Digital temperature sensor

DS1B18 20-wire temperature probes

DS18B20 is the 1-Wire interface of temperature probe manufactured by Dallas Semiconductor Corp. The unique 1-wire interface requires only one digital pin for two-way communication with a microcontroller.

The temperature measurement sensor generally comes in two forms: 

• The one that comes in the TO-92 package looks exactly like an ordinary transistor.
• The other in a waterproof probe style which may be more useful, since it facilitates remote temperature taking, underwater or under the ground.

DS18B20 temperature sensor type

The DS18B20 Digital Temperature Probe is quite accurate and does not require any external components to operate. It can measure temperatures from -55°C to +125°C with a measurement accuracy of ±0,5°C.

The resolution of the measurement probe is user configurable to 9, 10, 11 or 12 bits. However, the default power-on resolution is 12 bits (i.e. an accuracy of 0,0625°C).

This measuring instrument can be powered with a 3 V to 5,5 V supply and consumes only 1 mA during active temperature conversions.

Here are the full specifications of the DS18B20 digital temperature sensor:

DS18B20 multiple on one bus

One of the biggest advantages of DS18B20 is that multiple DS18B20s can coexist on the same 1 wire bus. As each DS18B20 has a unique 64-bit serial code engraved at the factory, it is easier to tell them apart from each other.

This feature can be a huge advantage when you want to control many DS18B20s spread over a large area.

Here is a summary of the most relevant specifications of the DS18B20 digital temperature sensor:

• This meter communicates via one-wire bus communication Power supply range: 3,0 V to 5,5 V
• The operating temperature range: -55ºC to + 125ºC Accuracy +/- 0,5 degrees celsius (between the measurement range -10ºC and 85ºC)