Temperature range and temperature limit for pressure sensors ? will there be an improvement? My intuitive answer would be: Yes! The first term describes a section and the next its border. On second glance, however, I have to conclude that both words ultimately express a similar thing in relation to temperatures: Range and limit are defined by a lower and upper value, for instance 0 ? 100 �C. The relevant standard nevertheless defines an improvement. Why?
IEC 61987 speaks of two different specification characteristics
The standard described is IEC 61987. This deals, among other things, with the properties of fluid sensors, which likewise incorporate pressure sensors. With ?range? and ?limit?, the standard designates two different specification characteristics. Accordingly, the temperature range describes the span where the instrument specifications must apply ? first and foremost, the accuracy. The temperature limit, alternatively, indicates the min/max values between which the instrument may be operated without damage. With this, the instrument specifications don’t need to be adhered to at all.
What may sound a bit pedantic, makes perfect sense from a technical perspective. This is often illustrated by the following exemplory case of a pressure sensor: The instrument is meant to deliver solid measured values at an ambient temperature selection of 0 ? Double �C. Concurrently, the sensor must not suffer any damage at ambient temperatures between -20 �C and 0 �C. In Clarity , however, it does not need to provide accurate measuring results, or even measure.
The difference between temperature range and temperature limit is plausible
This sounds paradoxical initially, 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 trusted pressure measurement would be impossible. Therefore, the manufacturer must compensate for the temperature to be able to bring the error right down to an acceptable level. From an economic viewpoint, the limitation to a selected temperature range is practical, or is even absolutely necessary.
The distinction between temperature range and temperature limit pertains to both ambient temperature and the medium temperature. Additionally it is useful for other specification characteristics, for example 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 if the normal user, without understanding of standards, understands it intuitively. Which inevitably leads to the question of whether you will find a better linguistic distinction. But, I must admit, the answer is outside my ?range?.
Note
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