Calibration and performance assessment of a temperature sensor prototype using a 1-point calibration procedure

This study aims to assess the relevance of 1-point calibration procedure, within the framework of the development of a new telemetric temperature sensor. The criteria used for performance assessment were the level of accuracy, and the time of inertia of the temperature sensor prototype (TSP) tested. First, the stability of the calibration bath was assessed. Then, the accuracy of 16 prototypes was evaluated for 7 target temperatures (ranging from 29 °C to 45 °C). Finally, the inertia of TSP response was evaluated while increasing and decreasing the bath temperature. The difference between prototype and target temperature increases as bath temperature moves away from 37 °C; however, the accuracy of the sensor conforms to applicable standards. Most TSP remain in the range of ±0.2 °C for each temperature level tested, but a linear, decreasing slope is observed; prototypes underestimate high temperatures and overestimate low temperatures. Data from time of inertia assessment show that probes were within the range of ±0.2 °C from the target temperature with a maximal delay of 150 s which satisfy standard norms. However, results indicate that a 1-point calibration procedure of the sensors appears non optimal, a 2-point calibration procedure should be performed to avoid the observed temperature data slope.