Mar 18 2013
Precision sensor manufacturer Micro-Epsilon has launched a new non-contact infrared temperature sensor that utilises a small sensor head and compact electronics fully integrated into the sensor cable, making it ideal for installations where space is restricted.
The thermoMETER CSmicro miniature sensor
The sensor is also attractively priced, particularly for OEMs and medium to high volume applications. “The features and functionality of the sensor are simply unmatched at this price level,” states Chris Jones, Managing Director at Micro-Epsilon UK Ltd.
The thermoMETER CSmicro miniature sensor electronics now includes an LED for quick health checking of the system. The integrated LED can be used for alarm indication, intelligent sighting support, self-diagnostic functions or for showing the current measured temperature value without the need to look at the serial or analogue output. The CSmicro can be used in a wide range of OEM applications, particularly where installation space is restricted.
The CSmicro series is available in four models, covering a temperature range from -20 deg C to +1030 deg C and can withstand ambient temperatures up to 120 deg C without requiring any cooling. The sensor benefits from robust, precision manufactured silicon optics with AR coating. Temperature resolution is 0.1 deg C with optical resolutions of 2:1 and 15:1.
The CSmicro is also available as a two-wire loop powered version. The signal is output via a current output and the temperature range is from -40 deg C to +1030 deg C. The high sensitivity version provides a resolution of 0.025 deg C over the range -20 deg C to +150 deg C. A short wavelength model is also available for extremely high temperatures up to 1,600 deg C, which is ideal for measurements in secondary metal processes.
All variants in the CSmicro series can be programmed via an optional USB connection, including software that also enables the emissivity to be adjusted to suit the target object and to adjust the analogue output characteristics to the preferred temperature range being monitored.
A range of accessories are available for the CSmicro series, including mounting brackets, air purge collars and right angle mirrors for 90-degree measurements.
Application example
Contact or touch temperature (haptic temperature) is an important parameter in assessing the tactile quality of a surface. This feeling of temperature can be determined by using a suitable measuring system. If this parameter is known, an objective feeling of surface quality can be made.
Micro-Epsilon’s CSmicro series is currently being used on a tactile reference system or sensotact-scale. The manufacturer of the tactile reference system required a non-contact temperature sensor with a very small sensor head, miniature electronics and a small laser spot size, as well as low power consumption and high speed measurement capability. Now, by integrating a CSmicro to the system, precise measurements can be recorded without time-consuming studies being carried out by inspectors, which normally lead to subjective test results. Temperature measurements are now exact and do not depend on the transparency, gloss or colour of the target material.