Infrared Temperature Sensors: Accurate, Non-Contact Thermal Measurement

Infrared temperature sensors sense electromagnetic waves in the 700 nm to 14,000 nm range. While the infrared spectrum extends up to 1,000,000 nm, IR temperature sensors do not measure above 14,000 nm. These sensors work by focusing the infrared energy emitted by an object onto one or more photodetectors.
These photodetectors convert that energy into an electrical signal, which is proportional to the infrared energy emitted by the object. Because the emitted infrared energy of any object is proportional to its temperature, the electrical signal provides an accurate reading of the temperature of the object that it is pointed at. The infrared signals are passed into the sensor through a window made out of specialty plastic. While plastic normally does not allow infrared frequencies to pass through it, the sensors use a form that is transparent to particular frequencies. This plastic filters out unwanted frequencies and protects the electronics inside the sensor from dust, dirt, and other foreign objects.

Advantages of IR Temperature Sensors

• IR sensors read moving objects. Contact-based temperature sensors do not work well on moving objects. Infrared temperature sensors are ideally suited for measuring the temperatures of tires, brakes, and similar devices.
• IR sensors don’t wear. No contact means no friction. Infrared sensors experience no wear and tear and consequently have longer operating lives.
• IR sensors can provide more detail. An IR sensor can provide greater detail during a measurement than contact devices, simply by pointing it at different spots on the object being read.
• IR sensors can be used to detect motion by measuring fluctuations in temperature in the field of view.

Ordering a Sensor

Every substance emits more infrared radiation at one particular frequency than at others. For instance, polyethylene emits most of its IR radiation at 3,430 nm, and metals emit mostly at 1,000 nm. For optimal performance, an IR temperature sensor must have its spectral range centered around these peak temperatures. Therefore it is important to either keep in mind the specific application an IR sensor is needed for when ordering it or to order a sensor with an adjustable spectral range.

Background Heat Sources

IR temperature sensors can be confused by background sources of infrared radiation when used as motion detectors. You can work around this problem by using the differential detection technique. To do this, wire two sensors to a differential amplifier, as opposite inputs. When wired like this, the sensors cancel out the average temperature of their shared field of view. Any fluctuations in background temperature will not be able to trigger a motion reading. This arrangement also reduces common-mode interference. Note that this technique only works for motion detection, not for temperature reading.
To deal with the problem of background heat when measuring temperature, as opposed to motion detection, narrow the field of view of the sensor so that it is constrained entirely to the object being measured. If it is impractical to do this directly, then use plastic shields to block out elements of the background in the field of view of the sensor.

Call the Sure Controls team at 800-844-8405 or contact us online for more information on infrared temperature sensors.