Infrared Sensor Lets Engineers Check Temperatures with a Smartphone App

The PyroNFC sensor measures the temperature of surfaces in industrial processes without contact, and at just 29 mm in length, it is the smallest sensor that Calex has ever produced. It has a linear voltage output for connection to industrial process instrumentation, and an open drain alarm output that can be used simultaneously.

By touching an NFC-enabled smartphone against the back of the sensor, the user can read the measured temperature with the free app. The reading updates continuously while the phone is touching the sensor.

With the app, the user can also read or write configuration parameters including the emissivity setting, which allows an accurate reading on a variety of materials. There is no need to power the sensor to do this: hundreds of sensors can be configured in minutes on a benchtop without connecting a single wire or cable.

Advancements in consumer technology can take time to reach industrial products, but Calex is keen to push ahead with innovation. Anthony Smith, product marketing manager at Calex, explains why NFC is such an exciting new technology.

“Everyone has a smartphone, and more and more industrial products are incorporating smartphone connectivity,” he said.

“NFC is the simplest way to connect to another device. You don’t need to plug in a cable, and it is quicker than Wi-Fi or Bluetooth as you don’t need to search for devices or pair with them.”

“Smartphone apps are the easiest way to do simple tasks like measuring a temperature. To take a reading it really is as simple as touching the phone to the sensor. With the app installed, you don’t even have to look for it when you want to use it. When you touch a sensor with the phone, the app opens automatically, even from the home screen. You can see the temperature immediately.”

As well as being extremely user-friendly, the PyroNFC is also very low in cost. Machine builders will appreciate this, along with its IP65 sealing, compact size and direct linear output for direct connection to instrumentation.