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A temperature sensor is a device that measures temperature. It converts thermal energy into an electrical signal, which can then be processed, displayed, or used to control other devices. Different types of temperature sensors exist, each with its own operating principles and applications.

One common type is the thermocouple. It consists of two dissimilar metals joined at one end, called the sensing junction. When this junction is heated or cooled, a voltage is produced proportional to the temperature difference between the sensing junction and the reference junction. Thermocouples are widely used in industrial applications due to their wide temperature range and robustness.

Another type is the thermistor. These are resistors whose resistance changes significantly with temperature. Thermistors are typically made of semiconductor materials. They can be either negative temperature coefficient (NTC), where resistance decreases as temperature increases, or positive temperature coefficient (PTC), where resistance increases with temperature. Thermistors are known for their high sensitivity and are often used in applications requiring precise temperature measurement, such as in medical devices or consumer electronics.

Resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) are also a type of temperature sensor. They are based on the principle that the electrical resistance of a pure metal increases with temperature in a predictable way. Platinum is the most common material for RTDs due to its stability and accuracy over a wide temperature range. RTDs are generally more accurate and stable than thermocouples and thermistors but are also more expensive and less robust.

In addition to these, semiconductor-based sensors, such as integrated circuit (IC) sensors, are also widely used. These sensors often contain a transistor or diode whose electrical characteristics are temperature-dependent. They are typically small, inexpensive, and easy to interface with microcontrollers, making them popular for a variety of applications. The choice of temperature sensor depends heavily on the specific requirements of the application, including the temperature range, accuracy, response time, cost, and environmental conditions.