Temperature range and temperature limit for pressure sensors ? will there be a difference? My intuitive answer will be: Yes! Underhanded describes a section and the second its border. On second glance, however, I have to conclude that both words ultimately express the same thing in relation to temperatures: Range and limit are defined by a lower and upper value, for instance 0 ? 100 �C. Carefree 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 standard 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, alternatively, indicates the min/max values between which the instrument could be operated without damage. With this particular, the instrument specifications don’t need to be honored at all.
What may sound a bit pedantic, makes sense from a technical viewpoint. 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. As well, the sensor must not 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, and even measure.
The difference between temperature range and temperature limit is plausible
This sounds paradoxical at first, but is plausible on closer inspection. Pressure sensor elements, i.e. the specific measuring components, exhibit a comparatively large, often non-linear temperature error. Without further measures, a reliable pressure measurement would be impossible. Therefore, the maker has to compensate for the temperature as a way to bring the error right down to a satisfactory level. From an economic viewpoint, the limitation to a selected temperature range makes sense, 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 exists a difference between range and limit in the normative world of pressure sensor technology. And yes, it makes 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 exists 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 you want to buy pressure sensors? You will find a few of our standard designs in our WIKA online-shop. When 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