semiconductor temperature sensors

Semiconductor sensors, typically ICs or thermistors, provide higher sensitivity and linearity over moderate ranges (e.g., -50°C to 150°C), which means simpler signal conditioning and better accuracy without cold junction compensation. Thermocouples excel at very high or very low temperatures but can introduce more drift over time. In geotechnical applications where temperatures rarely swing beyond a hundred degrees, semiconductor sensors often deliver more stable and repeatable readings with less costly readout electronics.

Yes, that's a common application. We can build sensor strings with multiple semiconductor elements spaced along a cable. You specify the depths, and we pot each sensor node into a watertight assembly. The cable jacket and sealing method are chosen for the expected pressure and chemical environment. The linear nature of semiconductor sensors makes it easy to daisy-chain several units on a single bus.

You can choose housing material (stainless steel, bronze, or plastics), cable length and jacket type, connector styles, and output signal (analog voltage, 4-20 mA, or digital like RS-485). We also offer temperature ranges optimized for your site—the sensor can be factory-calibrated for a narrower span to improve accuracy. For special projects, we can even cast the sensor into concrete or attach mounting brackets for direct structural attachment.

Semiconductor sensors are solid-state and require little field maintenance beyond keeping connectors clean and checking cable integrity. For recalibration, we recommend returning the sensor to us every two years for a check against traceable standards, though many users find drift is minimal. In critical installations, you might install a redundant sensor or a small calibration chamber onsite, but for most geotechnical monitoring, the built-in stability is sufficient for the lifespan of the project.

With the proper housing and cable sealing, yes. We use hermetic welding and pressure-tested feedthroughs for submersion up to specified depths. The semiconductor element itself is enclosed in a dry, sealed chamber, so condensation isn't an issue. We've supplied sensors for dam monitoring and underwater structural studies where they've operated for years without problems.