By Texas Instruments 147
Texas Instruments' LM335 series are precision, easily-calibrated, integrated circuit temperature sensors. Operating as a 2-terminal Zener, the LM335 has a breakdown voltage directly proportional to absolute temperature at 10 mV/°K. With less than 1 Ω dynamic impedance, the device operates over a current range of 400 µA to 5 mA with virtually no change in performance. When calibrated at 25°C, the LM335 has typically less than 1°C error over a 100°C temperature range. Unlike other sensors, the LM335 has a linear output.
Applications for the LM335 include almost any type of temperature sensing over a -40°C to +100°C temperature range. The low impedance and linear output make interfacing to readout or control circuitry are especially easy.