Temperature & Humidity Sensor ICs

Temperature sensor ICs are components that directly translate physical temperature into digital information, while humidity sensor ICs measure atmospheric moisture levels and convert that into digital information. RS Australia stocks over 950 temperature and humidity sensor ICs from leading brands, including STMicroelectronics, Sensirion, ams OSRAM, Renesas Electronics and RS PRO, spanning analogue and I2C digital output types in both surface-mount and through-hole formats. This broad range supports environmental monitoring, industrial automation, HVAC control, laboratory test and measurement, and any application requiring accurate, reliable temperature and humidity feedback.

Types of Temperature Sensor

Several types of temperature monitoring sensors are commonly used in electronic systems, each suited to different accuracy, range and contact requirements.

• Thermostats and thermocouples measure heat generation via voltage output, producing a millivolt signal proportional to the temperature difference at the junction. Robust and inexpensive, they cover a wide operating range and are widely used in industrial process control where extreme accuracy is not the primary requirement.
• PT100 sensors, also known as resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), measure temperature by tracking the resistance change of a platinum element. Standard PT100 elements offer accuracy of around ±0.15°C at 0°C in Class A configuration, making them the preferred choice for precision laboratory and process measurement.
• Infrared temperature sensors and thermographic cameras convert thermal radiation directly into an electrical signal, allowing non-contact measurement of moving, hot or hazardous surfaces. This makes them ideal for rotating machinery, electrical inspection, food processing and any application where physical contact is impractical or unsafe.

Types of Humidity Sensor

Three main types of humidity sensors are used in electronic systems, each offering different trade-offs between cost, accuracy and operating environment.

• Capacitive humidity sensors use a humidity-dependent dielectric layer within a capacitor structure to measure moisture content. They are the most common type of relative humidity sensor, typically offering accuracy ratings of ±2% to ±5% RH and are widely used in HVAC, air conditioning and weather monitoring equipment.
• Resistive humidity sensors measure electrical changes in conductive polymers and treated substrates as they absorb moisture from the surrounding air. Their low cost and compact form factor make them well suited to consumer appliances and high-volume applications where a basic analogue humidity sensor is sufficient.
• Thermal conductor humidity sensors measure the difference in thermal conductivity between dry and moist air. Their long-term durability and high-temperature resistance make them the preferred choice for harsh environments such as clothes dryers, ovens and industrial process equipment, with both analogue and I2C digital output variants of these humidity sensor ICs available.

Industrial Applications of Temperature and Humidity Sensors

Temperature monitoring sensors and humidity sensor ICs are deployed across virtually every sector that depends on stable environmental conditions or precise process control.

Environmental Monitoring for Sensitive Electronic Equipment and PCB Manufacture

Maintain controlled production environments to prevent condensation, ESD risk and component degradation across electronics assembly and PCB manufacture.

HVAC and Building Management Systems

Provide temperature and humidity sensor inputs to control heating, ventilation and air conditioning across commercial and residential buildings.

Laboratory Test and Measurement

Maintain the controlled conditions required by standard test methods and log environmental data alongside experimental measurements.

Industrial Automation and Process Control

Feed an industrial humidity sensor or temperature signal to PLCs and SCADA systems, supporting closed-loop process control in manufacturing.

Data Centre Temperature and Humidity Monitoring

Monitor rack-level and room-level conditions, triggering alerts or shutdowns when readings approach critical thresholds.

Cold Chain and Pharmaceutical Storage Monitoring

Provide continuous logging that demonstrates regulatory compliance and protects product integrity from manufacture through to point of use. Temperature and humidity sensors are also widely embedded across home automation and consumer IoT devices.

Buy Temperature & Humidity Sensor ICs Online from RS Australia

RS Australia is a trusted supplier and distributor of temperature and humidity sensor ICs, stocking over 950 products from leading brands including STMicroelectronics, Sensirion, ams OSRAM, Renesas Electronics and RS PRO. Our range covers analogue, I2C digital and combined temp humidity sensor variants in surface mount and through-hole formats to suit prototyping and OEM builds. Browse the full RS Australia range online, alongside our sensor ICs and semiconductors categories including pressure sensor ICs, current sensor ICs and hall effect sensor ICs. Benefit from our expert technical support and seamless online ordering with fast delivery. To get complete details on our delivery services and charges, please visit our Delivery Page.