What are Thermocouples?
A thermocouple is made of two dissimilar metals that are welded together. The reference junction is typically part of the instrumentation and the opposite junction is called the sensing junction. When the sensing junction is heated, the opposing metals create a known thermoelectric effect proportional to the temperature difference between the two junctions. By compensating for the known temperature of the reference junction, the temperature at the sensing junction can be determined. Different calibration types provide differing thermoelectric effects for differing temperatures and environments. Because of the cold point compensation and special extension wires, designing thermocouples into systems can be complicated. *Extremely high temperature range Thermocouples can be rated as high as 1700C *Ruggedness The inherent simplicity of thermocouples allow them to withstand extreme shock and vibration. *Small size/fast response Thermocouples with exposed or grounded junctions offer nearly i
