Infrared temperature sensor for industrial application: Package design for reliable operation in a high voltage generator circuit breaker

An IR temperature sensor for industrial applications has been developed with the focus on achieving the required performance while providing an economical solution. The sensor is based on a thermopile detector supplemented by a specifically designed package to maintain the performance even under harsh environmental conditions encountered in a high voltage generator circuit breaker. Simulations of the thermal layout of the sensor have been performed to optimize the package. The performance of the sensor has been validated by experiments: Several sensors were tested for object temperature from room temperature to 120 °C with a linearity error of less than 3 °C. The accuracy was maintained under realistic ambient temperature cycles between -5 °C and 60 °C. Furthermore EMI and vibration tests have been performed.