Termperature sensors are used today in many industrial and everyday environments for control and monitoring purposes. To make the most of your existing temperature sensors or to learn more about this sensing technology, Sensor Tips has provided the latest news and information for your reading pleasure.

Sensing in Home Monitoring and Control

Joyce Warrington of Ingersoll Rand Residential Solutions explains the sensing that can be incorporated in a home monitoring system at the 2012 International CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas. The control and monitoring is made possible by Nexia Home Intelligence (formerly Schlage LiNK) based on Z-Wave technology.

To watch the video, click here.

For more information about:

Nexia Home Intelligence, click here, and

Z-Wave, wireless remote control technology, click here.

Infrared Sensor IC Addresses Temperature Measurements in Demanding Environments

Designed to measure high object temperatures (maximum of 1030°C), Melexis MLX90616ESF-HCA thermopile sensors have a stabilization period of less than half a minute instead of times that can extend up to half an hour. In addition to a secondary thermopile sensor that detects temperature variations in the package and in the optical assembly, for integration in thermometer guns the integrated circuit sensors also comes with an 8 to 12 micron optical filter. Calculated object and ambient temperatures are available from RAM memory with a resolution of 0.02˚C

For more information about Melexis MLX90616ESF-HCA thermopile sensor, click here.

Sensors Monitor Solar Power Conversion

The conversion of solar energy to electrical power is anything but uniform under varying weather conditions. To monitor several key system parameters, RainWise, a professional grade meteorological equipment manufacturer designed the PVmet Solar Energy Efficiency Monitor specifically for the photovoltaic (PV) industry. The unit can continuously measure key solar panel performance indicators such as ambient temperature, solar irradiance, plane-of-array irradiance, back-of-module temperature and wind speed and direction. This information allows accurate performance modeling, fault detection, and maintenance scheduling of solar equipment. The monitor is offered in three different models: entry (PVmet 100), intermediate (PVmet 200) and utility level (PVmet 300).

For more information on RainWise PVmet Solar Panel Monitors, click here.

Silicon Temperature Sensor Provides ±0.5° Accuracy and 12-bit Resolution

Applications require high accuracy over a variety of temperatures, such as thermostats (-20 to +45°C), personal computers (+85°C) and industrial/automotive (+125°C), have a solution with Microchip Technology’s MCP9808 silicon temperature sensor. The sensor’s ±0.5° accuracy and 12-bit resolution are among its system-oriented features. The 12-bit Resolution provides 0.0625°C for the least significant bit in a digital system.

Thermal shutdown and temperature monitoring/alert features allow the sensor to help adjust the real-time power utilization in applications from residential HVAC systems to industrial equipment.  The shutdown feature reduces power consumption in both line and battery-powered systems. In addition, the critical-temperature alert can increase the system’s life by preventing excessive
operating temperatures.

The sensor is available in MSOP and 2×3-mm DFN 8-pin packages.

For more information about Microchip Technology’s MCP9808 silicon temperature sensor, click here.

Make Multiple Wireless Temperature Measurements

Using wireless technology, engineers can measure critical data in remote locations within a manufacturing environment without running wires. With Yokogawa’s YTMX580 multi-input temperature transmitter, they can make several measurements. The battery-powered unit has eight analog
input channels, each configurable for thermocouple, resistive temperature detector (RTD), DC voltage and 4-20 mA measurements.

Operating within a frequency range of 2400-2483.5 MHz and a temperature range of -40 to 85°C, the transmitter accepts Pt100, Pt200, Pt500 (IEC751) RTD probes in 2-, 3- and 4-wire configurations. In addition, it can handle B, E, J, K, N, R, S and T (IEC584) thermocouples as well as DC voltages from -10 to 100 mV or -0.01 to 1V.

For more information about the Yokogawa YTMX580 multi-input temperature transmitter, click here.

Measure Temperature and Air Velocity with Candlestick Sensor

After sizing a heatsink and fan, system designers may want some data to show the heatsink and fan are doing the job. For these and other characterization of thermal conditions in electronic systems, Advanced Thermal Solutions MS 1000-CS-WC could provide the answer and data they need. The candlestick-shaped sensor has a 0.5 mm in diameter stem and 9.5 mm base diameter to provide minimal intrusion into the system airflow. Heights of 9, 12 and 20 mm are available.

Calibrated for both low, natural convection and high velocity flows, the sensors address temperature measurements ranging from   -30 to +150°C ±1°C and velocity measurements from 0 to 50 m/s (10,000 ft/min) ±2%.

For more information about Advanced Thermal Solutions  MS 1000-CS-WC temperature and air velocity sensor click here.

Noncontact Infrared Temperature Sensors with Network Communication Options

Raytek has simplified connecting noncontact temperature sensing in industrial applications. Its MI3 infrared (IR) sensors are now compatible with the Modbus and Profibus network protocols. Multi-channel noncontact temperature measurements can be made with a range of optical resolutions (2:1, 10:1 or 22:1) and response times as fast as 20 mS. Offered in a temperature range from -40°C to 1650°C , the sensors have a rugged IP65 (NEMA 4) stainless steel sensing head with a separate communication module.

To simplify design, all sensor-operating parameters are easily accessed and configured through the standard user interface with backlit LCD display, or with the Raytek DataTemp multidrop software via the USB 2.0 digital interface.

For more information about Raytek MI3 Noncontact Infrared Temperature Sensors, click here.

MEMS Thermal IR Sensor Detects Occupancy

Donna Sandfox, MEMS product manager with Omron Electronic Components discusses the company’s thermal IR Sensor at Sensors Expo 2011. With eight microelectromechanical system (MEMS) chips in the sensor, the D6T-8L can determine occupancy for several building automation, commercial and consumer applications.

The sensor is in development so for more information consult Omron Electronic Components.

To watch the video, click here.

Infrared Temperature Sensor Monitor

At Sensors Expo 2011, an expert from Dexter Research shows Sensor Tips’ Randy Frank the company’s infrared TSM temperature sensor module monitoring soil and leaf temperature. The TSM has better than 0.5°C repeatability in the 0-50°C range.

For more information about Dexter Research TSM, temperature sensor module, click here.

To watch the video, click here.

Non Contact Temperature Sensing for Industrial Applications

At Sensors Expo 2011, Wayne Baer from Dexter Research shows Randy Frank the SLA64. The device is a 64-channel linear thermopile array for non contact temperature sensing in industrial applications.

For more information about Dexter Research products, click here.

To watch the video, click here.

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