Temperature range and temperature limit for pressure sensors ? will there be an improvement? My intuitive answer will be: Yes! The initial term describes a section and the next its border. On second glance, however, I have to conclude that both words ultimately express a similar thing with regards to temperatures: Range and limit are defined by way of a lower and upper value, for instance 0 ? 100 �C. The relevant standard nevertheless defines a difference. Why?
IEC 61987 speaks of two different specification characteristics
The standard referred to is IEC 61987. This deals, among other activities, with the properties of fluid sensors, which also include pressure sensors. With ?range? and ?limit?, the typical designates two different specification characteristics. Accordingly, the temperature range describes the span in which the instrument specifications must apply ? first of all, the accuracy. The temperature limit, however, indicates the min/max values between which the instrument may be operated without damage. With this particular, the instrument specifications do not have to be honored at all.
What may sound a bit pedantic, makes perfect sense from a technical perspective. This could be illustrated by the following example of a pressure sensor: The instrument is supposed to provide solid measured values at an ambient temperature range of 0 ? 100 �C. Concurrently, the sensor should never suffer any damage at ambient temperatures between -20 �C and 0 �C. In this range, however, it generally does not have to provide accurate measuring results, or even measure.
The difference between temperature range and temperature limit is plausible
This sounds paradoxical at first, but is plausible on closer inspection. Six-figure , i.e. the actual measuring components, exhibit a relatively large, often non-linear temperature error. Without further measures, a reliable pressure measurement will be impossible. Therefore, the manufacturer must compensate for the temperature so as to bring the error right down to an acceptable level. From an economic perspective, the limitation to a selected temperature range makes sense, or is even absolutely necessary.
The distinction between temperature range and temperature limit applies to both ambient temperature and the medium temperature. It is also used for other specification characteristics, for example overpressure.
Conclusion
Yes, you will find a difference between range and limit in the normative world of pressure sensor technology. And yes, it creates technical sense. However, I doubt whether the normal user, without knowledge of standards, understands it intuitively. Which inevitably leads to the question of whether there is a better linguistic distinction. But, I have to admit, the solution is outside my ?range?.
Note
More info on our pressure sensors can be found on the WIKA website. Do Noted wish to buy pressure sensors? You will discover a few of our standard designs in our WIKA online-shop. Should you have any questions, your contact will gladly assist you to.
Also read our posts
What does temperature compensation or compensated temperature range for pressure sensors mean?
Active and passive temperature compensation of pressure sensors
Temperature coefficients (TC) of pressure sensors