New Series of Miniature Infrared Temperature Sensors  

Raytek® (Germany) has introduced the MI3 Series of infrared temperature measurement sensors. The MI3 Series represents a new generation of performance and innovation in noncontact temperature monitoring for Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) applications and manufacturing processes.

The MI3, a rugged, IP 65 stainless steel miniature pyrometer with integrated electronics, is the smallest fully functional, stand-alone infrared temperature sensor for fixed installation on the market today.

All sensor-operating parameters are easily accessed and configured through the standard user interface with large backlit LCD display, or with the powerful Raytek DataTemp® Multidrop software via the USB 2.0 digital interface.

The MI3 sensor comes with a separate communication module for use with standard industrial outputs, the MI3COMM communications box, which supports up to eight (8) individually addressable MI3 miniature sensor heads.

The digital communication between the sensor and the communication box has plug-and play connection of the sensor head – sensors are automatically recognized by the communication box so there is no need for manual setting of calibration codes. These sensors can be easily integrated into any control system via their internal digital bus. And these are no cable bending/moving effects allowing continuous reliable measurement in moving installations (robotic arms, linear drives, chains etc).

For multiple sensor applications with USB and RS485, four (4) MI3 sensors can be directly connected to the MI3MCOMM box which is available in a convenient DIN-rail mountable package.
For high-volume OEM applications, the sensing heads allow a direct digital interface to the host machine controller, without the need for a communication box.

The MI3 sensor provides all the functionality of the proven Raytek MI Series with significant new features. These include a broad choice of sensing head temperature ranges (from –40 up to 1650°C) and spectral responses, a standard USB 2.0 digital interface for easy sensor set-up and configuration, a fully programmable electronics platform, and response times as fast as 20 ms.

The Raytek MI3 Series sensors offer a choice of scalable 0/4 to 20 mA and 0 to 5/10 VDC analog outputs, or Type J, K, R or S thermocouple outputs, as well as an optional RS485 network interface – thus, enabling seamless integration into existing control equipment or OEM systems.

Standard USB 2.0 communication facilitates sensor configuration and is valuable for troubleshooting when the device is installed in hostile or remote locations. Additionally, this capability saves maintenance time and minimizes technician exposure to hazardous environments.

Thanks to precision, high-resolution silicon optics, the MI3 sensors provide a range of optical resolutions (2:1, 10:1 or 22:1) at a very attractive price.

The MI3’s user-programmable, isolated alarm output is an easy way to achieve alarm and control redundancy or provide simple on/off control capabilities. It allows for local alarm capability, eliminating the need for separate limit switches or alarms.

Other standard MI3 features include: adjustable emissivity, transmissivity, peak hold, valley hold and signal averaging; and configurable inputs for emissivity control, ambient background compensation and trigger/hold input.

Infrared thermometers, such as the MI3, are the fastest, safest and most cost-effective way to measure critical temperatures necessary for process control and automation. Energy costs are typically one of the top three operating expenses in any manufacturing facility, and process heating is the largest portion of this expense. The Raytek MI3 reduces energy costs by allowing tighter process control and more efficient process heating. Improved control performance usually results in less product variation, higher product quality and increased throughput.