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TEMPERATURE SENSORS -
THERMOCOUPLES

THERMOCOUPLES

Minco thermocouples stand out as a superior temperature sensor choice due to their exceptional quality, precision, and reliability across a wide range of applications. Whether in industrial processes, scientific research, or other temperature-sensitive applications, Minco thermocouples have earned a reputation for being the best option, providing unmatched performance and contributing to the overall efficiency of diverse systems. Customers can purchase in-stock thermocouples or partner with Minco to create a custom thermocouple manufactured to their specific needs.

type k thermocouple

What is a thermocouple

A thermocouple consists of two wires of dissimilar metals welded together into a junction. At the other end of the signal wires, usually as part of the input instrument, is another junction called the reference junction, which is electronically compensated for its ambient temperature. Heating the sensing junction generates a thermoelectric potential (emf) proportional to the temperature difference between the two junctions. This millivolt-level emf, when compensated for the known temperature of the reference junction, indicates the temperature at the sensing tip. Thermocouples are simple and familiar. Designing them into systems, however, is complicated by the need for special extension wires and reference junction compensation.

thermocouple Temperature Sensor Tables in °C and °F

ADVANTAGES OF A THERMOCOUPLE

Thermocouple advantages include:

  • Extremely high temperature capability: Thermocouples with precious metal junctions may be rated as high as 1800°C (3272°F).
  • Ruggedness: The inherent simplicity of thermocouples makes them resistant to shock and vibration.
  • Small size/fast response: A fine-wire thermocouple junction takes up little space and has low mass, making it suitable for point sensing and fast response. Note, however, that many Minco RTDs have time constants faster than equivalent thermocouples.

HOW DOES A THERMOCOUPLE WORK

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LOOKING FOR A CUSTOMIZED SENSING SOLUTION?

Half of the sensors we produce are custom engineered designs developed for challenging applications. Our Engineers are ready to help.

INTERESTED IN A STANDARD PART?

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NOT SURE WHICH MINCO PRODUCTS FIT YOUR APPLICATION?

ABOUT MINCO

For more than 60 years, Minco has designed and manufactured heating, flex circuit, temperature sensing and instrumentation solutions for some of the world’s most demanding applications.

PRODUCTS

Address a specific design challenge or customize fully integrated solutions with Minco’s proven product lines.

Thermal performance for standard and custom use cases — from environment stabilization to faster thermal cycling.

Accurately sense and measure temperature, humidity and fluid levels across a wide range of applications.

Achieve new design freedom with flex circuit solutions that improve reliability in a condensed package size.

System-matched controllers complement Minco sensors and heaters to deliver improved system accuracy.

Leverage decades of engineering expertise to design integrated solutions that enhance performance and reduce cost.
Learn more about Minco’s approach to design innovation – and consider joining the team.