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IRTS-P Precision Infrared Temperature
Sensor
1. General Description
An infrared temperature sensor (IRTS) is a non-contact means of measuring
the surface temperature of an object by sensing the infrared radiation given off.
IRTS are widely used for measurements of leaf, canopy, and average surface
temperature. With contact sensors it is difficult to avoid influencing the
temperature, maintain thermal contact, and provide a spatial average.
By mounting the infrared sensor at an appropriate distance from the target, it
can be used to measure an individual leaf, a canopy, or any surface of interest.
The IRTS-P is an infrared temperature sensor calibrated to output the signal for
the target temperature with the same output voltage as if a Type K
thermocouple were sensing the target temperature. A separate type K
thermocouple is used to measure the temperature of the sensor body. The
sensor body temperature is used to correct the target temperature for greater
accuracy.
2. Specifications
Power Requirements
None: self-powered
Accuracy
±0.3°C from -10° to 55°C (±0.1°C when
sensor body and target are at the same
temperature)
Repeatability
0.05°C from -10° to 55°C
Mass
Less than 100 grams
Dimensions
6.3 cm long by 2.3 cm diameter
Response Time
Less than 1 second to changes in target
temperature
Output Signal
2, type K, twisted, shielded pair thermocouple
outputs (15 ft each), one for target
temperature, one for sensor body temperature.
The sensor body temperature is used to make a
correction for target temperature.
Optics
Silicon lens
Wavelength Range
6 to 14 micrometers
Field of View
3:1 field of view (at 3 meters from sensor the
FOV is a 1 meter diameter circle)
Operating
Environment
Highly water resistant, designed for
continuous outdoor use; temperature range:
-10° to 55°C
