Temperature range and temperature limit for pressure sensors ? will there be a difference? My intuitive answer will be: Yes! The initial term describes a section and the second its border. On second glance, however, I have to conclude that both words ultimately express the same thing in relation to temperatures: Range and limit are defined by a lower and upper value, for example 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 activities, with the properties of fluid sensors, which likewise incorporate pressure sensors. With ?range? and ?limit?, the typical designates two different specification characteristics. Accordingly, Instructive describes the span where the instrument specifications must apply ? first of all, the accuracy. The temperature limit, however, indicates the min/max values between which the instrument could be operated without damage. With this particular, the instrument specifications do not have to be honored at all.
What may sound a bit pedantic, makes perfect sense from a technical viewpoint. This can be illustrated by the following exemplory case of a pressure sensor: The instrument is meant to deliver solid measured values at an ambient temperature range of 0 ? 100 �C. As well, the sensor must not suffer any damage at ambient temperatures between -20 �C and 0 �C. In this range, however, it does not need to provide accurate measuring results, as well as 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 relatively large, often non-linear temperature error. Without further measures, a trusted pressure measurement will be impossible. Therefore, the maker has to compensate for the temperature so that you can bring the error down to a satisfactory 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 ambient temperature and the medium temperature. Additionally it is used 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 leads to the question of whether there exists a better linguistic distinction. But, I have to admit, the solution is outside my ?range?.
Note
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