This study presents a computer program that applies analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method to objectively select the best temperature sensors for various applications from multiple nominated alternatives. The underlying decision method based on AHP methodology, ranks temperature sensors with different features with a score resulting from the synthesis of relative preferences of each alternative to the others at different levels considering independent evaluation criteria. At each level, relative preferences of each candidate alternative with respect to the upper immediate level are calculated from pair-wise comparisons among the candidate alternative sensors based on the specifications of sensors with respect to a selected application. These pair-wise relative comparison weights are embedded in the computer software and are retrieved whenever the user specifies the application, the restrictions, and the available alternative sensors that meet these restrictions. AHP method proves to provide a quantitative and rational alternative performance evaluation method; it permits simpler, easier and more organized decision making process than subjective opinions that are subject to erroneous judgments. In this study, the application of AHP method in selecting the best temperature sensor for a particular application is embedded via the use of a computer program built using C# programming language to help perform the selection process in an easy graphical user interface GUI, ready-to-use, and computerized way and thus provides aid to those working in industry and in need of such a software tool.
The proposed computer program is versatile and applicable to multitude of temperature sensors selection situations. A case study from the automotive industry which is the catalytic convertor application is presented. This application demands the use of temperature sensors capable of monitoring high temperatures in the order of 500°C-750°C, with a maximum temperature of ~870°C [1]. The selection process is conducted from among three alternative sensor categories, these are: thermocouples, thermisters, and RTD thermometers. The computer program is robust and applicable to a wider range of temperature sensors selection situations with a variety of applications and different arrays of candidate sensors
