Paul Boughton
Raytek is introducing the MI3 series of infrared temperature measurement sensors, which the company says represents a new generation of performance and innovation in noncontact temperature monitoring for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) applications and manufacturing processes. The MI3, which is a rugged, IP65, stainless steel miniature pyrometer with integrated electronics, is claimed to be the smallest fully functional, standalone infrared temperature sensor for fixed installation on the market today.
All of the sensor's operating parameters are accessed and configured through the standard user interface with a 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, and the MI3COMM communications box that supports up to eight individually addressable MI3 miniature sensor heads.
Digital communication between the sensor and the communication box offers several advantages:
* Plug-and play connection of the sensor head so that sensors are automatically recognised by the communication box, with no need for manual setting of calibration codes.
* The sensors can be easily integrated into any control system via their internal digital bus.
* No cable bending/moving effects, so continuous reliable measurement can be assured in moving installations.
For multiple sensor applications with USB and RS485, four MI3 sensors can be directly connected to the MI3MCOMM box, which is available in a convenient package that can be mounted on DIN-rail. 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 degrees 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 20ms.
Raytek MI3 series sensors offer a choice of scalable 0/4-20 mA and 0-5/10V DC analogue outputs, or Type J, K, R or S thermocouple outputs, as well as an optional RS485 network interface.
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 minimises 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, thereby 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.
For more information, visit www.raytek.com
All of the sensor's operating parameters are accessed and configured through the standard user interface with a 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, and the MI3COMM communications box that supports up to eight individually addressable MI3 miniature sensor heads.
Digital communication between the sensor and the communication box offers several advantages:
* Plug-and play connection of the sensor head so that sensors are automatically recognised by the communication box, with no need for manual setting of calibration codes.
* The sensors can be easily integrated into any control system via their internal digital bus.
* No cable bending/moving effects, so continuous reliable measurement can be assured in moving installations.
For multiple sensor applications with USB and RS485, four MI3 sensors can be directly connected to the MI3MCOMM box, which is available in a convenient package that can be mounted on DIN-rail. 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 degrees 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 20ms.
Raytek MI3 series sensors offer a choice of scalable 0/4-20 mA and 0-5/10V DC analogue outputs, or Type J, K, R or S thermocouple outputs, as well as an optional RS485 network interface.
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 minimises 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, thereby 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.
For more information, visit www.raytek.com
