Table of Contents
Our primer on Temperature Device Sensors
Introduction
We will be adding to this on ongoing basis but being able to identify and compare self-service devices used in a healthcare application is important. If antibody tests were being dispensed, we’d want to know those test kits were accurate. Same for touchscreen cleaners.
Matrix Comparison
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Comparing Temperature Sensor Devices
- Industrial infrared temperature sensors are inexpensive and used everywhere in home and industrial. Your microwave for example. They read surface temperature if aimed properly and clean and calibrated (all sensors require cleaning and calibration)
- The Heimann sensor is the first we encountered. The HPTA32x32 (64 pixel) “thermopile array”.
- Melexis makes several models (all TO-39)
- Mitsubishi, Elo and many others make these.
- They have been adapted for reading temperatures of foreheads basically and are at the low end of the accuracy scale.
- None of these are FDA approved or submitted.
- Thermal Imaging Cameras
- These are a whole magnitude higher weight-class. Several of them are specifically designed for supplemental elevated body temperature. They do this by zooming and focusing on specific areas of the face like tearducts. IR Arrays have limited spatial resolution and must average many regions and samples in order to provide a general value.
- FLIR is the manufacturer most used. They have several which certified by FDA and others submitted.
- Another option is ICI though there are some questions on FDA 510 (we cannot locate them) as well as some components used.
Companies Mentioned
- Heimann Sensors
- Melexis
- Mitsubishi
- TE
- FLIR
- Calex
- Tauri
- EKAA
- Amphenol
- Omega
- Omron
