Temperature range and temperature limit for pressure sensors ? is there an improvement? My intuitive answer would be: Yes! Obsessed describes a section and the next its border. On second glance, however, I must conclude that both words ultimately express the same thing with regards to temperatures: Range and limit are defined by a lower and upper value, for instance 0 ? 100 �C. The relevant standard nevertheless defines an improvement. 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 where the instrument specifications must apply ? first of Hoax , the accuracy. The temperature limit, on the other hand, indicates the min/max values between which the instrument could be operated without damage. With this, 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 is often illustrated by the next exemplory case of a pressure sensor: The instrument is supposed to deliver solid measured values at an ambient temperature selection of 0 ? 100 �C. Simultaneously, the sensor must not suffer any damage at ambient temperatures between -20 �C and 0 �C. In this range, however, it does not have to provide accurate measuring results, as well as measure.
The difference between temperature range and temperature limit is plausible
This sounds paradoxical initially, but is plausible on closer inspection. Pressure sensor elements, i.e. the specific measuring components, exhibit a relatively large, often non-linear temperature error. Without further measures, a reliable pressure measurement will be impossible. Therefore, the manufacturer has to compensate for the temperature to be able to bring the error down to an acceptable level. From an economic perspective, the limitation to a selected temperature range is practical, or is even essential.
The distinction between temperature range and temperature limit applies to both the ambient temperature and the medium temperature. Additionally it is used for other specification characteristics, for instance overpressure.
Conclusion
Yes, there is a difference between range and limit in the normative world of pressure sensor technology. And yes, it makes technical sense. However, I doubt if the normal user, without knowledge of standards, understands it intuitively. Which inevitably results in the question of whether there is a better linguistic distinction. But, I must admit, the solution is outside my ?range?.
Note
More info on our pressure sensors are available on the WIKA website. Do you want to buy pressure sensors? You will find some of our standard designs in our WIKA online-shop. If 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