Infrared Temperature Sensors

What are Infrared Temperature Sensors?

Infrared Temperature Sensors, also known as IR sensors or Infrared Sensors, commonly feature a lens that focuses the infrared energy onto the detector which converts energy into an electric signal.

This simple process of emission and detection of IR radiation help with heat and motion sensing to detect certain objects/obstacles within its range.

They are a key component of thermal imaging cameras, are vital in energy conservation & maintenance and are also used in medical applications such as IR thermometers.

How Do Infrared Temperature Sensors Work?

Infrared (IR) temperature sensors emit an infrared energy beam focused by a lens onto a surface to detect the surface or object temperature. The reflected beam is received back in the sensor which converts the energy to an electrical signal that can be displayed in units of temperature. The sensor compensates for ambient temperature variation to give an accurate temperature reading.

Measuring Different Surface Materials

With different temperature ranges, sensor types and outputs available, it is important to choose the infrared temperature sensor that is appropriate for your application. Painted surfaces, paper, thick plastics, food, water, asphalt, rubber, wood and other non-metals all have a high emissivity.

These materials can be measured easily using general-purpose sensors with a fixed emissivity setting. Sensors with an adjustable emissivity setting allow fine-tuning of the measurement accuracy for use on partially reflective materials such as metals.