GUILCOR / SENSOR TECHNOLOGIES
Explore resistance sensors, thermocouples and digital interfaces. Connect the measurement you need with the input your system supports.
FIND YOUR STARTING POINT
A replacement, a new design or a digital integration starts with a different question. Choose your situation to find the useful next step.
Start with the existing sensor and the input your controller accepts. Keep the electrical reference, wiring and mechanical fit together.
Compare the measurement principle around your temperature interval, required accuracy and installation conditions.
Start with the host interface, then check the exact device and its sensing function. An interface name alone does not identify a compatible part.
Not sure which route applies?Start with the application details →
01 / PRACTICAL INPUT GUIDE
Start with the input you already have.
Choose the connection documented by your controller or acquisition module. The guide shows the relevant family and the information needed to specify it.
A temperature range alone cannot identify a compatible sensor. Also check the electrical reference, installation and required accuracy.
This is a specification guide. It does not select a product or confirm interchangeability.
Find the controller or acquisition-module reference before choosing a replacement. A matching connector alone does not establish electrical compatibility.
02 / SENSING PRINCIPLES
A metal sensing element with a specified resistance–temperature characteristic. Match the material, nominal resistance and curve.
Pt100, Pt1000, nickel and copper references
Explore RTD →Resistance decreases as temperature rises. The nominal resistance and the curve together define the electrical reference.
Confirm R/T data and tolerance
Explore NTC →Resistance increases with temperature. Distinguish measurement devices from parts intended for threshold detection or protection.
Confirm the intended circuit function
Explore PTC →Two dissimilar conductors produce a thermoelectric voltage. Match the type, polarity and reference-junction compensation.
Confirm cable and connector compatibility
Explore Thermocouple →03 / DIGITAL CONNECTIONS
These names describe communication, not the sensing material. A digital device may measure temperature itself or convert a separate sensing element.
One data line plus a common ground. Supply arrangements, addressing and network design depend on the device.
Explore 1-Wire →A clock and data bus. Match supply levels, address, pull-ups and the device register map.
Explore I²C →A clocked interface with device selection. Match logic levels, clock mode and data format.
Explore SPI →Asynchronous communication. Confirm the physical interface, framing and application protocol.
Explore UART / serial →An identical interface name does not guarantee an interchangeable device. RS-232 and RS-485 require the corresponding electrical interface; they are not interchangeable with a logic-level UART connection.
04 / THE RTD FAMILY
A family of resistance sensors, with distinct electrical references.
Pt100 and Pt1000 are platinum RTDs. Other references use different nominal resistances or materials. Match the exact sensor curve to the instrument; a shared resistance value at one temperature is not enough.
Understand RTD selection →05 / COMPARE THE REQUIREMENTS
| Family | What the input reads | Define before selecting |
|---|---|---|
| RTD | Resistance | Material, nominal resistance, reference temperature, curve and wire configuration. |
| NTC | Resistance decreasing with temperature | Nominal resistance, reference temperature, R/T characteristic and tolerance. |
| PTC | Resistance increasing with temperature | Measurement or protection function; curve or switching characteristic. |
| Thermocouple | Thermoelectric voltage | Type, polarity, reference-junction compensation and wiring materials. |
| Digital sensor / interface | Digital data | Measurement function, electrical bus, power, commands and data format. |
Temperature range, accuracy, response time and environmental resistance belong to the selected device and complete assembly. There is no single universal rating for a whole family.
06 / PREPARE YOUR SPECIFICATION
Operating and peak temperatures, required system accuracy, response conditions and calibration requirements.
Controller reference, available input, excitation or supply, lead length, conductor arrangement and connector pinout.
Medium, probe dimensions, insertion depth, mounting or process connection, sealing, vibration and cable routing.
Required drawing, quantity and documentation. Identify any approvals that the selected assembly must carry.
07 / FREQUENT QUESTIONS
The sensing element provides the temperature-dependent signal. A probe is the complete assembly around it: sheath, mounting, cable, connector and possibly electronics. Both need to suit the application.
Not as a direct substitution on the basis of resistance alone. The electrical curves and input requirements differ. Confirm whether the measurement system supports the alternative and how it must be configured.
No. The interface transports data. Accuracy also depends on the sensing device, conversion, installation and operating conditions.
No. Some support temperature measurement and others are intended for switching or protection. Use the device characteristic and the receiving circuit specification.
Provide the existing sensor and controller references, wiring details, temperature interval and probe dimensions. Include a drawing or photograph when identification is uncertain.
Confirm the complete sensor-to-instrument design. Lead effects, interference and the supported communication topology differ. Cable length alone is not enough to choose a family.
GUILCOR / YOUR APPLICATION
Share your operating conditions, controller input and installation drawing so the sensing technology and probe assembly can be reviewed together.
Discuss your application ↗Technical reading · Device-specific ratings and integration requirements remain defined by the selected datasheet.
TI — Temperature sensing overviewAnalog Devices — SPI and I²CAnalog Devices — DS18B20 / 1-Wire