Perfect temperature sensor:

No impact on the measured medium

very precise

Immediate response (in most cases)

Easy to adjust output

Regardless of the type of sensor, all temperature sensors must consider the above factors.

No matter what is being measured, the most important thing is to ensure that the measuring equipment itself does not affect the medium being measured. This is particularly important when measuring contact temperature. Choosing the correct sensor size and wire configuration is an important design consideration to reduce "rod effects" and other measurement errors.

After minimizing the impact on the measuring medium, it becomes crucial to accurately measure the medium. Accuracy involves the basic characteristics of sensors, measurement accuracy, etc. If the design issues related to the "rod effect" cannot be resolved, even the most accurate sensors will be of no use.

The response time is affected by the quality of the sensor components and also by some influences of the wires. The smaller the sensor, the faster the response speed.

YSI Temperature has produced some of the fastest responding commercial thermistors using microbead technology.

After using a microprocessor, it is easier to adjust the non-linear output, so the signal adjustment of the sensor output is also less of a problem. The YSI 4800Linearizing Circuit allows for single component linearization of the output of a thermistor.

While various procurement agents are seeking the cheapest parts, engineers have realized the importance of "get what you pay for" sensors. YSI thermistors can provide significant value for overall design.