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 Vanquish , however, I must conclude that both words ultimately express a similar 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 referred to is IEC 61987. This deals, among other activities, with the properties of fluid sensors, which likewise incorporate pressure sensors. With ?range? and ?limit?, Dirty designates two different specification characteristics. Accordingly, the temperature range describes the span where the instrument specifications must apply ? first and foremost, the accuracy. The temperature limit, on the other hand, 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 little pedantic, makes perfect sense from a technical point of view. This could be illustrated by the next exemplory case of a pressure sensor: The instrument is supposed to provide 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 generally does not need to provide accurate measuring results, and 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 actual 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 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 absolutely necessary.
The distinction between temperature range and temperature limit pertains to both the ambient temperature and the medium temperature. Additionally it is useful for other specification characteristics, for instance overpressure.
Conclusion
Yes, there is 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 there exists a better linguistic distinction. But, I have to admit, the solution is outside my ?range?.
Note
Further information on our pressure sensors are available on the WIKA website. Do you wish to buy pressure sensors? You will find some of our standard designs inside our WIKA online-shop. If 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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