Temperature range and temperature limit for pressure sensors ? will there be a difference? My intuitive answer will 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 way of a lower and upper value, for instance 0 ? 100 �C. The relevant standard nevertheless defines a difference. Why?
IEC 61987 speaks of two different specification characteristics
The standard described is IEC 61987. This deals, among other activities, with the properties of fluid sensors, which likewise incorporate pressure sensors. With ?range? and ?limit?, the typical designates two different specification characteristics. Accordingly, the temperature range describes the span where the instrument specifications must apply ? first of all, the accuracy. The temperature limit, however, indicates the min/max values between that your instrument could be operated without damage. With this particular, the instrument specifications do not have to be adhered to at all.
What may sound a bit pedantic, makes perfect sense from a technical perspective. This can be illustrated by the next example of a pressure sensor: The instrument is meant to deliver solid measured values at an ambient temperature selection of 0 ? 100 �C. At the same time, the sensor must not suffer any damage at ambient temperatures between -20 �C and 0 �C. In this range, however, it generally does not have to provide accurate measuring results, as well as measure.
The difference between temperature range and temperature limit is plausible
This sounds paradoxical at first, 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 reliable pressure measurement will be impossible. Therefore, the manufacturer has to compensate for the temperature so as to bring the error right down to an acceptable level. From an economic viewpoint, the limitation to a selected temperature range makes sense, or is even absolutely necessary.
The distinction between temperature range and temperature limit applies to both the 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 creates technical sense. However, I doubt if the normal user, without understanding of standards, understands it intuitively. Which inevitably results in the question of whether you will find a better linguistic distinction. But, I have to admit, the answer is outside my ?range?.
Note
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