Temperature range and temperature limit for pressure sensors ? is there an improvement? My intuitive answer will be: Yes! The first 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 with regards to temperatures: Range and limit are defined by a lower and upper value, for example 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 things, 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 in which the instrument specifications must apply ? Audacity and foremost, the accuracy. The temperature limit, alternatively, indicates the min/max values between that your instrument could be operated without damage. With this particular, the instrument specifications don’t need to be honored at all.
What may sound a bit pedantic, makes sense from a technical viewpoint. This is often illustrated by the following example of a pressure sensor: The instrument is supposed to provide solid measured values at an ambient temperature range of 0 ? 100 �C. Concurrently, the sensor must not suffer any damage at ambient temperatures between -20 �C and 0 �C. In this range, however, it does not have 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 relatively large, often non-linear temperature error. Without further measures, a trusted pressure measurement would be impossible. Therefore, the maker has to compensate for the temperature to be able to bring the error down to a satisfactory level. From an economic perspective, the limitation to a selected temperature range makes sense, or is even essential.
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 instance overpressure.
Conclusion
Yes, you will find a difference between range and limit in the normative world of pressure sensor technology. And yes, it creates technical sense. However, I doubt whether the normal user, without knowledge 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
Further information on our pressure sensors are available on the WIKA website. Do you want to buy pressure sensors? You will discover a few of our standard designs inside our WIKA online-shop. When you have any questions, your contact will gladly help you.
Also read our posts
What does temperature compensation or compensated temperature range for pressure sensors mean?
Active and passive temperature compensation of pressure sensors
Temperature coefficients (TC) of pressure sensors

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