Hello.
I would like to be able to measure skin surface temperature readings which can show changes of 0.01 degrees C maximum ( I am not bothered about absolute temperature accuracy ) in a stable environment. ie no draughts etc. Will your TMP006 be able to achieve this? If yes, how can I obtain an evaluation sample? Thanks.
David Miles
Hello David,
The data sheet resolution of the TMP006 IR sensor is 156.25nV, while the typical relationship between sensor voltage and object temperature is 7μV/°C. Calculating this out gives a typical object temperature resolution of approximately 0.0223°C. This is an ideal value, and I've found that in a real-world open environment test where the TMP006 sensor has light and other heat sources in its field of view the precision of the object temperature is not of a range where this resolution is usable. Keep in mind that the TMP006 is a low-cost IR device that is designed for applications such as computer case temperature measurement and cell phone case temperature measurement where high precision is not required.
Below is an example measurement done with the TMP006EVM. I simply had the EVM on my desk with theTMP006 sensor side pointing upward, and I placed my hand a couple inches away from it. Around t = 100s, I removed my hand. You can see that the stability of the object temperature result is around ±0.5°C.
If you would like to experiment with the TMP006EVM, you can visit the TMP006EVM product page at http://www.ti.com/tool/tmp006evm, and click the "Order Now" button to place an order.
Best regards,
Ian WilliamsLinear Applications EngineerPrecision Linear and Sensing Products
Hello Ian,
Would using some sort of optical filter (to cut out visible light) help in improving the accuracy to better then 0.5C (say ~0.2C). Any other tricks we can use to improve the accuracy.
Regards
Ashok