Temperature range and temperature limit for pressure sensors ? will there be a difference? My intuitive answer would 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 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 a difference. 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 typical designates two different specification characteristics. Accordingly, the temperature range describes the span in which the instrument specifications must apply ? first and foremost, the accuracy. The temperature limit, on the other hand, indicates the min/max values between that your instrument may be operated without damage. With this, the instrument specifications do not have to be adhered to at all.
What may sound a little pedantic, makes perfect sense from a technical perspective. This is often illustrated by the following exemplory case of a pressure sensor: The instrument is supposed to provide solid measured values at an ambient temperature range of 0 ? 100 �C. Simultaneously, the sensor must not suffer any damage at ambient temperatures between -20 �C and 0 �C. In this range, however, it generally does not have 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 comparatively large, often non-linear temperature error. Without further measures, a trusted pressure measurement would be impossible. Therefore, the maker must 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 ambient temperature and the medium temperature. Fail 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 knowledge of standards, understands it intuitively. Which inevitably leads to the question of whether there is a better linguistic distinction. But, I must admit, the solution is outside my ?range?.
Note
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