In what applications are SMD sensors used and why?

SMD (surface mount device) sensors are the solution for temperature measurement applications where  the sensor needs to be incorporated onto a printed circuit board (PCB). See this FAQ for how and why SMD’s are used on PCB’s.

Our Pt100 SMD sensor range brings all the advantages of platinum temperature sensors to applications requiring a standardized electronic format that generally needs to be as small as possible. Some specific examples include:

• data loggers where a high mounting density is needed
• safety management and monitoring applications to prevent critical electronics overheating and being damaged (the SMD sensor’s fast thermal response rate is essential for accurate readings)
• ambient air temperature measurement and controls such as in HVAC applications
• electric vehicles power plugs and chargers where  SMD sensors are often chosen because they are more compact than wired elements
• processing high voltages in power electronics where the SMD sensor protects onboard chips such as those converting high voltage  from for example a battery to an e-motor
• smart home controls for humidity, air quality and temperature control
• hospital equipment such as in ventilators

In general, SMD’s offer easy high volume electronic integration while still maintaining all the advantages of thin film platinum sensors. That is to say  they can withstand vibration while offering accuracy and excellent response time across a range of temperatures. SMD’s are competitively priced and are designed to suit  high volume automated mounting.These characteristics make  SMD’s very useful in the following industries:

• a wide range of electronics, especially where a high performance and accuracy are required. Such as automotive, aviation and medical.
• home appliances and equipment
• electric vehicles
• battery packs