Temperature range and temperature limit for pressure sensors ? is there a difference? My intuitive answer would be: Yes! The initial 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 with regards 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 an improvement. Why?
IEC 61987 speaks of two different specification characteristics
The standard referred to 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 of all, the accuracy. The temperature limit, alternatively, indicates the min/max values between which the instrument could 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 sense from a technical perspective. This can be illustrated by the next exemplory case of a pressure sensor: The instrument is meant to provide solid measured values at an ambient temperature range of 0 ? 100 �C. Simultaneously, the sensor should never 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, or even 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 relatively large, often non-linear temperature error. Without further measures, a reliable pressure measurement will be impossible. Therefore, the maker has to compensate for the temperature so as to bring the error down to a satisfactory level. From an economic viewpoint, the limitation to a selected temperature range makes sense, or is even essential.
The distinction between temperature range and temperature limit pertains to both ambient temperature and the medium temperature. It is also useful for other specification characteristics, for example overpressure.
Conclusion
Yes, there is 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 results in 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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