To my understanding, ambient temperature is the temperature of the surrounding area while the unit being worked on is powered. While operating temperature is the temperature of the unit itself under heat and power.
I have seen many different explanations online, and most seem to contradict themselves. If the operating temperature of a unit has a maximum of 100°C, then does that mean the chip/components inside the unit can only operate at a max of 100°C? So that should be taken into consideration when adjusting the temperature of the oven. If so, is the only difference between ambient temperature and storage temperature that there is power being delivered to the unit?
Best Answer
Generally the "Operating Temperature" is listed as a MAXIMUM or a range. That means you should not operate the equipment or device outside those bounds or you risk damage or the device not performing according to specs. In my opinion "Ambient" is the same although different manufacturers may have different definitions for this. Here it pays to read their documentation carefully if you are going to be approaching these limits.
"Storage Temp." is also often given as a range and states the limits at which the device or equipment should be stored. Outside that range may cause damage.