Page "Thermal analysis" Paragraph 13

It is usual to control the temperature in a predetermined way-either by a continuous increase or decrease in temperature at a constant rate ( linear heating / cooling ) or by carrying out a series of determinations at different temperatures ( stepwise isothermal measurements ).

More advanced temperature profiles have been developed which use an oscillating ( usually sine or square wave ) heating rate ( Modulated Temperature Thermal Analysis ) or modify the heating rate in response to changes in the system's properties ( Sample Controlled Thermal Analysis ).