Low-cost, high-performance IR temperature sensor fits in small spaces

RS Components offers the RS PRO infrared temperature sensor, a low-cost non-contact voltage-output temperature sensor created for factory MRO in smart manufacturing environments.

Maintenance engineers often ask the company for a small, low-cost temperature sensor that can fit into tight spaces, and that displays the measured temperature in situ, so they do not have to return to the control room to check it. The new sensor is intended to satisfy these demands. It is extremely small — only 30mm deep x 31mm in diameter — with a side-entry cable making it simple to mount in small spaces. It exhibits the temperature on a built-in backlit OLED display, with no need for contact with the target surface. The sensor is excellent for situations where contact probes are unable to be used, such as when the target is moving or inaccessible; for example, it will fit between a wheel and the rim or hub of a disc brake.

The sensor can measure surface temperatures from 0C to 1000C to an accuracy of ±1.5% of reading or ±1.5C, whichever is greater, and repeatability of ±0.5% of reading or ±0.5C. Its response time is only 250ms, enabling continuous monitoring by industrial process instrumentation via the DC voltage output.

The sensor gives simultaneous voltage and alarm outputs. The voltage output can be configured as 0–5VDC, 1–5VDC or 0–10VDC, with adjustable temperature range scaling, configured utilising built-in controls on the sensor. The open-collector alarm output allows adjustable temperature threshold and hysteresis.

The sensor arrives set up to measure non-reflective surfaces such as paper, plastics, rubber, wood, tarmac, food, pharmaceuticals, organic materials and painted metal. To measure the temperature of reflective solid or liquid surfaces, the user can adjust emissivity settings between 0.20 and 1.00.

The sensor comes fitted as standard with a 1m long cable, which can be extended using terminal blocks or connectors. An optional air purge collar is offered to assist in keeping the lens clean in the presence of smoke, fumes, dust, steam or other potential contaminants.