Summary

The Sensor Series includes books on all aspects of the science and technology of sensors, transducers, sensing systems and applicatons. Titles are written mainly at graduate and professional level and are suitable for instrument and measurement scientists, engineers and technologists in both academe and industry.
^IThermal Sensors is intended as a comprehensive and accessible reference for designers and users of thermal sensors.
Many different physical quantities can be converted easily and accurately into temperature differences using thermal techniques. These temperature differences can be detected with temperature and temperature-difference sensors. In a thermal sensor the thermal converter and the temperature sensor are combined in a single accurate device.
This book gives an overview and deals with the design aspects of thermal and temperature sensors, with an emphasis on sensors based on silicon technology. The temperature sensors described are based on the use of various types of sensitive elements, such as platinum resistors, thermistors and special integrated circuits. The thermal sensors described include flow, conductivity, infrared, vacuum, humidity and calorimetric sensors and ac-de converters, thus providing a comprehensive overview of all thermal sensors, with practical examples of each type.
The first three chapters cover the basic principles of thermal physics, the approach for the optimal design of thermal sensors, and the various sensor technologies used. Chapters 4-6 give overviews of temperature-sensing elements used in thermal sensors, specific types of thermal sensors with practical examples, electrical signal processing and smart temperature sensors. Chapter 7 presents some case studies of successful applications showing the practial results of systematic design methods. Finally, Chapter 8 presents a number of design problems and their solutions which relate to the key features of the book. These can be used to test understanding either in a teaching context or, for practising scientists and engineers, in 'self-testing'.