Thermocouples are temperature sensors that are useful over a wide range of temperatures. Used in conjunction with temperature probes, data acquisition systems, and other temperature sensing equipment, thermocouples are a valuable temperature sensing tool. Thermocouples are accurate, highly sensitive to small temperature changes, and quickly respond to changes to the environment.
Resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) are wire windings or other thin film serpentines that exhibit changes in resistance with changes in temperature. Metals such as copper, nickel and nickel-iron are often used, however the most linear, repeatable and stable RTDs are constructed from platinum.
