMOCOUPLE K TYP SS304 .062"DI	99
A12-11-22-C Nanmac	C, 1/4 X 22 AL2O3, UNG, SMC	1
A12-11-20-C Nanmac	C, 1/4 X 20 AL2O3, UNG, SMC	1
SN170M Comet America	PTS350A-2/M, TEMP PROBE 2 M	20
455-00104 Laird Connectivity	SENTRIUS RS1XX LORAWAN - 868MHZ	75
A12-12-10-C-ST4 Nanmac	C, 3/8 X 10 AL2O3, UNG, SMC	1
A12-11-24-C-ST4 Nanmac	C, 1/4 X 24 AL2O3, UNG, SMC	1
A8F-53-12 Nanmac	K, 1/16 X 12 INC, UNG, MMC	100
SN240 Comet America	PT1000TR125/0, TEMP PROBE 2 M	20
A8B-22-9 Nanmac	K, 1/8 X 9 SS304, UNG, 36FL	99

Temperature Sensors - Thermocouples, Temperature Probes

1. Overview

Thermocouples and temperature probes are critical components in temperature measurement systems. Thermocouples operate based on the Seebeck effect, generating a voltage proportional to temperature differences between two dissimilar metals. Temperature probes encompass a broader category, including resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), thermistors, and infrared sensors. These devices are essential in industrial process control, medical diagnostics, energy systems, and environmental monitoring, enabling precise thermal management and data acquisition.

2. Major Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Characteristics	Application Examples
K-Type Thermocouple	Wide temperature range (-200 C to 1350 C), cost-effective, general-purpose	Industrial furnaces, HVAC systems
J-Type Thermocouple	High accuracy in mid-range (-40 C to 750 C), iron-constantan construction	Plastics processing, laboratory equipment
T-Type Thermocouple	Copper-constantan, stable in cryogenic applications (-200 C to 350 C)	Cryogenics, food industry
RTD Probes (Pt100)	High precision ( 0.1 C), stable long-term performance	Pharmaceutical processing, precision ovens
Thermistor Probes	High sensitivity in limited range (-50 C to 150 C)	Medical thermometers, 3D printers

3. Structure and Components

Thermocouples consist of two dissimilar metal wires (e.g., chromel-alumel for K-type) joined at a measuring junction, insulated with ceramic beads, and protected by a metal sheath (typically Inconel or stainless steel). Temperature probes integrate sensing elements (RTD coils, thermistor chips) within protective housings. RTD probes use platinum wire wound around a ceramic core, while thermistor probes employ semiconductor ceramics. Both incorporate connection heads with terminal blocks and optional transmitters for signal conditioning.

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Significance
Temperature Range	Determines operational limits in specific environments
Accuracy ( C)	Impacts measurement reliability and process control
Response Time (ms)	Affects dynamic measurement capability
Material Compatibility	Corrosion resistance and mechanical durability
Output Signal Type	Dictates compatibility with data acquisition systems

5. Application Fields

Industrial Manufacturing: Steel melt temperature monitoring, CNC machine thermal compensation
Energy Sector: Gas turbine exhaust temperature measurement (Type K thermocouples)
Medical Devices: Patient temperature monitoring systems (flexible RTD probes)
Automotive: Engine coolant temperature sensors (thermistor-based probes)
Environmental Monitoring: Weather stations with IP68-rated temperature probes

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Representative Product	Key Features
Omega Engineering	KMTSS-116-6	Metal-sheathed K-type thermocouple, 1/16" diameter
Keysight Technologies	U1217A	Digital thermometer with RTD probe ( 0.05 C accuracy)
Honeywell	TPC-101J	J-type thermocouple with ceramic insulation for extruders
TE Connectivity	CTTC951	Miniature thermocouple for PCB mounting

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations include: operating temperature range (avoid exceeding sensor limits), environmental factors (vibration, chemical exposure), required accuracy (RTDs for critical processes), response time (critical in dynamic systems), and cost constraints. For example, select mineral-insulated thermocouples for high-vibration environments and infrared probes for non-contact measurements in moving machinery.

8. Industry Trends

Current developments include wireless temperature probes with integrated IoT connectivity (e.g., Bluetooth-enabled sensors), nanotechnology-enhanced thermocouples for extreme environments, and self-calibrating smart probes using AI algorithms. The market shows increasing demand for miniature sensors (sub-1mm probes for medical catheters) and energy-harvesting thermocouples for industrial wireless networks.