Self-verifying temperature sensor

A sensor element in a self-verifying temperature sensor, the sensor element comprising:

• a first temperature-dependent element having a first failure mode;
• a second temperature-dependent element having a second failure mode;
• and
• an impedance element having a third failure mode;
• wherein the first and second temperature-dependent elements and the impedance element are electrically connected and collectively produce a data signature defining a verifiable temperature.

A method of measuring a system temperature utilizing a self-verifying temperature sensor, the method comprising the steps of:

• obtaining a primary data signature from a primary sensor;
• obtaining a secondary data signature from a secondary sensor;
• determining a primary system temperature from the primary data signature;
• determining a calibration reference from the secondary data signature;
• and
• comparing the primary system temperature to the calibration reference to obtain a verified system temperature.

A method of measuring a system temperature utilizing a self-verifying temperature sensor, the method comprising the steps of:

• obtaining a primary data signature from a primary sensor;
• obtaining a secondary data signature from a secondary sensor, said secondary sensor comprising at least one impedance element;
• determining a primary system temperature from the primary data signature;
• determining a calibration reference from the secondary data signature;
• and
• comparing the primary system temperature to the calibration reference to obtain a verified system temperature.

A temperature sensor, comprising:

• an impedance element;
• and
• a first thermocouple, comprising:
• a first thermoelement made from a first temperature-dependent material;
• and
• a second thermoelement made from a second temperature-dependent material and joined with the first thermoelement at a first junction;
• a second thermocouple, comprising:
• a third thermoelement made from the first temperature-dependent material;
• and
• a fourth thermoelement made from the second temperature-dependent material and joined with the third thermoelement at a second junction;
• a protection tube encasing the impedance element and the first and second junctions, the protection tube maintaining the impedance element and the first and second junctions in an isothermal relationship;
• measurement electronics coupled to the impedance element, the first thermocouple, and the second thermocouple, the measurement electronics obtaining a data signature therefrom;
• and
• a computer coupled to the measurement electronics and receiving the data signature therefrom, the computer converting the data signature into a temperature value and a confidence value.