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“Smart IR Temperature
Sensor”
Synopsis:
T his paper discusses the new trend in sensor technology- smart sensors
Today’s new smart IR sensors represent a union of two rapidly evolving sciences that
associated with the computer. These instruments are called smart sensors because they
In this paper we will give an overview of the recent advances in the smart ir
Thus, integrating smart sensors into new or existing process control systems
control.
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INDEX
1. Introduction……………………………………………………… 1
2.1. Prologue……………………………………………………….
4. Application………………………………………………………... 6
5. Conclusion………………………………………………………… 8
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1.Introduction:
precision sensing needs” as they move intelligence closer to the point of mesurement
cost effective.
Smart sensors are information sensors. They are those devices that integrate sensors
major challenge for process engineers. Add to that the demands of staying current
with rapidly evolving methods of monitoring and controlling those processes, and the
assignment can become quite intimidating. However, infrared (IR) temperature sensor
manufacturers are giving users the tools they need to meet these challenges: the latest
leading-edge digital circuitry. Chief among these tools, though, is the next generation
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radio waves, microwaves, visible light, and ultraviolet light, as well as gamma
rays and X-rays. The IR range falls between the visible portion of the spectrum and
radio waves. IR wavelengths are usually expressed in microns, with the IR spectrum
extending from 0.7 to 1000 microns. Only the 0.7-14 micron band is used for IR
temperature measurement.
focus on nearly any portion or portions of the 0.7-14 micron band. Because every
a specific point along the IR band, each process may require unique sensor models
IR sensors have adjustable emissivity settings, usually from 0.1 to 1.0, which
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energy comes from an object and reaches the IR sensor through its optical system,
which focuses the energy onto one or more photosensitive detectors. The detector
then converts the IR energy into an electrical signal, which is in turn converted into a
temperature value based on the sensor's calibration equation and the target's
emissivity. This temperature value can be displayed on the sensor, or, in the case of
the smart sensor, converted to a digital output and displayed on a computer terminal.
The optical system of an IR thermometer uses a lens to focus the IR energy emitted by
a target onto a detecting element. The sensor's optical system determines the size of
the spot, the distance from the target, and the accuracy of the measurement. A good
optical design limits the influence of light radiated from sources other than the object
being measured.
part to the development of inexpensive plastic fresnel lenses. This cost reduction has
refraction, they have a higher degree of surface reflection than optical-quality crown
glass. This causes multiple reflections within lenses, which produce a fuzzy image on
the detector and reduces the available resolution of the optical system. However, with
the use of coated optics (antireflection coatings), the reflected fuzzy portion of the
image is reduced to an acceptable level, and the sensor can accurately focus on much
smaller targets. The price of high-quality coated optics has continued to drop,
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lasers in their products. An option on many fixed industrial sensors, the laser defines
the center of the IR target, allowing quick alignment for installation of the IR sensor.
Initially, IR sensors were analog systems that amplified the IR signals collected by the
device's optics. These simple sensors provided a nonlinear output, either as a current
loop or a voltage. With a few modifications, these analog systems were even able to
provide linearized output and simple signal processing algorithms, such as a variable
and IR is no exception.
Today's IR sensors are smart transducers with fast response times. The
integration of advanced electronics has also resulted in a class of sensors that are
signal processors (DSPs). High-speed DSPs have enabled fast, smart IR sensors, with
simultaneous digital and analog outputs as fast as 1 ms. For example, if a target
changes temperature by 1°C, the output of the sensor will change by 1°C 1 ms later.
The past 10 years have seen more and more process and quality engineers using
personal computers to monitor and control their production lines. The latest
meet the requirements of these PC-based controls. Smart IR temperature sensors with
two-way digital communications are now available, as are software programs that
Photo 3. Sensor setup, monitoring and data analysis is made easy with
PC software and a smart IR sensor with an interface and two-way
communications.
develop software that is easy to use in plant environments and that facilitate the
their differences, all the standards support smart devices by providing “bidirectional
specific control protocol. This standard digital signal can then be patched into an
existing network of sensors via software device drivers or can be used with
companion software from the sensor manufacturer. The latest generation of smart IR
sensors is fully controllable via such digital schemes. Because the signal processing is
largely digital, calibration and firmware upgrades can be made in the field via a serial
communications line. You just start up the software and follow the instructions.
Sensors can even provide diagnostics or be set to a fixed output to calibrate meters in
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And those engineers who need to go further than using basic signal processing (e.g.,
4. Application:
switching circuits. By taking advantage of the comparators, you can easily design a
simple, low-cost control for either radiant or forced-air heaters. All you need is a
potentiometer and a few resistors. Just be sure to choose a location that aims the IR
sensor in the direction of the emitted heat. The modules perform all the IR signal
delivered with a factory calibration, but you can take advantage of the EVB90601
configuration kit to easily change the outputs and the configuration to any desired
specs.
Figure 1. The IR
thermometer mounted on the
heater face will average all
the IR energy the sensor
“sees” in its field of view.
This capability allows the
heater to react to the actual
temperature of the area being
heated rather than the
temperature at the heater
itself.
In addition, you can use simple apertures or optics to adjust the sensor’s “field of
view.”
• The amount of hysteresis band desired for the thermostat set point temperature
For this example, we’ll have the heater operate where the IR temperature
range is –10°C to 40°C. We want the thermostat to be able to adjust the heated area
2°C. This will be the temperature swing band for the thermostat to control the space
we want to heat. For example, if we set the control to 22°C, the heater will turn on at
20°C target area temperature and turn off at 24°C target area temperature.
We will set the ambient temperature range shutoff switch to engage when the
heater’s outer housing/IR module temperature goes above 60°C. We want the heater
(There can even be a permanent shutdown, with manual reset, if desired. This
additional safety feature protects against overheating of the heating unit itself.)
The IR sensor has the advantage of seeing what’s in front of it. So when someone
moves into that area, the heater detects the temperature of that person’s clothing and
adjusts its output to hold the clothing at the temperature set by the thermostat. Colors
—of clothing, furniture, rugs, wood and other materials common in habitable spaces
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The sensor adds a safety feature too. When something flammable such as a
drape comes too near the heating element, the sensor reading directs the heater to drop
into the preselected low temperature range and so reduce the chances of a
comparator circuit monitor the temperature of the heater housing itself. Should the
housing become overheated, the comparator can activate an alarm and shut the heater
down. So in addition to enhanced comfort, the smart space heater can give you some
peace of mind.
5. Conclusion:
in production. They now can configure as many sensors as necessary for their specific
process control needs and extend the life of those sensors far beyond that of earlier,
without shutting down a process, engineers can keep the process efficient and the
communications capabilities provide a level of flexibility, safety, and ease of use not
achieved until now. And for personal safety, making adjustments to sensor
References:
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Instrumentation………...A.K.Sawney.
O.Doeblin.
Liptak.
Jones.
5. Principles Of Industrial
Instrumentation……………………………..Patranabhis.
Technology…………………….C.D.Johnson.
7. www.ieee.org
8. www.smartec.com
9. www.sensormag.com
10. www.sensoronline.com
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