Measurement Specialties offers thermopiles
for non-contacting temperature sensing and gas concentration
sensing through its recent acquisitions of HL Planar.
Thermopiles are created by lining up multiple thermocouples in
series. If a temperature difference is induced between a hot
junction connecting two thermocouples and their open ends (cold
junctions), a voltage is created.
The Measurement Principle
Thermopiles measure temperature without
contact through infrared (IR) radiation. All objects emit IR
radiation, with energy increasing based on increased surface
temperatures (Planck’s law). The thermopile transduces the IR
radiation into a voltage measure. Both the IR sensor and ambient
temperature sensor are required for contactless temperature
measurement
Thermopile structure is shown in figures 1 and 2 below. Miniaturization and
batch fabrication on micro-machined silicon wafers enable low cost devices
Thermopiles are available as components, modules on ceramic board or custom OEM
systems. Eight element linear arrays are available for broader sensing areas for
use in such things as microwaves and stovetop hoods. Applications include many
uses for either direct temperature sensing or sensing of a person based on body
temperature.
Thermopile Components, Modules, and Systems
Model
TS105 Series
TS118 Series
TSED-01
TSEM-01 or -08
TSEP-01
TPT300
Photos
Type
Component
Component
Module
Module
Module
System
Packaging/Housing
TO-5
T-18
T-18 on PCB 12x14mm
Leaded Device
Leaded/Axial/Radial
Leaded device
Single Element or Array
Single, option for 8 element array
Single
Single
Single or 8 element array
Single
Single
Unique Feature
Only one with PTC reference
Only one with PTC reference
Only IR solution worldwide for dryer
Only 8 element digital IR solution
Small simension
High Accuracy
Output
Analogue
Analogue
Digital I_C
Digital I_C
Digital I_C
Digital RS232
Range (C)
TBD
TBD
0 to 100
Min -20, max 300+
0 to 100
Min -20, max 300+
Accuracy
N/A
N/A
<2%FS
<2%FS
<2%FS
<2%FS
Operating Temp Range (C)
-20 to 100, 0 to 85 for array
-20 up to 100
0 to 85
0 to 85
0 to 85
0 to 85
Applications
Ear thermometer, pyrometer, CO2 detectors
Ear thermometer, pyrometer, CO2 detectors
Tumble dryer
Industry Ironer
Climate control, auto cabin air, room AC,
copier, printer, mobile phone, induction over,
toaster, microwave over
Industry pyrometer
Measurement Specialties, through subsidiary
HL Planartechnik, offers expertise in the design and manufacture
of silicon-based micro-electro-mechanical structures (MEMS).
Since 1988, HL Planar has offered a wide range of OEM
microstructures for automotive, medical, household appliances
and industrial applications. This expertise has enabled HL
Planar to create proprietary low-cost sensors using MR, IR and
other technologies on microstructures. With services ranging
from standard components up to a complete solution, we offer our
customers access to a whole range of microsystem technologies.
The TS16949 certified HL Planar Foundry offers
qualified processes with 100% optical and electrical inspection, complete
documentation for high volume production at low cost, manufacturing both 4”
and 6” wafers. Applications include:
