9 Types of Temperature Sensors You Should Know
Temperature sensors are one of the most common sensors used. With so many temperature sensors available, how should we choose the right one for our Arduino project? Well, it really depends on several factors such as what we are measuring, the degree of accuracy we need and where we may be measuring the temperature. The 4 most frequently used types of temperature sensors are the Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) thermistor, Thermocouple, Semiconductor-based sensors and the Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD). As such, we will be introducing 8 types of sensors with such capabilities that you can get hold of at Seeed Studio. Without further ado, let’s get started!
Latest: Grove – AHT20 I2C Industrial Grade Temperature and Humidity Sensor
Grove AHT20 Temperature and Humidity sensor is based on AHT20, a new generation of temperature and humidity sensor embedded with a dual-row flat and no-lead SMD package, suitable for the reflow soldering. AHT20 is equipped with a newly designed ASIC chip: an improved MEMS semiconductor capacitive humidity sensor, and a standard on-chip temperature sensor. The output is the I2C protocol with the Grove interface.
| Price | $4.90 |
| Temperature Range | -40 – 85℃ |
| Humidity Range | ± 2% RH (25 ℃) |
| Temperature accuracy | ± 0.3 ℃ |
Grove Temperature and Humidity Sensor – DHT11
This digital temperature sensor not only measures temperature but also relative humidity. It contains a chip which has analog to digital conversion capabilities and produces a digital signal with the 2 measurements. This is one of the most popular temperature sensors available due to its high performance and long-term stability.
| Price | $5.90 |
| Temperature Range | -20 – 60℃ |
| Humidity Range | 5-95%RH |
| Dimensions | 40mm x 20mm x 8mm |
| Humidity/Temperature accuracy | ±5% / ±2℃ |
Grove Temperature & Humidity Sensor Pro – DHT22/AM2302
Similarly to the DHT11, the Grove DHT22 also measures temperature and humidity. The DHT22 is more expensive but surely is worth every penny more. Not only is it more accurate than the DHT11, its temperature and humidity range capabilities are also greater. The way of handling it and the code for the DHT22 is just about the same as the DHT11. This is definitely worth considering if you would like a better performing and more accurate temperature sensor.
Very similarly, the AM2302 also serves the same functions. However, due to the differences in their bodies, the way in which they are used with the Arduino differs. The Grove DHT22 can be used in a plug-and-play fashion using the Grove Base Shield.
| Price | $9.90 / $4.99 |
| Temperature Range | -40 – 80℃ |
| Humidity Range | 0 – 99.9%RH |
| Size | 40mm x 20mm x 11mm |
| Humidity/Temperature accuracy | ±2% / ±0.5℃ |
Grove Barometer Sensor – BMP280
Unlike the DHT series, the BMP280 provides temperature and barometric pressure measurements. This is an upgrade from the BMP180 and works just as well in both I2C and SPI! It is able to measure the estimated altitude of a location given that atmospheric pressure changes with altitude.
| Price | $8.90 |
| Temperature Range | -40 – 85℃ |
| Air Pressure Range | 300-1100 hPa |
| Size | 20mm x 40mm |
| Air Pressure/Temperature accuracy | ±1hPa / ±1℃ |
Environmental Sensor (Temperature Humidity Barometer) – BME280
Not to be confused with the BMP280, the BME280 measures humidity as well, on top of temperature and air pressure. Although it is more expensive, you’d really get a bang for your buck with this one, as it gives you a more comprehensive and holistic measurement of the environment.
| Price | $17 |
| Temperature Range | -40 – 85℃ |
| Air Pressure Range | 300 – 1100 hPa |
| Humidity Range | 0 – 100% |
| Size | 20mm x 40mm |
| Air Pressure/Temperature/ Humidity accuracy | ±1hPa / ±1℃ / ±3% |
One Wire Temperature Sensor – DS18B20
Next up, we have one to measure liquids! This waterproof 2m long sensor is equipped with a waterproof probe and contains the DS18B20 chip. We have modified it by including a resistance pre-assembled in it, transforming it into a fuss-free regular Grove sensor. This is of course also compatible with Arduino and its platforms. However, do take extra precaution not to expose the cable to high temperatures above 70℃ over an extended period of itme!
| Price | $7.50 |
| Temperature Range | -55 – 125℃ |
| Dimensions | 2m |
| Accuracy | ±0.5℃ |
Temperature and Humidity Transmitter – AF5485
Though small and light, the AF5485 should not be under-estimated. Beneath its sheer size lies an impressive internal system that equips it with impressive qualities. It is a highly precise device which has a quick response time and good long-term stability, allowing it to be useful in many applications. For example, it could be used in building automation, weather stations and room temperature monitoring, just to mention a few.
| Price | $49.90 |
| Temperature Range | -40 – 80℃ |
| Humidity Range | 0-99.9%RH |
| Size | 198.5mm x 15.65mm |
| Air Pressure/Temperature accuracy | ±0.1%RH / ±0.5℃ |
Temperature and Humidity Sensor – AM2311A
The AM2311A has an extremely low power consumption, is a compact and small module with full auto-calibration. Further, it can even transmit data to locations further than 20m. Needless to say, this sensor is also highly reliable and has long-term stability. As such, it is qualified to be used in many different applications. With its split-second response, this one of a kind sensor is definitely a go-to choice for many!
| Price | $4.99 |
| Temperature Range | -40 – 80℃ |
| Humidity Range | 0-99.9%RH |
| Size | 44mm x 20mm x 13mm |
| Air Pressure/Temperature accuracy | ±3%RH / ±0.5℃ |
That’s all for today, folks! Hope you guys have gained a better understanding or had a good refresher of the different types of temperature sensors available. These are just a sneak peak into the world of sensors, there’s so much more to explore! Stay tuned for more updates!
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