Improved infrared temperature sensing system for mobile devices

An infrared (IR) temperature measurement system consists of not only a sensor module and electronics, but also an optomechanical system that guides IR radiation onto the sensor. The geometry and emissivity of the parts affects the reading, if the detector sees not only the target but parts of the measuring system itself. In normal industrial applications, the optics is designed so that the surfaces stabilize to the same temperature as the sensor. This allows the error caused by the device temperature to be easily calibrated away. The correction is valid for stationary conditions and usually near the calibration temperature, which is typically at room temperature. However, we show that if the sensor is embedded into a mobile (hand-held) device which has heat sources, such as power electronics, the normal conditions are no longer valid and the calibration fails. In order to improve infrared temperature sensing for mobile devices, the optics concept was studied and detailed design was performed. In addition, the optics performance was modelled and verified by measurement sensor prototyping. A calibration procedure noticing operational temperature variations was applied. The repeatability of the implemented IR temperature sensor using on a correct transferred calibration curve was better than ±0.5 °C in an operational temperature range from +12.6 to +49.3 °C and target range from +10 to +90 °C.