Published 2025-12-23
Digital sensors – how they work and why they simplify your work
Digital sensors are becoming increasingly common in metrology. But what exactly is a digital sensor, how does it work and what are its practical benefits? Here we cover the basics.
What is a digital sensor?
A digital sensor is a sensor that measures, for example, temperature or humidity and sends the measured values as digital information to an instrument or a data logger. The sensor processes the measurement data itself and sends ready-to-use values, providing fast and reliable readings in the instrument. Analog sensors instead send a continuous current or voltage signal that the instrument must interpret.
Why do digital sensors provide better accuracy?
What makes digital sensors particularly accurate is that both the measurement and the interpretation take place in the sensor. With analog sensors, accuracy is determined by both the instrument and the sensor, and measurement data can be affected by electrical noise or voltage drops on the way to the instrument before the signal is interpreted. Because digital sensors send ready-to-use values, measurements remain stable all the way from sensor to instrument.
Digital technology also allows for higher resolution, often with more decimal places. The result is more reliable and comparable measurements, reducing the need to re-measure.
What are the main benefits of digital sensors?
- Easy integration and more stable measurement
The instrument automatically recognizes the sensor type and receives ready-to-use measurement values directly. This provides higher accuracy and reduces the risk of both misalignment and incorrect readings. - Flexibility
Digital transducers can be seamlessly integrated into instruments and measurement systems that support different transducer types or multiple measurement channels. Most of Testo’s digital transducers use the same type of connector, making it easy to connect and switch between different transducer types in the same instrument. - Easy identification
Digital sensors have unique serial numbers, which simplifies tracking and management of the measuring equipment. Each transducer is calibrated as a separate unit and has its own calibration document (easily accessed by scanning a QR code on the transducer once it has been calibrated with us). - Calibrate without pausing measurements
Since digital sensors are calibrated separately, you can send the sensor for calibration without having to send the entire instrument. Therefore, by replacing the sensor, you can continue your measurements even when a sensor needs calibration.
Measuring instruments for digital sensors
testo 400 – advanced multi-instrument for temperature, ventilation, indoor climate, etc.
A versatile and advanced climate instrument that, together with a comprehensive range of precision sensors, streamlines measurements of temperature, humidity, air flow, pressure, CO₂, lux and differential pressure, among others.
With testo 400 you always have an assistant at your side. The more demanding the measurement task, the more support you get through intelligent help functions for measuring and evaluating the results. You can also manage customer data directly in the instrument.
Read more about testo 400
testo 440/440 dP – multi-instrument for temperature, ventilation, indoor climate, etc.
The testo 440 and 440 dP automatically identify connected sensors, so you do not have to manually reset measurement parameters when you change sensor. In addition, you can continue to measure with the instrument and other sensors when you send in a digital sensor for calibration.
The instruments have clear measurement menus for, among other things, volume flow in ducts and air diffusers, and measure parameters such as temperature, humidity, air velocity, CO₂, lux, etc. The measurement results can be exported as Excel files via USB or printed directly. testo 440 dP also has an integrated differential pressure sensor. Both instruments can be used with a high-accuracy sensor (±0.05 °C).
Read more about testo 440 dP
Read more about testo 440
testo 110/110 Food – temperature meter with app connection
Easy to use and highly accurate – the compact testo 110 temperature meter delivers reliable results in everyday work.
With NTC or Pt100 sensors, the testo 110 covers a wide range of measurement tasks and provides measurement results with very high precision. Measured values can be displayed and documented in the testo Smart app. The instrument is particularly suitable for rapid temperature measurements in laboratories and food environments, for example, and as a reference instrument.
Read more about testo 110
Read more about testo 110 Food, for food inspections
Contact persons
CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SALES
Amanda Lööv Miljevic
Area of responsibility: Industry, Food, Life Science
amanda.loovmiljevic@nordtec.se
031-704 10 75
031-704 10 70
