Abstract: An electrical temperature sensor (10) comprises a liquid crystalline material (12). First and second electrically conductive contacts (14), (16), having a spaced relationship therebetween, contact the liquid crystalline material (12). An electric property measuring device is electrically connected to the first and second contacts (14), (16) and is arranged to measure an electric property of the liquid crystalline material (12). The liquid crystalline material (12) has a transition temperature T at which it undergoes a phase change between polar and non-polar phases. The phase change between polar and non-polar phases causes a change in said electric property of the liquid crystalline material (12).

Abstract: A sensor part is provided with a printed circuit board that is made of resin and formed with a pair of electrically conductive metal patterns. Each of the pair of electrically conductive metal patterns includes: a first pattern part connected to a pair of electrodes of a temperature sensor; a second pattern part connected to a pair of conductive wires; and a connection part making a connection between the first and second pattern parts. The connection between the pair of electrodes of the temperature sensor and the first pattern part or between the pair of conductive wires and the second pattern part is made with the use of Dotite or solder.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a characteristic and a chip temperature of an LED includes a thermal conductive component. An LED chip is disposed on the thermal conductive component. A temperature control unit is connected to the thermal conductive component for providing a temperature to the thermal conductive component, and therefore providing the temperature to the LED chip via the thermal conductive component. A power-source and voltage-meter unit provides a current to the LED chip, and measures a voltage value of the LED chip. Under a measurement mode, the current is featured with a current waveform having a high current level and a low current level which are alternatively changed, for applying to the LED chip. Measurements are conducted respectively corresponding to the high current level and the low current level, and a correlation curve between the voltage and the temperature can be obtained with the results of measurement.

Abstract: A flexible circuit configured to electrically couple circuit boards is provided. The flexible circuit includes opposite circuit board mating ends and a flexible body extending therebetween. Conductive pathways extend along the body of the flexible circuit to electrically couple the circuit boards. The flexible circuit also includes a temperature sensing circuit including leads having a distal end coupled to a temperature sensor and a temperature contact located proximate to one of circuit board mating ends. The temperature sensor is located at an intermediate position along the body between the circuit board mating ends. The temperature contact is configured to deliver temperature signals from the temperature sensor representative of a local flexible circuit temperature.

Abstract: A thermistor amplifier device comprising a first amplifier and a second amplifier is provided. The first amplifier generates an analog temperature signal output based on a voltage across at least one thermistor. The second amplifier generates an offset voltage input to the first amplifier, wherein the offset voltage is based on maintaining the analog temperature signal within a predefined voltage range. The second amplifier selects the offset voltage corresponding to one of a plurality of range levels, wherein each of the plurality of range levels is associated with a temperature range of the at least one thermistor.

Abstract: A wireless temperature sensor includes an electrical conductor and a dielectric material on the conductor. The conductor is electrically unconnected and is shaped for storage of an electric field and a magnetic field. In the presence of a time-varying magnetic field, the conductor resonates to generate harmonic electric and magnetic field responses, each of which has a frequency associated therewith. The material is selected such that it experiences changes in either dielectric or magnetic permeability attributes in the presence of a temperature change. Shifts from the sensor's baseline frequency response indicate that the material has experienced a temperature change.

Abstract: A testing system for testing a temperature characteristic of a first motor includes a second motor, a controller, a driver, a load, a temperature sensor, and a temperature recorder. The controller provides a drive command for the driver to drive the second motor. The second motor drives the first motor via a coupling. A current of the first motor is determined by adjusting the resistance of the load. The temperature sensor senses the temperatures of the first motor every a determined time and sends the temperatures to the temperature recorder. The temperature recorder records and transmits the temperatures to the controller for the temperature characteristic test of the first motor.

Abstract: Provided is a plasmon resonance detector that can detect temperature change in optical devices, in which the metal structure having plasmon resonance absorption is used for the optical devices. A diode formed of a conductive substrate, an n-type semiconductor layer, an i-type semiconductor layer, a p-type semiconductor layer, an n electrode (negative electrode), a p electrode (positive electrode), an insulating film, or the like is used as a semiconductor device whose resistance value changes in accordance with temperature change. A nanochain formed by connecting a plurality of metal nanoparticles is disposed on this diode. When the nanochain is irradiated with light, the nanochain generates heat. The heat generated in the nanochain is conducted to the diode. The resistance value of the diode changes in accordance with temperature change, and thus this change is read, a temperature or an amount of heat generation of the nanochain is measured, and existence and strength of the plasmon resonance are detected.

Abstract: A method for detecting a fault of an oil temperature sensor of an automatic transmission by using a determining means for detecting the fault of the oil temperature sensor. The method includes any one or more of the steps of 1) determining the fault of the oil temperature sensor by comparing minimum and maximum output values of the oil temperature sensor in every driving mode, 2) determining the fault of the oil temperature sensor by detecting abnormal excessive increase and decrease of the oil temperature for a specific duration, 3) determining the fault the oil temperature sensor in the stuck state in the driving mode when transmission oil temperature increases, and 4) determining the fault of the oil temperature sensor by detecting the oil temperature exceeding a predetermined temperature based on the time when the engine is left at a stopped state.

Abstract: A temperature sensor includes a housing and a temperature sensing element disposed in the housing. Electrical connections may extend from the temperature sensing element through the housing and an epoxy may be disposed in the housing, wherein the epoxy may at least partially around the temperature sensing element. The epoxy may provide a thermal pathway between the sensing element and the housing and may be being flexible to accommodate different rates of thermal expansion between the temperature sensing element and the electrical connections without requiring a separate mechanical strain relief. A temperature sensor system includes a temperature sensor and a mineral insulated cable coupled to the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may be configured to be removably coupled to the mineral insulated cable via a stop flange and a sleeve coupled to the mineral insulated cable. The sleeve may be configured to provide stability and reduce vibrational stress to the temperature sensor system.

Abstract: A sensor, in particular a thermal sensor and/or gas sensor, encompassing an electrical sensor component having an electrical property whose value changes in temperature-dependent fashion, wherein the temperature-dependent electrical property is a resistance or an impedance. Thermal and electrical decoupling of the active structure from the substrate is accomplished by way of porous silicon and/or a cavity manufactured by electropolishing.

Abstract: Temperature sensors and methods of manufacturing thereof, having an intermediate stop disposed along a set of wires, the intermediate stop is secured to the set of wires such that an insulator can be properly positioned around proximal end portions of the set of wires during assembly of the temperature sensor.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a temperature sensor is provided, including a first electrode, a second electrode, a nanoporous material disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a diffusion material which is located outside the nanoporous material that is capable of diffusion into the nanoporous material. The amount of diffusion material diffusing into the nanoporous material is dependent on the temperature to which the temperature sensor is exposed. The resistance of the nanoporous material is dependent on the amount of diffusion material diffusing into the nanoporous material.

Abstract: An indication apparatus for indicating temperature status of a motherboard includes a detection module, a comparison module, a switch module, and an indication module. The detection module detects temperatures of the motherboard, and converts the detected temperatures to voltage signals. The comparison module receives the voltage signals, compares the voltage signals with a first reference voltage, and outputs control signals according to a comparison result. The switch module receives the control signals, and turns on or off according to the control signals. The indication module indicates temperature states of the motherboard when the switch module turns on or off.

Abstract: An electronic thermometer includes a temperature sensing means for sensing a temperature of a part to be measured, a prediction means fro predicting an equilibrium temperature by using the temperature being sensed, and a temperature display means having a temperature display unit. The temperature display means switches the display of the temperature display unit from the predicted temperature predicted by the prediction means to the actual measured temperature sensed by the temperature sensing means, based on a variation state of a peak of the temperature sensed by the temperature sensing means. Accordingly, a variation in displayed temperature is reduced, when the display switching is performed from the predicted temperature to the actual measured temperature, and a determination of the display switching from the predicted temperature to the actual measured temperature can be achieved by a simple circuit.

Abstract: An electronic thermometer is configured for ease and accuracy in construction. A probe of the thermometer includes a flex circuit containing electronic components used to measure temperature and transmit signals to a calculating unit of the thermometer. A resilient locator can function to pre-position the flex circuit prior to final fixation so that the electronic components are reliably positioned in manufacture.

Abstract: A sensor device includes a flexible first film that includes structured conductive traces. The sensor device also includes a probe electrically connected to the structured conductive traces. The probe is on a first surface of the first film and connected to the first surface of the first film. The sensor device also includes a flexible second film conformally surrounding the probe and sealing the probe to the first surface of first film.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement includes, in some embodiments, a magnetostrictive element configured to output magnetic signals in response to a magnetic field. A sensor is configured to sense a value of a property of a selected object, and to provide an electrical resistance that varies in response to variations in the sensed value. The sensor cooperates with the magnetostrictive element to vary the frequency of the signals output by the magnetostrictive element based on variations of the electrical resistance provided by the sensor. A transmitter provides an alternating magnetic field to the magnetostrictive element, and a receiver picks up the magnetic signals generated by the magnetostrictive element. The frequency of the signals received is correlated with the sensor resistance, and the resistance is correlated to a value of the property sensed.

Abstract: A motion guide device includes a ball nut attached onto a shaft and having helical grooves for receiving a number of ball bearing elements, and having a compartment form receiving a temperature detecting device which detects a temperature of the ball nut for preventing the ball nut from overheating, an indicating device is coupled to the temperature detecting device for generating an indicating signal when the temperature detecting device has sensed or detected that the temperature of the ball nut or the screw shaft is higher than the predetermined temperature or value, and the user may then stop working to find out what problems have been happened and thus to prevent the motion guide device from overheating.

Abstract: A temperature sensor including a housing and a temperature sensing element at least partially disposed in the housing. A particulate media, which may include a blend of differently sized particles, is disposed in the housing and at least partially surrounds the temperature sensing element. The particulate media may entrain oxygen to avoid a reducing atmosphere in said housing.

Abstract: The presently described embodiments are directed to a calibration method and system for thin film thermistors that are locally heated with integrated thin film heaters. Initially, print head temperature is either measured or referenced. Then, transient thermistor resistances are measured and used to determine the thermistor resistance at a higher temperature. Notably, this calibration method is advantageously implemented as a step of an existing process without having to expose the print heads to operating temperatures. In some implementations of the presently described embodiments, trimming of the thermistors may be required once calibrated.

Abstract: The present invention, in one embodiment, provides a method of measuring pressure or temperature using a sensor including a sensor element composed of a plurality of carbon nanotubes. In one example, the resistance of the plurality of carbon nanotubes is measured in response to the application of temperature or pressure. The changes in resistance are then recorded and correlated to temperature or pressure. In one embodiment, the present invention provides for independent measurement of pressure or temperature using the sensors disclosed herein.

Abstract: Some embodiments include apparatus and methods having a first switch, a second switch, and a circuit coupled to the first and second switches. The first switch may be configured to switch between an on-state and an off-state based on a value of a first current flowing through a number of resistors and a diode coupled in series with the resistors. The second switch may be configured to switch between the on-state and the off-state based on a value of a second current on a circuit path. The second current is a function of a voltage at a node between two of the resistors and a resistance of the circuit path. The circuit may be configured to provide a temperature reading based on the number of times the first switch or the second switch switches between the on-state and the off-state during a time interval.

Abstract: Disclosed is a design structure for an improved on-chip temperature sensing circuit, based on bolometry, which provides self calibration of the on-chip temperature sensors for ideality and an associated method of sensing temperature at a specific on-chip location. The circuit comprises a temperature sensor, an identical reference sensor with a thermally coupled heater and a comparator. The comparator is adapted to receive and compare the outputs from both the temperature and reference sensors and to drive the heater with current until the outputs match. Based on the current forced into the heater, the temperature rise of the reference sensor can be calculated, which in this state, is equal to that of the temperature sensor.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a temperature sensor includes housing, and a solid state temperature sensing device disposed within the housing. A first wiring conductor makes electrical connection from outside the housing to a first terminal of the sensing device. A second wiring conductor makes electrical connection outside the housing to a second terminal of the device. The housing is an over-molded plastic structure encapsulating the sensing device and portions of the first and second wiring conductors. The plastic structure is fabricated of a thermally conductive material. A method for fabricating a temperature sensor positioning a sensor assembly including an elongated circuit board, a solid state sensing device mounted to a tip of the circuit board, and a portion of a cable assembly electrically connected to the circuit board within a mold assembly defining a housing cavity.

Abstract: The superconductive nanocomposite is a composition formed by nanoparticles of a high temperature superconductor blended with a polymer matrix containing natural rubber and polyethylene. The high temperature superconductor is preferably a bismuth-based superconductor (BSCCO) having a particle size of about 21 nm, but may be any other high temperature or Type II ceramic, metal oxide superconductor. The superconductor nanoparticles comprise about 15% of the weight of natural rubber in the composition. The polyethylene is preferably low density polyethylene and may comprise between 0% up to about 40% of the weight of natural rubber in the composition. The nanocomposite may be prepared by blending the components and roll milling the rubber.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems and methods measuring the temperature of a device using a semiconductor temperature sensor, such as a diode. This invention allows the use of an uncalibrated diode to be used as a temperature sensor by applying a sinusoidally varying forcing current to the diode and measuring the rate of change of the voltage across the diode. Embodiments advantageously provide for a rapid, responsive temperature measuring, substantially eliminating the effect of lead resistance associated with the temperature sensor.

Abstract: Disposable, pre-sterilized, and pre-calibrated, pre-validated conductivity sensors are provided. These sensors are designed to store sensor-specific information, such as calibration and production information, in a non-volatile memory chip on the sensor. The sensors are calibrated using 0.100 molar potassium chloride (KCl) solutions at 25 degrees Celsius. These sensors may be utilize with in-line systems, closed fluid circuits, bioprocessing systems, or systems which require an aseptic environment while avoiding or reducing cleaning procedures and quality assurance variances.

Abstract: A test sensor includes a body, a first conductive trace, a second conductive trace, and a third conductive trace. The body includes a first region that has a fluid-receiving area, a second region separate from the first region, and a first temperature sensing interface disposed at or adjacent to the fluid-receiving area. The fluid-receiving area receives a sample. The first trace is disposed on the body, and at least a portion of the first trace is disposed in the first region. The second and third traces are disposed on the body. The third trace extends from the first to the second regions. The third trace is connected to the first trace at the first temperature sensing interface. The third trace includes a different material than the first trace. A first thermocouple is formed at the first temperature sensing interface. The thermocouple provides temperature data to determine an analyte concentration.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dissipating heat generated during an electrical function are disclosed. In particular, the disclosed systems and methods can be used for dissipating heat generated during low impedance measurement on a multimeter. In some embodiments, the multimeter can include a first thermistor coupled in series with a resistor in a measurement path, a second thermistor, and a switch coupled to the measurement path and the second thermistor for selectively including the second thermistor in the measurement path during a low impedance measurement.

Abstract: A total air temperature sensor includes a probe secured to a first side of a vehicle surface. The probe includes an air inlet and a temperature sensing element. Air flows into the air inlet and passes by the temperature sensing element. The temperature sensing element produces a temperature sensing element electrical signal as a function of a temperature of the air. The total air temperature sensor also includes an electronics package secured to a second side of the vehicle surface. Electronics in the electronics package receive the temperature sensing element electrical signal from the temperature sensing element and determine a total air temperature as a function of the temperature sensing element electrical signal.

Abstract: A driver circuit (10) for a light emitting diode comprises a first driver circuit (32, 32?, 32?) for generating a first current output for driving the light emitting diode, wherein the first driver circuit has a control switch for interrupting the supply of the first current output. A second driver circuit (50) is for generating a second current output for driving the light emitting diode, and the second driver circuit also has a control switch for interrupting the supply of the second current output. The overall output of the driver circuit comprises a pulse width modulated output current which alternates between a high current (Ihigh) generated by the first driver circuit and a low current (Ilow) generated by the second driver circuit. By providing separate driver circuits for two different current requirements, the circuits can be optimised for each function. For example the high current value can comprise an LED operation current, and the low current value can comprise a non-zero measurement current.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an exhaust gas feedstream flowing past a gas sensing device disposed therein. The gas sensor includes an integrated electrical heating element which provides a resistance indicative of its temperature. An unknown input observer is used to determine the exhaust gas feedstream temperature based on the heating element temperature.

Abstract: Self-Validating Thermocouple (SVT) Systems capable of detecting sensor probe open circuits, short circuits, and unnoticeable faults such as a probe debonding and probe degradation are useful in the measurement of temperatures. SVT Systems provide such capabilities by incorporating a heating or excitation element into the measuring junction of the thermocouple. By heating the measuring junction and observing the decay time for the detected DC voltage signal, it is possible to indicate whether the thermocouple is bonded or debonded. A change in the thermal transfer function of the thermocouple system causes a change in the rise and decay times of the thermocouple output. Incorporation of the excitation element does not interfere with normal thermocouple operation, thus further allowing traditional validation procedures as well.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for detecting temperature threshold events in an aftertreatment device. The system may include an aftertreatment device configured to treat an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine and a temperature responder disposed within a region of interest of the aftertreatment device. The temperature responder is configured to melt at a threshold temperature. The system may further include two access points electrically coupled to the temperature responder and an observation module configured to measure an electrical resistance value across the two access points. The observation module detects the melting of the temperature responder based on the electrical resistance value measured across the access points. In alternate embodiments the observation module is included within an engine control module (ECM) or a service tool.

Abstract: A two-terminal temperature sensor connects a first end of thermistor or other thermometer device to a first electrical terminal via an inner compression coil. A second electrical terminal is connected to a second end of the thermistor via an outer compression coil and a formed conductor. The inner compression coil and thermistor are positioned within the formed conductor. The inner compression coil and thermistor are prevented from contact with the formed conductor by an inner insulating tube. The first and second electrical contacts are mounted in a molded terminal assembly that insulates the electrical contacts from one another. The entire assembly is housed within a housing that is electrically isolated from the formed conductor and outer compression coil via an outer insulating tube and an insulating disk.

Abstract: A double temperature sensor is provided for measuring a near-surface temperature of the ambient air and the temperature of the skin surface (9). A heat flux insulation block (4) is made of an insulation material in one piece as a housing. Two temperature sensor elements (2, 3) with respective electric connections (6) belonging to them are arranged in the heat flux insulation block (4) one on top of another at spaced locations from one another and near the surface.

Abstract: A wireless temperature profiling system and the methods of making it are disclosed. The wireless temperature profiling system can include a photovoltaic substrate, a transponder, and a reader.

Abstract: A device with micromachined (a.k.a. MEMS, Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) silicon sensor to measure gas or liquid concentration in a binary mixture formality is disclosed in the present invention. A process for fabricating the said MEMS silicon concentration sensor, which thereby can greatly reduce the sensor fabrication cost by a batch production, is revealed as well. This MEMS process can mass-produce the sensors on silicon substrate in the ways of small size, low power, and high reliability. In addition to the gas or liquid concentration measurement, the present invention further discloses that the said sensor can also readily measure gas or liquid mass flow rate while record the concentration data, which is not viable by other related working principle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an irreversible temperature sensor for measuring a peak exposure temperature. The apparatus is fabricated by printing an admixture of conductive nanoparticles on a dielectric substrate to form a film. The film has an electrical resistance that is inversely proportional to the exposure temperature. The electrical resistance also irreversibly decreases as the exposure temperature of the film increases. A portion of the film is exposed to a pulse of electromagnetic energy sufficient to render it substantially more electrically conductive than the portion that was not exposed. In use, the peak exposure temperature is determined by measuring the electrical resistance of the non-altered portion of the film and the electrical resistance of the portion that was exposed to the pulse of electromagnetic energy, and subtracting the electrical resistance of the altered portion from the electrical resistance of the portion that was not altered, to provide a difference value.

Abstract: An exemplary temperature measurement device includes a reference voltage source, a three-wire thermal resistor, a voltage drop amplifier, an operational amplifier and compensation resistors. By using connecting wires with resistance values of the compensation resistors, a relation between an output signal and a resistance of the thermal resistor gives rise to a monotonous function, which is independent of the resistances of the connecting wires. After A/D conversation of an output signal, the resistance of the thermal resistor and a temperature can be calculated based on known functions. Therefore, within an entire measurement range and any length of cable, an influence of the wire resistances can be compensated without switches or jumpers.

Abstract: A sensor diagnostic method, such as to determine rationality of one of three temperature sensors used in an exhaust aftertreatment system, includes determining the temperature difference between the first and second sensor, determining the temperature difference between the second and third sensor, determining whether the temperature differences are within an acceptable threshold range and comparing the two temperature differences to determine which sensor is in error, if any.

Abstract: An object comprising a body part having an electrically insulating outer surface part, and a first layer arranged on the outer surface part. The first layer is formed by one or more electrically conducting materials and defines one or more conducting paths between a first area of the outer surface part and a second area of the outer surface part. Thereby electrical signals may be transferred between the first and second area parts. The layer further defines a sensing device, which is thereby embedded into the object. The object is provided with a threaded portion defining an outer thread. Thereby the object may easily be fitted into an opening having a mating inner thread. The object may be in the form of an ordinary bolt with a sensing device embedded in a surface part thereof.

Abstract: In a process temperature transmitter, a method for providing a process temperature output is described. The method includes providing a measurement current through a circuit including a reference resistor and a resistance temperature device (RTD). A first voltage across the reference resistor is measured while the measurement current flows through it. A first voltage across the RTD is also measured while the measurement current flows through it. A first resistance of the RTD is calculated based on the measured voltage across the reference resistor and the measured first voltage. A first process temperature output is provided based on the first resistance of the RTD. A second voltage is subsequently measured across the RTD while a measurement current flows through it. A second voltage across the reference resistor is then estimated based on the measured second voltage across the RTD and the measured first voltage across the reference resistor.

Abstract: In a temperature sensor having a temperature sensitive element, a sheath pin connected to the temperature sensitive element, and a cover case. The cover case, filled with a filler, accommodates the temperature sensitive element and the sheath pin. A hardening temperature of the filler is not less than an actual usage environment of the temperature sensor. Another temperature sensor has a temperature sensitive element exposed at a high temperature of not less than 750° C., a thermistor element, a sheath pin, an anti-vibration filler, and a metal cover case fixed to an end part of the sheath pin. The metal cover case accommodates the sheath pin and the thermistor element. The filler is made of a porous insulation material having a pore ratio within a range of 30 to 70% and filled around the thermistor element in the metal cover case.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an arrangement of sensor elements for measuring the temperature in automation systems, for example. The sensor elements are integrated in a sensor head in such a manner so as to be coupled together with a medium to be measured. With the same electrical properties, the sensor elements differ in terms of at least one physical, non-electrical property. This can be achieved by means of structural measures on the sensor head and by means of a particular nature of the sensor element itself. This may involve different fillers in which the sensor elements are embedded.

Abstract: A detector and a method for determining the presence of a fluid are disclosed. The detector comprises a probe having a thermistor with the probe being arranged to be exposed to a fluid and to allow thermal flow between the thermistor and the fluid, a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the thermistor and a controller. The controller is arranged to supply electrical power to the thermistor when it is below a predetermined temperature to heat it up and to turn off the supply of electrical power to the thermistor when it is at or above the predetermined temperature. The presence or identity of a fluid exposed to the probe is determined based on the proportion of time that power is supplied to the thermistor to maintain it substantially at the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A method and circuit are provided for estimating the temperature in an internal combustion engine. The method includes, but is not limited to the steps of providing a sensor resistor (RTD) in the internal combustion engine, the sensor resistor (RTD) having a predetermined resistance-temperature characteristic, and estimating the temperature based on the resistance-temperature characteristic.

Abstract: A temperature measurement circuit includes a diode including a pair of terminals between which a constant voltage is applied and passing therethrough a current that changes depending on a temperature; and a temperature detection section that detects the temperature based on the current passing through the diode. The temperature measurement circuit measures the temperature with a higher accuracy.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a thermometer is provided. The method includes deriving values of at least two different reference calibration coefficients of a reference calibration equation. The reference calibration equation relates temperature of a reference temperature sensor to at least two different calibration coefficients and a measured characteristic of the reference temperature sensor. A primary temperature sensor of the thermometer is calibrated using the derived values of the at least two different reference calibration coefficients. In another method for calibrating a thermometer, value of at least one reference calibration coefficient is derived from a reference calibration equation. The reference calibration equation is a non-linear equation relating the temperature of the reference temperature sensor to the at least one calibration coefficient and a measured characteristic of the reference temperature sensor.