There are lots of simpler ways, they're just less accurate. Bill's
right about thermistors, especially if you're interested in working near
a single temperature. Junctions aren't in the same class, because
parameters like doping density and beta aren't as well controlled. IC
temperature sensors have crappy thermal time constants, their
temperatures are dominated by conduction through the leads (which is
sometimes what you want, but often not), and for accurate temperature
control, they're strictly in the "just keep banging the rocks together,
guys" class. (*)
Mixed technology wins again.
For slightly wider ranges, platinum RTDs are all the go, especially if
you pulse the excitation so you can use a higher voltage without
horrible self-heating.
But AFAIK nobody makes thermistors with built-in I2C or one-wire or
whatever the OP is looking for. So ICs are probably useful for
something after all.
Cheers
Phil Hobbs
(*) "So a big hello to all intelligent life-forms everywhere, and to
anybody else, the secret is just keep banging the rocks together, guys."
-- Douglas Adams, "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy"
--
Dr Philip C D Hobbs
Principal Consultant
ElectroOptical Innovations LLC
Optics, Electro-optics, Photonics, Analog Electronics
160 North State Road #203
Briarcliff Manor NY 10510 USA
+1 845 480 2058
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