Advantages of Thermopile sensor | Disadvantages of Thermopile sensor
This page covers advantages and disadvantages of Thermopile sensor. It mentions Thermopile sensor advantages and Thermopile sensor disadvantages.
Definition of Thermopile sensor:
The sensor device which uses non-contact based temperature sensing with the help of
more than one thermocouples is known as thermopile sensor.
It has more voltage output compare to normal traditional thermocouple sensor device.
It uses concept of absorption of infrared radiation from the object being measured.
The electrical output of thermopile sensor is proportional to the temperature.
Hence it is known as thermoelectric transducer.
The figure-1 depicts simple thermopile structure. Refer Thermopile sensor basics and its working operation>> for more information.
Advantages of Thermopile sensor
Following are the advantages of Thermopile sensor:
➨It is non-contact based temperature sensing device which uses infrared radiation for
heat transfer.
➨It is used for temperature measurement of moving objects where contact based sensors are not feasible.
➨It is available in smaller sizes.
➨It produces larger output voltage due to use of multiple thermocouple devices.
➨It is available at affordable cost.
Disadvantages of Thermopile sensor
Following are the disadvantages of Thermopile sensor:
➨Thermopile sensors are static sensitive and hence unused ones must be stored
in conductive material to protect it against static fields and static discharges.
➨Streses and polarity should be kept as mentioned in the manual.
This is due to the fact that stresses above those listed under absolute maximum ratings and
reversed polarity of power supply can damage the thermopile sensor.
➨Thermopile sensors should not be exposed to direct sunlight or moisture. This may
damage or will have deterioration in the performance of the sensor device.
➨The sensor device should be handled with care.
The window of the device should not be touched with oily or dirty or dusty fingers.
This will affect the performance of the sensor device. For better performance,
thermopile sensor should be cleaned with alcohol and cotton swab.
➨For accurate measurement of temperature, object must completely fill the
field of view (FOV) of the thermopile sensor device.
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