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Arduino Temperature Measurements

Hot or Cold

There are numerous ways to measure temperature using an Arduino. They run the gamut from thermocouples to solid state devices.

The key is in understanding your range requirements, necessary accuracy, and the size of your wallet.

The articles below introduce you to several of the transducers available. In nearly all of them you will be provided with sketches, pin outs and drawings.


TMP36 Pin Out Diagram

TMP36 Arduino Manual and Tutorial

Using the TMP36, you can make a reasonably accurate and low cost thermometer with your Arduino. Measuring temperature with a micro-controller doesn’t get much easier.

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LM35 Pinouts

LM35 Arduino Manual and Arduino Tutorial

The LM35 is usually a little cheaper, a little more accurate and simpler to implement than the TMP36. If you don’t need measurements below freezing, this could be the way to go. Another key feature is that you can use a higher voltage as a power source. This can be quite handy in some applications.

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MAX6675 K TC Module

MAX6675 Arduino K Thermocouple Module Manual and Tutorial

The K Thermocouple is a temperature sensor that will allow you to measure some really hot stuff. Using the MAX6675 Arduino Temperature Module, you can do just that. Includes everything you need to get yours working.

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MAX31855 Temperature Module

MAX31855 Arduino K Thermocouple Module Manual and Tutorial

This is a little different than the MAX6675. For one, it can measure a greater range. About the only drawback is that you will require a level shifter. This manual provides you everything you need to get started.

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DS18B20 Temp Sensor

DS18B20 Arduino User Manual and Tutorials

This device is a little different than others. It not only provides one of the more accurate measurements, it has functionality not found in other temperature sensors. The drawback is that it can be a little more complicated to use.

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