Infrared Radiometer: Owner'S Manual
Infrared Radiometer: Owner'S Manual
Infrared Radiometer: Owner'S Manual
INFRARED RADIOMETER
Models SI-111, SI-121, SI-131, and SI-1H1
Rev: 2-Nov-2021
APOGEE INSTRUMENTS, INC. | 721 WEST 1800 NORTH, LOGAN, UTAH 84321, USA
TEL: (435) 792-4700 | FAX: (435) 787-8268 | WEB: APOGEEINSTRUMENTS.COM
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................. 4
Specifications ........................................................................................................................................................................... 6
EU Declaration of Conformity
This declaration of conformity is issued under the sole responsibility of the manufacturer:
The object of the declaration described above is in conformity with the relevant Union harmonization legislation:
EN 61326-1:2013 Electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use – EMC requirements
EN 50581:2012 Technical documentation for the assessment of electrical and electronic products with respect to
the restriction of hazardous substances
Please be advised that based on the information available to us from our raw material suppliers, the products
manufactured by us do not contain, as intentional additives, any of the restricted materials including lead (see
note below), mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), polybrominated
diphenyls (PBDE), bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and
diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP). However, please note that articles containing greater than 0.1% lead concentration are
RoHS 3 compliant using exemption 6c.
Further note that Apogee Instruments does not specifically run any analysis on our raw materials or end products
for the presence of these substances, but we rely on the information provided to us by our material suppliers.
Bruce Bugbee
President
Apogee Instruments, Inc.
INTRODUCTION
All objects with a temperature above absolute zero emit electromagnetic radiation. The wavelengths and intensity
of radiation emitted are related to the temperature of the object. Terrestrial surfaces (e.g., soil, plant canopies,
water, snow) emit radiation in the mid infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum (approximately 4-50 µm).
Infrared radiometers are sensors that measure infrared radiation, which is used to determine surface temperature
without touching the surface (when using sensors that must be in contact with the surface, it can be difficult to
maintain thermal equilibrium without altering surface temperature). Infrared radiometers are often called infrared
thermometers because temperature is the desired quantity, even though the sensors detect radiation.
Typical applications of infrared radiometers include plant canopy temperature measurement for use in plant water
status estimation, road surface temperature measurement for determination of icing conditions, and terrestrial
surface (soil, vegetation, water, snow) temperature measurement in energy balance studies.
Apogee Instruments SI series infrared radiometers consist of a thermopile detector, germanium filter, precision
thermistor (for detector reference temperature measurement), and signal processing circuitry mounted in an
anodized aluminum housing, and a cable to connect the sensor to a measurement device. All radiometers also
come with a radiation shield designed to minimize absorbed solar radiation, but still allowing natural ventilation.
The radiation shield insulates the radiometer from rapid temperature changes and keeps the temperature of the
radiometer closer to the target temperature. Sensors are potted solid with no internal air space and are designed
for continuous temperature measurement of terrestrial surfaces in indoor and outdoor environments. SI-100
series sensors output an analog voltage that is directly proportional to the infrared radiation balance of the target
(surface or object the sensor is pointed at) and detector, where the radiation balance between target and detector
is related to the temperature difference between the two.
SENSOR MODELS
Model Output
SI-100 Series Voltage
SI-400 Series SDI-12
The four FOV options and associated model numbers are shown below:
Response Time 0.6 s, time for detector signal to reach 95 % following a step change
32° horizontal half
Field of View 22° half angle 18° half angle 14° half angle angle; 13° vertical
half angle
Spectral Range 8 to 14 µm; atmospheric window (see Spectral Response below)
Operating Environment -50 to 80 C; 0 to 100 % relative humidity (non-condensing)
Dimensions 23 mm diameter, 60 mm length
Mass 190 g (with 5m of lead wire)
5 m of four conductor, shielded, twisted-pair wire; TPR jacket (high water resistance, high UV
Cable stability, flexibility in cold conditions); pigtail lead wires; stainless steel (316), M8 connector
located 25 cm from sensor head
Calibration Traceability
Apogee SI series infrared radiometers are calibrated to the temperature of a custom blackbody cone held at
multiple fixed temperatures over a range of radiometer (detector/sensor body) temperatures. The temperature of
the blackbody cone is measured with replicate precision thermistors thermally bonded to the cone surface. The
precision thermistors are calibrated for absolute temperature measurement against a platinum resistance
thermometer (PRT) in a constant temperature bath. The PRT calibration is directly traceable to the NIST.
Spectral Response
An Apogee Instruments model AM-220 mounting bracket is currently recommended for mounting the SI-121 and
SI-1H1 sensor to a cross arm or pole. However, Apogee is rolling out a slight design change to the outer radiation
shield of our infrared radiometers. This upgrade allows the SI-111 and SI-131 sensors, and soon all other infrared
radiometers, to work with our new, less expensive AM-250 mounting fixture. This design change may slightly
affect compatibility with custom mounting fixtures others may use to mount these sensors. The sensor design is
still compatible with our older AM-220 U-Bolt mounting brackets but is designed to work perfectly with our new,
lower-cost AM-250 brackets. The AM-220 and AM-250 both allow for adjustment of the angle of the sensor with
respect to the target.
Field of View
The field of view (FOV) is reported as the half-angle of the apex of the cone formed by the target surface (cone
base) and the detector (cone apex), as shown below, where the target is defined as a circle from which 98 % of the
radiation detected by the radiometer is emitted.
Sensor FOV, distance to target, and sensor mounting angle in relation to the target will determine target area.
Different mounting geometries (distance and angle combinations) produce different target shapes and areas, as
shown below.
CIRCULAR HORIZONTAL
FOV Area (m²) Half Angle FOV Area (m²)
Type Model Half Angle 0 Deg 45 Deg 60 Deg Type Model Horizontal Vertical 0 Deg 45 Deg 60 Deg
Standard SI-111 22° 2.069 7.627 45.211 Standard SI-1H1 32° 13° 2.276 7.148 45.512
Narrow SI-121 18° 1.337 4.461 18.865 Narrow SI-4HR 16° 5° 0.403 1.15 3.341
Ultra-Narrow SI-131 14° 0.787 2.447 8.544
A simple FOV calculator for determining target dimensions based on infrared radiometer model, mounting height,
and mounting angle, is available on the Apogee website: https://www.apogeeinstruments.com/irr-calculators.
CABLE CONNECTORS
Apogee started offering in-line cable connectors on
some bare-lead sensors in March 2018 to simplify the
process of removing sensors from weather stations for
calibration (the entire cable does not have to be
removed from the station and shipped with the sensor).
Instructions
VERY IMPORTANT: Apogee changed all wiring colors of our bare-lead sensors in March 2018 in conjunction
with the release of inline cable connectors on some sensors. To ensure proper connection to your data device,
please note your serial number or if your sensor has a stainless-steel connector 30 cm from the sensor head then
use the appropriate wiring configuration below.
Wiring for SI-100 Series with Serial Numbers 7283 and above or has a cable connector
White: High side of differential channel (positive
thermopile lead)
Clear: Shield/Ground
Apogee SI series infrared radiometers are calibrated in a temperature-controlled chamber that houses a custom-
built blackbody cone (target) for the radiation source. During calibration, infrared radiometers (detectors) are held
in a fixture at the opening of the blackbody cone but are thermally insulated from the cone. Detector and target
temperature are controlled independently. At each calibration set point, detectors are held at a constant
temperature while the blackbody cone is controlled at temperatures below (12 C), above (18 C), and equal to the
detector temperature. The range of detector temperatures is -15 C to 45 C (set points at 10 C increments). Data
are collected at each detector temperature set point, after detectors and target reach constant temperatures.
All Apogee analog infrared radiometer models (SI-100 series) have sensor-specific calibration coefficients
determined during the custom calibration process. Unique coefficients for each sensor are provided on a
coefficient certificate (example shown below).
Calibration overview data are listed in box in upper left-hand corner, sensor specific calibration coefficients
are listed in box in upper right-hand corner, temperature errors are shown in graph, and calibration date is
listed below descriptions of calibration procedure and traceability.
Temperature Measurement with Internal Thermistor
Measurement devices (e.g., datalogger, controller) do not measure resistance directly, but determine resistance
from a half-bridge measurement, where an excitation voltage is input across the thermistor and an output voltage
is measured across the bridge resistor.
NOTE: The wiring diagram below is based off the new wiring
colors for serial numbers 7283 and above.
An excitation voltage of 2.5 V DC is recommended to minimize self-heating and current drain, while still
maintaining adequate measurement sensitivity (mV output from thermistor per C). However, other excitation
voltages can be used. Decreasing the excitation voltage will decrease self-heating and current drain but will also
decrease thermistor measurement sensitivity. Increasing the excitation voltage will increase thermistor
measurement sensitivity but will also increase self-heating and current drain.
The internal thermistor provides a temperature reference for calculation of target temperature. Resistance of the
thermistor changes with temperature. Thermistor resistance (RT, in Ω) is measured with a half-bridge
measurement, requiring an excitation voltage input (VEX) and a measurement of output voltage (VOUT):
V
R T = 24900 EX − 1 (1)
VOUT
where 24900 is the resistance of the bridge resistor in Ω. From resistance, temperature (TK, in Kelvin) is calculated
with the Steinhart-Hart equation and thermistor specific coefficients:
1
TK = (2)
A + B ln( R T ) + C(ln( R T )) 3
where A = 1.129241 x 10-3, B = 2.341077 x 10-4, and C = 8.775468 x 10-8 (Steinhart-Hart coefficients).
The detector output from SI-100 series radiometers follows the fundamental physics of the Stefan-Boltzmann Law,
where radiation transfer is proportional to the fourth power of absolute temperature. A modified form of the
Stefan-Boltzmann equation is used to calibrate sensors, and subsequently, calculate target temperature:
TT − TD = m S D + b
4 4
(1)
where TT is target temperature [K], TD is detector temperature [K], SD is the millivolt signal from the detector, m is
slope, and b is intercept. The mV signal from the detector is linearly proportional to the energy balance between
the target and detector, analogous to energy emission being linearly proportional to the fourth power of
temperature in the Stefan-Boltzmann Law.
During the calibration process, m and b are determined at each detector temperature set point (10 C increments
across a -15 C to 45 C range) by plotting measurements of TT4 – TD4 versus mV. The derived m and b coefficients are
then plotted as function of TD and second order polynomials are fitted to the results to produce equations that
determine m and b at any TD:
m = C2 TD + C1 TD + C0
2
(2)
b = C2 TD + C1 TD + C0
2
(3)
Where C2, C1, and C0 are the custom calibration coefficients listed on the calibration certificate (shown above)
that comes with each SI-100 series radiometer (there are two sets of polynomial coefficients, one set for m and
one set for b). Note that TD is converted from Kelvin to Celsius (temperature in C equals temperature in K minus
273.15) before m and b are plotted versus TD.
To make measurements of target temperatures, Eq. (1) is rearranged to solve for T T [C], measured values of SD and
TD are input, and predicted values of m and b are input:
( )
1
TT = TD + m S D + b − 273 .15
4 4 (4)
Emissivity Correction
Appropriate correction for surface emissivity is required for accurate surface temperature measurements. The
simple (and commonly made) emissivity correction, dividing measured temperature by surface emissivity, is
incorrect because it does not account for reflected infrared radiation.
The radiation detected by an infrared radiometer includes two components: 1. radiation directly emitted by the
target surface, and 2. reflected radiation from the background. The second component is often neglected. The
magnitude of the two components in the total radiation detected by the radiometer is estimated using the
emissivity (ε) and reflectivity (1 - ε) of the target surface:
where ESensor is radiance [W m-2 sr-1] detected by the radiometer, ETarget is radiance [W m-2 sr-1] emitted by the
target surface, EBackground is radiance [W m-2 sr-1] emitted by the background (when the target surface is outdoors
the background is generally the sky), and ε is the ratio of non-blackbody radiation emission (actual radiation
emission) to blackbody radiation emission at the same temperature (theoretical maximum for radiation emission).
Unless the target surface is a blackbody (ε = 1; emits and absorbs the theoretical maximum amount of energy
based on temperature), Esensor will include a fraction (1 – ε) of reflected radiation from the background.
Since temperature, rather than energy, is the desired quantity, Eq. (1) can be written in terms of temperature
using the Stefan-Boltzmann Law, E = σT4 (relates energy being emitted by an object to the fourth power of its
absolute temperature):
where TSensor [K] is temperature measured by the infrared radiometer (brightness temperature), T Target [K] is actual
temperature of the target surface, TBackground [K] is brightness temperature of the background (usually the sky), and
σ is the Stefan-Boltzmann constant (5.67 x 10-8 W m-2 K-4). The power of 4 on the temperatures in Eq. (2) is valid for
the entire blackbody spectrum.
Rearrangement of Eq. (2) to solve for TTarget yields the equation used to calculate the actual target surface
temperature (i.e., measured brightness temperature corrected for emissivity effects):
TSensor − (1 − ) TBackground
4 4
TT arget = 4
. (3)
Equations (1)-(3) assume an infinite waveband for radiation emission and constant ε at all wavelengths. These
assumptions are not valid because infrared radiometers do not have infinite wavebands, as most correspond to
the atmospheric window of 8-14 µm, and ε varies with wavelength. Despite the violated assumptions, the errors
for emissivity correction with Eq. (3) in environmental applications are typically negligible because a large
proportion of the radiation emitted by terrestrial objects is in the 8-14 µm waveband (the power of 4 in Eqs. (2)
and (3) is a reasonable approximation), ε for most terrestrial objects does not vary significantly in the 8-14 µm
waveband, and the background radiation is a small fraction (1 – ε) of the measured radiation because most
terrestrial surfaces have high emissivity (often between 0.9 and 1.0). To apply Eq. (3), the brightness temperature
of the background (TBackground) must be measured or estimated with reasonable accuracy. If a radiometer is used to
measure background temperature, the waveband it measures should be the same as the radiometer used to
measure surface brightness temperature. Although the ε of a fully closed plant canopy can be 0.98-0.99, the lower
ε of soils and other surfaces can result in substantial errors if ε effects are not accounted for.
MAINTENANCE AND RECALIBRATION
Blocking of the optical path between the target and detector, often due to moisture or debris on the filter, is a
common cause of inaccurate measurements. The filter in SI series radiometers is inset in an aperture, but can
become partially blocked in four ways:
It is recommended that infrared radiometers be recalibrated every two years. See the Apogee webpage for details
regarding return of sensors for recalibration (http://www.apogeeinstruments.com/tech-support-recalibration-
repairs/).
TROUBLESHOOTING AND CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Independent Verification of Functionality
The radiation detector in Apogee SI-100 series infrared radiometers is a self-powered device that outputs a voltage
signal proportional to the radiation balance between the detector and target surface. A quick and easy check of
detector functionality can be accomplished using a voltmeter with microvolt (µV) resolution. Connect the positive
lead of the voltmeter to the white wire from the sensor and the negative lead (or common) to the black wire from
the sensor. Direct the sensor toward a surface with a temperature significantly different than the detector. The µV
signal will be negative if the surface is colder than the detector and positive if the surface is warmer than the
detector. Placing a piece of tinfoil in front of the sensor should force the sensor µV signal to zero.
The thermistor inside Apogee SI-100 series radiometers yields a resistance proportional to temperature. A quick
and easy check of thermistor functionality can be accomplished with an ohmmeter. Connect the lead wires of the
ohmmeter to the red and green wires from the sensor. The resistance should read 10 kΩ at 25 C. If the sensor
temperature is less than 25 C, the resistance will be higher. If the sensor temperature is greater than 25 C, the
resistance will be lower. Connect the lead wires of the ohmmeter to the green and blue wires from the sensor. The
resistance should read 24.9 kΩ and should not vary. Connect the lead wires of the ohmmeter to the red and blue
wires from the sensor. The resistance should be the sum of the resistances measured across the green and white
wires, and green and blue wires (e.g., 10 kΩ plus 24.9 kΩ at 25 C).
SI-100 series radiometers have sensitivities in the microvolt range, approximately 20 to 60 µV per C difference
between target and detector (depending on specific model). Thus, a compatible measurement device (e.g.,
datalogger or controller) should have resolution of at least 3 µV (0.003 mV), in order to produce temperature
resolution of 0.05 C. Measurement of detector temperature from the internal thermistor requires an input
excitation voltage, where 2500 mV is recommended. A compatible measurement device should have the capability
to supply the necessary voltage.
An example datalogger program for Campbell Scientific dataloggers can be found on the Apogee webpage at
http://www.apogeeinstruments.com/content/Infrared-Radiometer-Analog.CR1.
When the sensor is connected to a measurement device with high input impedance, sensor output signals are not
changed by shortening the cable or splicing on additional cable in the field. Tests have shown that if the input
impedance of the measurement device is 10 MΩ or higher, there is negligible effect on the radiometer calibration,
even after adding up to 50 m of cable. Apogee model SI series infrared radiometers use shielded, twisted pair
cable, which minimizes electromagnetic interference. This is particularly important for long lead lengths in
electromagnetically noisy environments. See Apogee webpage for details on how to extend sensor cable length
(http://www.apogeeinstruments.com/how-to-make-a-weatherproof-cable-splice/). NOTE: For sensors with model
numbers lower than 7282, do not shorten the cable. There is a resistor built into the cable near the end that is
required for proper function. Please contact Apogee at [email protected] for instructions if
you must shorten the cable or consult the circuit diagram on page 13 to replace the bridge resistor if the cable is
shortened.
Signal Interference
Due to the small voltage signals from the detector, care should be taken to provide appropriate grounding for the
sensor and cable shield wire, in order to minimize the influence of electromagnetic interference (EMI). In instances
where SI-100 series radiometers are being used in close proximity to communications (near an antenna or antenna
wiring), it may be necessary to alternate the data recording and data transmitting functions (i.e., measurements
should not be made when data are being transmitted wirelessly). If EMI is suspected, place a tinfoil cap over the
front of the sensor and monitor the signal voltage from the detector. The signal voltage should remain stable at (or
very near) zero.
RETURN AND WARRANTY POLICY
RETURN POLICY
Apogee Instruments will accept returns within 30 days of purchase as long as the product is in new condition (to be
determined by Apogee). Returns are subject to a 10 % restocking fee.
WARRANTY POLICY
What is Covered
All products manufactured by Apogee Instruments are warranted to be free from defects in materials and craftsmanship
for a period of four (4) years from the date of shipment from our factory. To be considered for warranty coverage an
item must be evaluated by Apogee.
Products not manufactured by Apogee (spectroradiometers, chlorophyll content meters, EE08-SS probes) are covered
for a period of one (1) year.
The warranty does not cover equipment that has been damaged due to the following conditions:
4. Unauthorized modification.
Please note that nominal accuracy drift is normal over time. Routine recalibration of sensors/meters is considered part of
proper maintenance and is not covered under warranty.
Who is Covered
This warranty covers the original purchaser of the product or other party who may own it during the warranty period.
1. Either repair or replace (at our discretion) the item under warranty.
2. Ship the item back to the customer by the carrier of our choice.
2. For warranty evaluations, send all RMA sensors and meters back in the following condition: Clean the sensor’s exterior
and cord. Do not modify the sensors or wires, including splicing, cutting wire leads, etc. If a connector has been attached
to the cable end, please include the mating connector – otherwise the sensor connector will be removed in order to
complete the repair/recalibration. Note: When sending back sensors for routine calibration that have Apogee’s standard
stainless-steel connectors, you only need to send the sensor with the 30 cm section of cable and one-half of the
connector. We have mating connectors at our factory that can be used for calibrating the sensor.
3. Please write the RMA number on the outside of the shipping container.
4. Return the item with freight pre-paid and fully insured to our factory address shown below. We are not responsible for
any costs associated with the transportation of products across international borders.
5. Upon receipt, Apogee Instruments will determine the cause of failure. If the product is found to be defective in terms
of operation to the published specifications due to a failure of product materials or craftsmanship, Apogee Instruments
will repair or replace the items free of charge. If it is determined that your product is not covered under warranty, you
will be informed and given an estimated repair/replacement cost.
OTHER TERMS
The available remedy of defects under this warranty is for the repair or replacement of the original product, and Apogee
Instruments is not responsible for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including but not limited to
loss of income, loss of revenue, loss of profit, loss of data, loss of wages, loss of time, loss of sales, accruement of debts
or expenses, injury to personal property, or injury to any person or any other type of damage or loss.
This limited warranty and any disputes arising out of or in connection with this limited warranty ("Disputes") shall be
governed by the laws of the State of Utah, USA, excluding conflicts of law principles and excluding the Convention for the
International Sale of Goods. The courts located in the State of Utah, USA, shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any
Disputes.
This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state
and jurisdiction to jurisdiction, and which shall not be affected by this limited warranty. This warranty extends only to
you and cannot by transferred or assigned. If any provision of this limited warranty is unlawful, void, or unenforceable,
that provision shall be deemed severable and shall not affect any remaining provisions. In case of any inconsistency
between the English and other versions of this limited warranty, the English version shall prevail.
This warranty cannot be changed, assumed, or amended by any other person or agreement
APOGEE INSTRUMENTS, INC. | 721 WEST 1800 NORTH, LOGAN, UTAH 84321, USA
TEL: (435) 792-4700 | FAX: (435) 787-8268 | WEB: APOGEEINSTRUMENTS.COM