Application of Temperature Sensors in Portable Medical Devices

Application Background

    With the miniaturization of smart medical devices, portable systems such as forehead thermometers, insulin pumps, and ECG monitors increasingly require accurate temperature sensing. Temperature sensors play a critical role in ensuring operational safety and providing environmental context for physiological data collection.

Technical Advantages

    Modern temperature sensors offer compact size, fast thermal response, and analog or digital output formats, making them well-suited for high-density PCB integration. Their low power consumption and excellent long-term stability also make them ideal for continuous operation in medical electronics.

Design Notes

    Recommended practices include selecting high B-value NTC thermistors for better resolution at low temperatures, using RC filters with ADCs for analog signal acquisition, isolating the sensor from heat sources, and applying thermal adhesives for better contact. Digital calibration algorithms can achieve up to ±0.3°C accuracy, suitable for medical-grade applications.

Use Case

    In a portable patient monitoring system, temperature sensors monitor battery temperature for safety while providing ambient temperature compensation for vital sign measurements such as heart rate and SpO₂, improving accuracy.

Temperature Sensors | Medical Monitoring | Thermistors | Portable Device Thermal Control | NTC Sensors