Thermocouple vs. Thermopile — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 8, 2023
A thermocouple is a sensor for measuring temperature by using two different metals, while a thermopile is a set of thermocouples connected in series or parallel to amplify the voltage or current.
Difference Between Thermocouple and Thermopile
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Key Differences
Thermocouples are commonly used in a wide variety of applications ranging from industrial to household use, like in gas appliances and temperature controllers. Thermopiles find more specialized uses, often in applications that require highly accurate temperature measurements, like in infrared sensors, gas analyzers, and radiometers.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 08, 2023
In terms of construction, thermocouples are relatively simpler and more straightforward, often requiring no external power source to function. Thermopiles can be more complex due to their multiple thermocouple connections and may sometimes require an external power source or built-in amplification circuits for improved performance.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 08, 2023
A thermocouple is essentially a temperature sensor that consists of two different types of metals joined together at one end. When this junction experiences a temperature difference, a voltage is generated, which can be measured to determine the temperature. A thermopile, on the other hand, is a collection of thermocouples that are connected in series or parallel, primarily to amplify the generated voltage for better accuracy.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 08, 2023
Both thermocouples and thermopiles are durable and can withstand extreme conditions, but thermopiles generally offer higher sensitivity and accuracy because of the amplified output. However, thermocouples are typically faster in response time due to their simpler structure, which is a critical factor in certain applications.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 08, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Definitions
Thermocouple
A thermocouple is a temperature sensor made of two dissimilar metals.
The thermocouple in the oven regulates the internal temperature.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 08, 2023
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Thermopile
A thermopile is an assembly of thermocouples connected in series or parallel.
The thermopile in the infrared sensor increased the output voltage.
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Sep 08, 2023
Thermocouple
Thermocouples are known for their fast response time.
The thermocouple quickly detected the sudden drop in temperature.
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Sep 08, 2023
Thermopile
Thermopiles amplify the voltage or current for accurate measurements.
The thermopile's amplified signal made the reading more precise.
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Sep 08, 2023
Thermocouple
Thermocouples generate voltage based on temperature differences.
The thermocouple produced a higher voltage as the heat increased.
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Sep 08, 2023
Thermopile
Thermopiles are commonly used in specialized scientific instruments.
The gas analyzer's thermopile ensures highly accurate measurements.
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Sep 08, 2023
Thermocouple
Thermocouples are used in various industries for temperature control.
Thermocouples in factories maintain optimal operating conditions.
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Sep 08, 2023
Thermopile
Thermopiles often require an external power source.
The thermopile in the radiometer is powered externally for better performance.
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Sep 08, 2023
Thermocouple
Thermocouples are often used in household appliances.
The thermocouple in the water heater ensures a constant supply of hot water.
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Sep 08, 2023
Thermopile
Thermopiles offer higher sensitivity than single thermocouples.
The thermopile detected even the smallest temperature changes.
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Sep 08, 2023
Thermocouple
A thermocouple is an electrical device consisting of two dissimilar electrical conductors forming an electrical junction. A thermocouple produces a temperature-dependent voltage as a result of Seebeck effect, and this voltage can be interpreted to measure temperature.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 16, 2019
Thermopile
A thermopile is an electronic device that converts thermal energy into electrical energy. It is composed of several thermocouples connected usually in series or, less commonly, in parallel.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 16, 2019
Thermocouple
A thermoelectric device for measuring temperature, consisting of two wires of different metals connected at two points, a voltage being developed between the two junctions in proportion to the temperature difference.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 16, 2019
Thermopile
A set of thermocouples arranged for measuring small quantities of radiant heat.
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Jan 16, 2019
Thermocouple
A thermoelectric device used to measure temperatures accurately, especially one consisting of two dissimilar metals joined so that a potential difference generated between the points of contact is a measure of the temperature difference between the points.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 16, 2019
Thermopile
A device consisting of a number of thermocouples connected in series or parallel, used for measuring temperature or generating current.
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Jan 16, 2019
Thermocouple
(physics) A transducer consisting of two different metals welded together at each end; a voltage is produced that is proportional to the difference in temperature between the two junctions (one of which is normally held at a known temperature)
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Jan 16, 2019
Thermopile
(electronics) An electronic device that converts thermal energy into electrical energy. Usually constructed using a series-combination of thermocouples
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Jan 16, 2019
Thermopile
An instrument of extreme sensibility, used to determine slight differences and degrees of heat. It is composed of alternate bars of antimony and bismuth, or any two metals having different capacities for the conduction of heat, connected with an astatic galvanometer, which is very sensibly affected by the electric current induced in the system of bars when exposed even to the feeblest degrees of heat.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 16, 2019
Thermocouple
A kind of thermometer consisting of two wires of different metals that are joined at both ends; one junction is at the temperature to be measured and the other is held at a fixed lower temperature; the current generated in the circuit is proportional to the temperature difference
Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 16, 2019
Thermopile
A kind of thermometer for measuring heat radiation; consists of several thermocouple junctions in series
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Jan 16, 2019
FAQs
What is the basic function of a thermocouple?
A thermocouple measures temperature.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 08, 2023
How are thermocouples and thermopiles different?
A thermocouple is a single unit, while a thermopile is an assembly of thermocouples.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 08, 2023
What is the basic function of a thermopile?
A thermopile amplifies temperature measurements.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 08, 2023
Which is more complex, a thermocouple or a thermopile?
A thermopile is more complex.
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Sep 08, 2023
Do thermopiles require an external power source?
They may require one for improved performance.
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Sep 08, 2023
Can thermocouples and thermopiles be used together?
Yes, thermopiles often consist of multiple thermocouples.
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Sep 08, 2023
Where are thermocouples commonly used?
In industrial and household applications.
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Sep 08, 2023
Do thermocouples and thermopiles work on the same principle?
Yes, both work on the principle of thermoelectricity.
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Sep 08, 2023
Which is more sensitive, a thermocouple or a thermopile?
A thermopile is more sensitive.
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Sep 08, 2023
Are both durable and capable of working in extreme conditions?
Yes, both are durable and can work in extreme conditions.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 08, 2023
Are thermopiles accurate in measurement?
Yes, they offer higher accuracy than thermocouples.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 08, 2023
Where are thermopiles commonly used?
In specialized scientific instruments.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 08, 2023
Are thermocouples fast in response time?
Yes, they are generally faster than thermopiles.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 08, 2023
How many thermocouples are in a thermopile?
It varies but usually multiple for amplification purposes.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 08, 2023
Author Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content editor at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.