Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Temperature Sensing on the Cheap

Recently I was experimenting and needed a temperature sensor in a TO-92 type package. After a little searching I discovered the Microchip MCP9700A. This sensor is a bargain at about $0.36 each in single quantities from Mouser.

The interface is dead simple. Vcc, Ground, and an output that you can hook directly to an ADC input of a micro. The part I chose measures from -40C to +125C and outputs 10 millivolts per degree. If you need Fahrenheit temperatures it's easy enough to do the conversion once you know Celsius.

I tested the sensor out with one of the Arduino boards and easily had it measuring and displaying room temperature in about hour.

73,

Tim N9PUZ

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