TMP36 Low Voltage Temperature Sensor TO-92

TMP36 Low-Voltage Temperature Sensor (TO-92) delivers accurate, low-power analog temperature sensing for embedded and hobbyist projects. Designers read its linear voltage output directly to measure ambient temperature without external calibration.

Key Features:

• Low-Voltage Operation: Operates from 2.7 V to 5.5 V for battery and microcontroller systems.
• Linear Voltage Output: Produces 10 mV/°C scale for simple ADC conversion and calculation.
• No External Calibration: Factory-calibrated output yields reliable temperature readings out of the box.
• Low Quiescent Current: Draws typically ~50 µA to minimize battery drain.
• Wide Temperature Range: Measures across a broad ambient range suitable for many applications.
• TO-92 Through-Hole Package: Fits breadboards and through-hole PCBs for prototyping and production.

Technical Specifications:

• Supply Voltage: 2.7 V to 5.5 V
• Output Scale: 10 mV per °C (V_OUT = 500 mV at 0 °C; 750 mV at 25 °C)
• Accuracy: ±2 °C typical at 25 °C (check datasheet for full accuracy table)
• Operating Temperature Range: −40 °C to +125 °C (device rating; consult datasheet for guaranteed limits)
• Quiescent Current: Typically ~50 µA
• Output Impedance: Low source impedance suitable for ADC inputs
• Response Time: Fast response for ambient temperature changes (see datasheet for time constants)

Mechanical Specifications:

• Package Type: TO-92 through-hole epoxy case
• Lead Finish: Tin-plated leads for standard soldering
• Body Material: Molded epoxy suitable for general-purpose sensors
• Mounting: Fits standard breadboards and through-hole PCBs

Dimensions:

• TO-92 Typical Body: Standard TO-92 dimensions; refer to manufacturer mechanical drawing for exact values
• Lead Spacing and Length: Standard through-hole lead spacing compatible with perfboards and PCB footprints

Pinout and Wiring:

• Pin 1 (left): V_CC — Connect to 2.7 V–5.5 V supply.
• Pin 2 (middle): V_OUT — Analog output. Read with ADC. Convert using T(°C) = (V_OUT − 500 mV) / 10 mV.
• Pin 3 (right): GND — Connect to system ground.
• Wiring Tips: Add a small bypass capacitor (0.1 µF) near V_CC for noise suppression. Place sensor away from heat sources and PCB traces to avoid self-heating errors. Use averaging in software to reduce ADC noise.

Datasheet Reference:

• Download the official TMP36 (Analog Devices/TI) datasheet for full electrical characteristics, accuracy tables, thermal data, and mechanical drawings. Search manufacturer sites for “TMP36 datasheet”.

Applications:

• Embedded Temperature Sensing: Read ambient temperature with microcontrollers and single-board computers.
• Battery-Powered Systems: Monitor temperature with minimal power draw.
• HVAC and Environmental Monitoring: Integrate into thermostats and environmental sensors.
• DIY and Prototyping: Use on breadboards for hobby projects and education.
• Industrial Controls: Use in control loops where a simple analog temperature signal suffices.

Equivalent Models:

• TMP35 / TMP37: Same family with different offsets and ranges.
• LM35: Common linear temperature sensor alternative (note: different supply and offset behavior).
• MCP9700 / MCP9701: Microchip low-voltage analog temperature sensor alternatives.

Package Includes:

• 1 x TMP36 Low-Voltage Temperature Sensor in TO-92 package