Abstract: A threshold value is stored in a CPU using setting switches. When a fluid is introduced into a flow passage, it lowers the temperature of a first thermistor heated by a regulated constant-current source, increasing the output voltage of the first thermistor. A second thermistor outputs a voltage corresponding to the temperature of the fluid. A differential amplifier outputs a differential voltage between the output voltages of the first and second thermistors, and the differential voltage is converted by an A/D converter into a digital voltage that is applied to a CPU. The CPU refers to a data table stored in a memory to determine a flow rate of the fluid based on the digital differential voltage. When the determined flow rate is greater than the threshold value, the CPU turns on transistors to energize loads as external devices. When the determined flow rate is smaller than the threshold value, the CPU turns off transistors to de-energize loads.