How Small is the World’s Smallest Temperature Data Logger?

7:10 AM | 10 Feb 2021

You will discover a seemingly endless range of temperature data loggers available because monitoring temperature is one of the most important environmental parameters. What’s more, these instruments come in all shapes and sizes, to cater to an equally extensive range of applications.

For this assignment, Instrument Choice’s team of scientists had to think small - very small - to select the best, and tiniest data loggers for the most common temperature data logger requirements. The size (or lack thereof) of these little beauties will surprise you!

Read on to view Instrument Choices’ big list of the world’s smallest data loggers

What is a Data Logger?

A data logger is a name given to an electronic device that monitors and records data over time. For the most part, data loggers are portable and battery-powered. These gadgets are very popular because they provide a wealth of information about their surrounding environment and require minimal human effort or intervention. Who wants to spend hours, days, months or even years to record data manually? No thanks!

Temperature data loggers have interminable uses in research, education, R&D and quality assurance programs. There are models to suit either very specific or general applications.

Uses for Micro Data Loggers

Size matters for many temperature monitoring applications. Here are some common applications for the smallest data loggers:

Animal science - implantation, agricultural research, small fish, bird and mammal tagging
Quality assurance - heat studies or temperature monitoring of products in small packages or vials
Aquatic environments – where temperature loggers are attached to deployment lines, moorings or equipment
Preclinical research – for stability and toxicology studies
Pharmaceutical research – where there is a never-ending list of uses
Packing, distribution and storage (logistics) – particularly cold chain distribution, monitoring the temperature conditions – for quality control, to prevent, alert and tag spoilage
Autoclave validation; and
Any temperature-sensitive environments or applications where space is at a premium, where non-invasive temperature recording is essential.

The “BIG List” of the Smallest Temperature Data Loggers!

The Instrument Choice Scientists have assembled a list of some of the world’s smallest temperature data loggers - all under 10cm! Check them out below.

IC-MicroTemp
Product code: IC-MicroTemp

Size: 66mm x 18mm
Weight: 50g

The MicroTemp is a miniature, submersible, self-contained temperature data logger. Measuring a mere 66mm tall and 18mm in diameter, this logger fits easily into tiny spaces – like down the neck of a beverage bottle!

Specifications

Temperature Range: -40°C to +80°C
Accuracy: ±0.5°C
Data Storage: 32,767 readings

TagTemp-USB Temperature Data Logger
Product code: IC-NOD-050

Size: 55mm x 37.5mm x 15mm

The IC-NOD0050 is a small, portable and waterproof temperature logger built with an internal temperature sensor. Logged data is easily uploaded to a PC using a USB connection to LogChart. When plugged into a computer, you can monitor temperature data in real-time. Perfect for general use temperature monitoring and quality assurance.

Specifications

Temperature Range: –20.0°C to 70.0°C
Accuracy: ± 0.1°C at 25 ºC, ±1 °C max remaining measured range
Data Storage: 32,000 readings

Temperature Logger, USB, Free Mac/PC Software
Product code: Minnow-1.0T

Size: 53mm x 33mm x 15mm

Compact and featuring an impressive logging capacity, the Minnow-1.0T can measure and store 65,520 time-stamped temperature samples. The Minnow-1.0T’s CR2450 battery allows the logger to run continuously for up to four years. The circuit assembly’s coating protects the electronics – so it’s ideal for wet, damp environments.

Specifications

Temperature Range: -30°C to 80°C
Accuracy: ±0.3°C (+5°C to 60°C )
Data Storage: 65,520 samples of two channels

High Temperature and Pressure Data Logger
Product code: IC-PRTemp140

Size: 50.2 mm x 24.6 mm x 24.6 mm
Weight: 90g

The PRTemp140 is a high-temperature, and pressure data logger all-in-one that fits very discreetly into small spaces. This unit is purpose-built for autoclave validations, mapping studies and pressurised processes.

Specifications

Temperature Range: -20°C to +140°C
Accuracy: ±0.1°C
Data Storage: 32,767 readings

TidbiT v2 Temp Data Logger
Product code: UTBI-001

Size: 41 mm x 0.3 mm x 17 mm
Weight: 19.6g

The mighty UTBI-001 is the smallest temperature data logger built by Onset. This model makes our list for its precise readings, low price, waterproofing (up to 100 metres), and lightning-fast data readout times (less than 30-seconds via the optic USB base station). The UTBI-001 data logger supports measurements for ambient temperature and water temperature.

Specifications

Temperature Range: -20 to 30°C in water; -20 to 70°C in air
Accuracy: ±0.2°C at 25°C
Data Storage: 42,000 12-bit measurements

DST centi-T - Data Storage Tag centi-Temperature
Product code: DST-centi-T

Size: 15mm x 46mm
Weight: 19g

DST centi-T is a small, ultra-lightweight, submersible, stand-alone logger with flexible mounting options, a protective housing, and long battery life. Often used for sampling temperature for various research applications. Common examples include; capturing temperature values in underwater environments, animals, pharmaceutical research or any application requiring the monitoring and recording of water, soil or air temperatures.

Specifications

Temperature Range: -1°C to +40°C
Accuracy: ±0.1°C
Data Storage: 174,000 measurements

DST milli-T - Data Storage Tag milli Temperature
Product code: DST-milli-T

Size: 12.5mm x 38.4mm
Weight: 9.2g

Also made by Star Oddi, this instrument is a smaller temperature data logger than the DST centi-T. The DST-Milli-T is biocompatible and hermetically sealed. The model’s size and overall design guarantee simple implantations and retrievals in animal studies. Features a long battery life and two sampling modes - single intervals or multiple intervals.

Specifications

Temperature Range: -1°C to +40°C
Accuracy: 0.1°C
Data Storage: 43,000 measurements

DST micro-T - Implantable temperature sensor monitor
Product code: DST-micro-T

Size: 8.3mm x 25.4mm
Weight: 3.3g

The DST-micro-T is the third smallest logger on our “Big List” of the world’s smallest data loggers. Built by the leader in micro data-logger technology, Star Oddi, the DST-micro-T measures and records temperature automatically in user-defined intervals. Recorded data is stored in the logger‘s internal memory with a real-time clock reference for each measurement and is retrieved after each study using a Communication Box.

Specifications

Temperature Range: 0 to +45°C
Accuracy: ±0.2 °C
Data Storage: 43,000 measurements

TCU - Ultra High-Temperature Logger
Product code: TCU

Size: 17.5mm x 17.5mm x 6mm
Weight: 3.3g

The Thermocron TCU is a submersible, HACCP compliant, sterilisable, robust, reusable logger. Good for up to 1 million readings and endures temperatures up to 140°C. The TCU data logger is ideal for autoclaves, ovens, steam baths, water baths and incubators.

Here are some alternative models of the same size:

- Thermocron Temperature Data Logger (General) Product code: TC1 (-30°C to 85°C)
- Super Thermocron Temperature Logger Product code: TCS (-30°C to 85°C); and
- TCX - Extreme Thermocron Temperature Data Logger Product Code: TCX (0°C to 125°C).

Specifications

Temperature Range:15°C to 145°C
Accuracy: ±0.5°C
Data Storage: 4000 readings at 0.0625°C resolution or 8000 readings at 0.5°C resolution

DST nano-T -World's smallest thermo logger
Product code: DST-nano-T

Size: 6mm x 17mm
Weight: 1g

The DST nano-T is the world's smallest temperature data logger. The logger’s internal memory stores temperature data with a real-time clock reference for each measurement.

Mercury or SeaStar software and a Communication Box (required) provide a wireless interface between the logger and a PC.

The DST nano-T is ideal for implantation in small animals due to its size, shape, waterproof housing and biocompatible, heat and corrosion-resistant construction materials.

Other applications include monitoring temperature and heat studies in tight spaces, small packages or vials, immersed in water or other liquids. The DST nano-T even tolerates exposure to chemicals.

Conclusion

There are hundreds of applications which require some seriously small, non-invasive, powerful temperature data loggers. Instrument Choice Scientists have combed the world to find the best-of-the-best. If you know of any devices that you believe should have made the list, or if our selection doesn’t offer a solution for your application, please let us know.

Want more information on any smallest data loggers? Speak with an Instrument Choice Scientist! We're here to help! Call 1300 737 871 or email [email protected].

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How Small is the World’s Smallest Temperature Data Logger?

What is a Data Logger?

Uses for Micro Data Loggers

The “BIG List” of the Smallest Temperature Data Loggers!

IC-MicroTemp
Product code: IC-MicroTemp

TagTemp-USB Temperature Data Logger
Product code: IC-NOD-050

Temperature Logger, USB, Free Mac/PC Software
Product code: Minnow-1.0T

High Temperature and Pressure Data Logger
Product code: IC-PRTemp140

TidbiT v2 Temp Data Logger
Product code: UTBI-001

DST centi-T - Data Storage Tag centi-Temperature
Product code: DST-centi-T

DST milli-T - Data Storage Tag milli Temperature
Product code: DST-milli-T

DST micro-T - Implantable temperature sensor monitor
Product code: DST-micro-T

TCU - Ultra High-Temperature Logger
Product code: TCU

DST nano-T -World's smallest thermo logger
Product code: DST-nano-T

Conclusion

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