At work engineers are using a temperature sensor with a CPU instead of a thermistor. Here is the data sheet of the device: http://www.prelectronics.com/prefiles/2202/Datablad/2202uk.pdf
I couldn't understand how a CPU makes the measurements more accurate. Thanks!
I also didnt get what is MUX doing there?
Best Answer
While I am not personally familiar with the specific product mentioned in the question, the description at that link clarifies at least some of what the microcontroller brings to the table:
In brief: A basic temperature sensor will demonstrate:
What the microcontroller enables is an output that is linearized (could be a lookup table, some parametric algorithm, or use-your-imagination) and either a current value, used in industrial current loop analog communications, or a voltage value, used in many different systems. Again, from the link:
The "Analogue standard" is with reference to industrial sensing standards.
Of course, both the linearization, and the conversion from a resistance representation of temperature to a current or voltage representation, could be done by an external device, either microcontroller based or analog. Sometimes such massaging of values is even done independently on a computer: Use of a spreadsheet for such purposes is not unknown!
However, for someone whose prime objective is to focus all available engineering time on an end product where the temperature sensing is merely an enabler, a component, devices like the one described are not overkill: How many work-hours of quality engineer time would balance out the premium paid for an industrial temperature sensing device with the flexibility described?