Temperature is the most commonly measured parameter in the world. Temperature sensors are used in instruments designed for measuring temperature. To be accurate, all temperature sensors must be calibrated against a known standard. Only short-term stability is checked during calibration. Long term stability should be monitored and determined by the user. 

Occasionally, a temperature sensor might fail during calibration. This can happen even though the temperature sensor seemed to be functioning properly prior to sending it in for calibration. This article gives some basic reasons for temperature sensor failures and offers some suggestions to ensure their accuracy and maximize their useable life. In addition, some background knowledge is given on each temperature sensor type, including basic characteristics and their limitations.

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