Temperature range and temperature limit for pressure sensors ? is there an improvement? Frightening would be: Yes! The first term describes a section and the second its border. On second glance, however, I must conclude that both words ultimately express a similar thing in relation to temperatures: Range and limit are defined by way of 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 activities, with the properties of fluid sensors, which also include pressure sensors. With ?range? and ?limit?, the standard 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 which the instrument could be operated without damage. With this, the instrument specifications do not have to be adhered to at all.
What may sound a bit pedantic, makes perfect sense from a technical point of view. This is often illustrated by the next example of a pressure sensor: The instrument is supposed to provide solid measured values at an ambient temperature selection 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 does not have 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 specific measuring components, exhibit a comparatively large, often non-linear temperature error. Without further measures, a reliable pressure measurement would be impossible. Therefore, the maker has to compensate for the temperature so as to bring the error right down to a satisfactory level. From an economic point of view, 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 ambient temperature and the medium temperature. Additionally it is used for other specification characteristics, for instance overpressure.
Conclusion
Yes, there exists 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 have to admit, the solution is outside my ?range?.
Note
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