Infrared Temperature Sensor

An infrared temperature sensor is a non-contact device that measures the surface temperature of an object by detecting its emitted infrared radiation. Unlike contact-type sensors such as thermocouples or RTDs, infrared sensors do not require physical contact with the target, making them ideal for measuring moving, hot, or hazardous objects where direct measurement is impractical. These sensors are widely used in industrial process monitoring, metal processing, glass manufacturing, electronics production, and predictive maintenance applications.

Every object above absolute zero emits infrared radiation proportional to its temperature. SUCH infrared temperature sensor collects this radiation through an optical system, which focuses it onto a thermopile or pyroelectric detector. The detector converts the infrared energy into an electrical signal, which is then processed and linearized into a temperature reading. The accuracy of this measurement depends on several factors, including the emissivity of the target surface, the cleanliness of the optical lens, and the surrounding environmental conditions. By calibrating emissivity and maintaining a clear optical path, the SUCH sensor can achieve highly accurate, stable, and fast temperature readings — often with response times as short as a few milliseconds.

When selecting an IR temperature sensor, key parameters to consider include temperature range, optical distance ratio (D:S ratio), accuracy, response time, and signal output type. A wider temperature range (e.g., 0–1300℃) accommodates more diverse industrial applications, while a higher D:S ratio allows accurate measurements of smaller targets from a longer distance. The required accuracy and response speed should match the process control demands — for instance, fast-moving production lines benefit from millisecond-level response. Finally, communication options like RS485/Modbus, analog output, or USB determine how easily the sensor integrates into existing control or monitoring systems.