Options for Making Temperature Measurements
PrintTemperature Sensors
Pictured above are the three most commonly used transducers for temperature measurements: thermocouples, RTDs and thermistors.
Below is a table that illustrates some of the capabilities and limitations of thermocouples, RTDs, and thermistors. Use this table as a reference for choosing the right sensor for your temperature measurement application.
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Capabilities
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Limitations
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| Thermocouples | · Wide range · Fast response · Passive · Inexpensive |
· CJC · Non-linear |
| RTDs | · Very rugged · Accurate |
· Slow response · Require excitation · Lead resistance · Non-linear |
| Thermistors | · Very repeatable · Fine resolution · Low current · Fast response |
· Require excitation · Narrow range · Non-linear |
Temperature Measurement Hardware
National Instruments offers hardware to measure many different types of temperature sensors. The table below shows NI temperature measurement hardware for a variety of needs. Click on an application type to see system components, prices, and more information. For more temperature measurement information see the Temperature Measurement Resource Page.
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Thermocouple
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Application Type
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Channels
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Features
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| Low Cost & High-Accuracy | Up to 32 | Starting at $395 with 24-bit resolution |
| High-Channel Count | 32-3000+ | Modular and expandable |
| Isolated | Up to 96 per system | 300 Vrms Isolation per channel |
| Ethernet | Up to 32 per network node | Rugged, industrial platform |
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RTD
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| High-Channel Count | 16-1500+ | Modular and expandable |
| Isolated | Up to 48 per system | 250 Vrms Isolation per channel |
| Ethernet | Up to 32 per network node | Rugged, industrial platform |
Related Links:
Temperature Measurement Resource Page
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