This section provides an overview for infrared sensors as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 36 infrared sensor manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked infrared sensor companies as of November, 2024: 1.Mercury, 2.Silicon Laboratories, 3.In-Situ Inc..
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Categories Related to Infrared Sensors
Infrared sensors are sensors that detect light rays in the infrared region.
Light differs in color and characteristics depending on its wavelength. The wavelength of visible light is considered being around 400 nm to 800 nm, and light other than that is not visible to the eye. To the human eye, light rays in the 400 nm range appear purple, while light rays in the 800 nm range appear red. When referring to invisible light, light with a wavelength of 400 nm or less is called ultraviolet light, and light with a wavelength of 800 nm or more is called infrared light.
Infrared sensors are sensors that detect the above mentioned infrared rays. However, in addition to detecting infrared rays, there are also methods that emit infrared rays and detect reflected waves.
Infrared sensors are used in a variety of ways in consumer products. A typical use is in TV remote controls. The TV's infrared sensor receives the remote control's operation signal. This takes advantage of the invisible nature of infrared light.
Infrared sensors are also used in thermometers. The temperature is detected using the characteristic that the hotter the substance is, the more infrared light it emits. Since temperatures can be detected quickly and without contact, they are useful during infectious disease outbreaks.
Infrared sensors are used in a wide range of industrial applications, including space development and military applications.
Infrared sensors have been actively researched and are available in a variety of materials. The principles are mainly divided into thermal and quantum types.
Infrared sensor wavelengths are classified into near infrared, mid infrared, and far infrared, and each sensor has its own area of expertise.
A typical example of a thermal infrared sensor is a pyroelectric sensor. Pyroelectric infrared sensors are made of ferroelectric pyroelectric ceramics and utilize the pyroelectric effect. When the infrared sensor is heated, the amount of electric charge on the ceramic changes due to the pyroelectric effect. The sensor detects the electric current that flows according to the changed amount of charge. Even the slightest infrared radiation emitted from the human body can be detected.
Thermopile sensors are also a type of thermal type. A thermopile is a thermo-electromotive sensor that consists of multiple thermocouples and converts the thermal energy of infrared sensor into an electromotive force.
Quantum infrared sensors are sensors that detect band gap energy as an electric current. The mechanism is the same as that of solar panels, which are made of elements that generate electricity from infrared rays. While the detection sensitivity is 100 to 1,000 times higher than that of thermal sensors, the heat generated by the sensor itself is also detected, so it must be cooled sufficiently.
Infrared sensors can malfunction or fail to operate. Cases of malfunction include when the sensor is blocked by an object that does not transmit far infrared sensors, such as glass or acrylic, or when the object to be detected is hardly moving.
Let us use an automatic door as an example. Automatic doors detect objects by the rate of change of infrared reflection. Due to its principle, if a persons wears clothes of the same color as the carpet or approaches an automatic door slowly, it might malfunction.
Heat sources other than the human body can also cause malfunctions. For example, infrared devices may malfunction in response to sunlight or incandescent light. Malfunctions can also occur when there is a sudden change in temperature in the vicinity of air conditioning or heating equipment.
Driving at night increases the probability of accidents due to poor visibility. Infrared sensors are gaining attention as the new eyes that can solve nighttime driving problems and increase safety.
Night Vision Systems
Infrared sensors are used to identify pedestrians and other objects and visualize them on a display. Passive-type sensors directly detect far-infrared radiation, eliminating the need for light illumination.
The active type uses near-infrared lights to illuminate the road ahead, and the reflected light is captured by an infrared camera.
Vehicle Perimeter Monitor
Infrared cameras are installed on all four sides of the vehicle to detect pedestrians in blind spots. If pedestrians are present, an alarm is triggered when the vehicle starts, and a system has been developed to deter the vehicle from starting.
Air Conditioning Systems
An air conditioning control system has been developed that measures the surface temperature using far-infrared radiation emitted from the occupants and switches the air outlets.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Excelitas Technologies Corp., headquartered in Waltham, USA, is a manufacturer of photonic solutions. The company provides photonic solutions for the illumination, optical and imaging needs of the OEM and end-user customers. The products like cameras, sensors and light sources serve an array of applications across many sectors. These range of applications include clinical diagnostics, autonomous vehicles and X-ray security screening. The company also offers bespoke photonic solutions such as discrete components, sub-assemblies, or complete turnkey solutions tailored to the customers' specific requirements.
Amphenol Advanced Sensors, established in 1999 and headquartered in St. Marys, Pennsylvania, is a manufacturer and supplier of sensing technologies. Their diverse product portfolio includes temperature sensors like RTDs, thermocouples, and thermistors, serving applications in industrial automation, medical devices, and environmental monitoring. Furthermore, they offer a wide range of pressure sensors, such as absolute pressure, differential pressure, and vacuum sensors, utilized in industrial automation, medical devices, and automotive industries. They also provide an extensive array of air quality sensors, including CO2, VOC, and particulate sensors, serving applications in environmental monitoring, building automation, and healthcare sectors.
Mercury Systems is a manufacturer of advanced solutions for a wide range of applications, including aerospace and defense, cybersecurity, radar and electronic warfare. Established in 1981, the company is headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, and has operations across the United States and internationally. Their products include secure processing systems, embedded computing and processing solutions, memory, storage devices, radio frequency and microwave components. One of their achievements is their inclusion in the Fortune 1000 list of America's largest companies. In 2020, they were also named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute for the fourth year in a row.
Silicon Labs, established in 1996 with headquarters and production and R&D facilities in the USA, is a manufacturer of electronic devices and related equipment for the home automation, industrial automation, data center, automotive, communications, healthcare, and retail markets. The company's products include microcontrollers, RF integrated circuits, intelligent sensors, USB bridges, clocks, oscillators, isolators, PoE controllers, and modems. The company offers a cloud-based software platform integrated with Silicon Labs' hardware to allow their developers and OEMs to build advanced industrial, commercial, home, and life applications that include circuit breakers, home appliances, battery-powered tools, and smart hospital equipment.
In-Situ Inc., founded in 1976 and based in Fort Collins, Colorado, is a manufacturer of environmental and process monitoring equipment to protect the world’s water resources. Some of the products the company stocks include environmental sensors, flow monitoring systems, and water level meters, and the company also provides software that is used alongside the equipment. In 1989, the company introduced the world’s first in-well water-level data logger. Later, in 1995, the company launched the TROLL 4000, the first all-in-one datalogger/temperature sensor/transducer, and became the self-contained long-term monitoring solution for groundwater.
Pepperl+Fuchs, Inc. was founded in Mannheim, Germany in 1945 developing the forerunner of the proximity switch. Pepperl+Fuchs continues to develop proximity sensors as well as other industrial sensors including ultrasonic sensors, rotary encoders, positioning systems, display and signal processing, vibration monitoring, industrial communication, and signal processing as well as related accessories and software. Explosive protection products include safety barriers, surge protection, wireless solutions, HMI systems, power supplies, electrical explosion protection equipment, level measurement, and related software.
Optris Infrared Sensing, LLC was established in 2003 and is headquartered in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The company is a developer and manufacturer of infrared measurement technology for glass, plastics, automotive, semiconductor, and related industries. The company’s product program covers portable thermometers, fixed industrial thermometers, and infrared cameras. The company’s services include machine calibration services, repair services, 24 month's guarantee on service, and, certification of calibration to document the accuracy of the IR sensor or thermal imager.
MSA Safety, founded in 1914, is a manufacturer and supplier of safety products such as self-contained breathing apparatus, flame detection systems, fall protection devices, and fire & rescue helmets that protect users from potentially dangerous or life-threatening situations while working in the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries, the fire service, mining, construction, and military. Cranberry Township, Pa., is the company's headquarters north of Pittsburgh, and it has manufacturing plants in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. MSA generates approximately half of its sales outside North America, with over 40 international sites.
Diamond Systems LLC was founded in the early 1990s and is headquartered in Cocoa, Florida. The ISO 9001-certified company is a distributor of gas detection and related equipment for manufacturers such as Analog, LANDTEC, Viasensor, and GFG Instrumentation used in the biogas, landfills pumping, and medical fields. The company’s product categories include biogas, pumps & controls, gas detection systems, and medical devices. The company also provides in-warranty and out-of-warranty repair and service on many of the components it sells.
Fox Valley Fire & Safety was founded in 1960 and is based in Elgin, Illinois. Fox Valley Fire & Safety provides service, inspection, repair, and installation of security and alarm systems. Many of Fox Valley employees hold NICET certification for fire, hazard, and water-based systems. Fox Valley works with businesses both large and small businesses to offer on-site surveys, CAD services, and testing of fire and other safety needs and meet government compliance standards. Examples of systems include basic fire alarms to 24-hour security monitoring, sprinkler systems, fire suppression systems, and emergency and exit lighting.
Founded in 2002, Heimann Sensor GmbH is a German manufacturer headquartered in Dresden, specializing in infrared thermopile arrays, sensors, and modules. These products are used for temperature sensing, thermal imaging, and gas concentration measurement. Additionally, the company offers pyroelectric sensors, infrared light sources, and Pirani vacuum sensors. Heimann Sensor has representative offices on four continents and manufacturing facilities in Germany and Senai, Malaysia. Providing customized solutions to global customers, the company serves diverse sectors, including medical applications, industrial process control, and traffic control. Heimann Sensor holds the DIN EN ISO 9001 certification.
Bentham Instruments Limited is a British manufacturer of light measurement instruments founded in 1975 and based in Reading, Berkshire. The company produces standard as well as custom instruments and equipment for studying or measuring lights. These include variable radiance uniform light sources, fiber spectral attenuation spectrometers, and source characterization systems. Aside from its products, the company also offers OEM as well as calibration services for customers in the biomedical, nanotechnology, and research sectors needing additional support.
DropsA S.p.A., headquartered in Milan, Italy, has been a centralized lubrication system manufacturer since 1946. The company offers a range of products, including automatic and manual pumps, dual-line and progressive dividers, control devices, and auxiliary components. These products are designed for various types of lubrication, such as grease, oil, and air/oil, aimed at improving the efficiency of various industrial production systems while reducing maintenance costs. These are utilized across diverse industries, including mining, construction, railways, textiles, and energy.
Foshan Chuandong Magnetoelectric Co. Ltd. is a developer and manufacturer of sensors and controllers for industrial applications that was established in Guangdong, China in 2002. The company’s product lineup includes displacement detection products such as linear displacement detectors, magnetic proximity switches, and angle sensors. It also offers level controller products such as float switches, liquid level sensors, and level controllers. The company’s products are commonly used in home appliances, automotive manufacturing, and energy production operations.
Melexis NV, founded in Brussels, in 1989 is a supplier of micro-electronic semiconductor solutions. The company's product portfolio includes Mixed Signal Integrated Circuits, Automotive Semiconductors, IC Sensors, Power ICs for Automotive Actuators, and Infrared Thermometers and sensors. The company serves markets including Automotive and Electric Vehicles, Renewable Energy and Energy Storage and Electronics and IT Infrastructure. The company has a global distribution channel, a technical and customer support center and 18 offices worldwide.
Pantron is a developer and manufacturer of optical sensors founded in 1984 and headquartered in Bad Salzdetfurth, Germany. The company offers a wide range of products including light barrier systems, sensor heads for organizing various objects, and amplifiers for color, contrast or distance detection as well as accessories like protective housings, fiber optic cables and power supplies. Pantron products primarily supply the materials processing and packaging needs of their clients, such as Trumpf, Homag, and WashTec.
Mahlo GmbH + Co. KG is a manufacturer of measurement and control systems that was founded in 1945 in Saal an der Donau, Germany. The company produces equipment and systems utilizing different measurements and measuring methods for use in automated continuous web processes. These include process control systems for measuring and controlling moisture or thread density, pattern and distortion control systems, and air permeability measuring equipment for nonwoven materials. The company’s products are mainly used by clients in the coatings, textile, and paper production industries.
Kado Intelligent Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd, located in Shanghai, China, is a manufacturer of a wide array of system solutions. The company specializes in designing correction systems and visual systems. It also creates thickness and areal density measurement systems for its customers. Its correction systems use two sensors to correct the deviation based on the center line of the material. Its visual systems are used in the detection of films, paper, non-woven fabrics, copper foil boards, and plastic boards.
Ningbo VEZE Automatic Door Co. Ltd., established in 2005 and headquartered in Ningbo, Zhejiang, China, is a manufacturer in the field of automatic doors. The company is engaged in researching and designing automatic sliding doors, automatic swing doors, automatic sliding door systems, automatic swing door openers, and hospital hermetic doors. Along with its primary offerings are door accessories such as brushless DC motors, infrared sensors, controllers, and access control systems. Its products hold certifications including CE, UL, ROHS, TUV, and CCC, meeting the stringent requirements of different countries. The company is also ISO9001 certified for its management system.
NiCera - Nippon Ceramic Co., Ltd. was established in 1975 in Japan as a manufacturer of ceramic sensors. The company designs infrared sensors that have applications in home electronics such as microwaves, air conditioners, heaters, etc. Ultrasonic sensors have been used in automobiles for back and corner sensing and for automatic parking systems. Current sensors are also used in automobiles as well as in industrial equipment along with gas sensors that have applications in the agricultural industry such as controlling CO2 concentration. The modules of human detection sensors and LED power supplies are also part of the production.
Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., established in 1953 and headquartered in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a manufacturer of sensors and emitters for both visible and invisible light. It stocks products like LEDs, lamps, and photodiodes used in several industries, including consumer electronics, dental imaging, and environmental monitoring. The sensor and light source components are also available as modules and units that can be incorporated into systems the company develops, like optical measurement systems or imaging systems. The ISO 9001-certified company stocks over 15,000 devices, units, and systems that ship to over 100 destinations worldwide, and it has ten research and production bases.
Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Murata Manufacturing) was founded in 1944 and is headquartered in Nagaokakyo, Japan. Murata Manufacturing designs, manufactures, and sells ceramic-based passive electronic components and solutions globally. The company operates through components, modules, and others segments, serving communications, mobility, industrial, healthcare, and personal electronics customers. They company's product offerings include noise suppression products, quartz devices,RFID devices, phase shifters, and wireless connectivity platforms. Services such as webinars and video library are also available for existing and potential customers alike.
Trinity Electronics Systems Ltd. was founded in the 1980s and is based in Edmonton, Alberta. Trinity Electronics Systems designs and manufactures custom electronics and handles modifications, upgrades, and warranty repair as well. Trinity Electronics Systems product list includes power measurement products, audio products, lighting products, industrial electronics, sensors, and miscellaneous products. Trinity Electronics Systems services begin with product development and create proposals for complete products including packaging, instruction manual, software, and prototyping. Electronic design services including retrofitting and even re-manufacturing of boards created by defunct manufacturers. Other services include PCB, Hazloc, and microprocessor software development and contract manufacturing.
Cubic Sensor and Instrument Co. Ltd., founded in 2003 and based in Wuhan, China, is a manufacturer of gas sensors and sensor solutions and is ISO 9001 certified. It stocks products like spirometers, CO2 sensors, and gas analyzers that serve various fields, including air quality, environmental monitoring, and healthcare. It is a publicly listed company in the SSE STAR Market that has exported its products to more than 80 countries and has obtained more than 100 patents at home and abroad. It has also received ISO 45001, ISO 14001, and Automotive Tier 1 Supplier with IATF16949 certification.
Delta S.A.S., established in 1954 and headquartered in Entzheim, France, is a manufacturer of a wide range of sensors and measuring systems. Some of the products it stocks include laser measuring sensors, hot metal detectors, and stereoscopic width gauges used in various applications like processing lines, hot rolling mills, and continuous casters. The company has been in the steel mill environment for over 70 years and has sold over 40,000 sensors worldwide in more than 70 countries. It is ISO 9001 certified and uses several technologies, including infrared scanning, laser triangulation, and image processing.
Wattco was founded in 1972 and is headquartered in Lachine, Quebec. Wattco is a manufacturer of electric heating products for use in many utilities including oil and gas, renewable energy, HVAC systems, as well as others. Wattco products include immersion, circulation, inline, flanged, screw plug, pipe, over the side, industrial bore, tubular, finned tubular, strip, finned strip, cartridge, band, silicone rubber, open coil element, duct, finned tubular duct heaters, infrared radiant heaters, as well as other combinations of heaters and control panels.
Newport Glass is based in Stanton, California. Newport Glass stocks fabricate from and distribute material made by glass manufacturers such as Hoya, Ohara, Schott Glass, and Corning. Newport Glass serves numerous industries including aerospace, commercial, industrial, electronics, optical, and more. Newport glass specializes in over 30 material categories including fused silica, ceramic, plastic, and over 300 types of optical materials. Additionally, Newport provides services including sawing, refinishing, curve engineering, and custom molded parts.
Laser Components was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Olching, Germany. The ISO 9001:2015 certified company also has locations and distributors across Europe and the United States. The company is a manufacturer and researcher for semiconductor technologies and dielectric coatings. Chemicals used include silicon, lithium tantalate, and deuterated L-alanine doped triglycene sulphate, known as DLATGS. The company’s product segments include IR Components, Photo Counters, Lasers, and Fiber Optics. The company’s services include repair, calibration, tool servicing, and job coatings.
Scitec Instruments Ltd is an ISO 9001:2015-certified manufacturer and distributor of photonic products that was established in Taunton, Somerset, United Kingdom, in 1983. The company’s products include lock-in amplifiers for measuring sensitive signals with noise rejection, optical choppers for modulating beams of light at user-specified frequencies, and energy meters for analyzing laser power output. The company also provides custom design and development services for its clients in research and educational institutions and the industrial sector.
FIESSLER Elektronik, founded in 1956 in Bretten, Germany, is a manufacturer and supplier of safety and control systems. The company offers a range of safety switches, sensors, and control devices used in industrial automation, ensuring operational safety and efficiency. FIESSLER's products find applications in various industries including automotive, packaging, and material handling, where they enhance the safe and seamless operation of machines and equipment. Courtesy of its user-friendly and optoelectronic safety solutions of great quality, the company is always at customers’ disposal for word and deed. The company is also ISO 9001 Certified, an assurance of the customer's constant quality of products.
Stanley Electric, established in 1920 and based in Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer and supplier of automotive equipment, electronic components, and applied electronic products. The company's product portfolio includes headlamps, fog lamps, optical sensors, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), and various electronic products. These products find applications in various industries, including the automotive industry, electronics, applied electronics, consumer electronics, and general lighting. The company has established its global reach with its head office, laboratories, branches, factories, and other facilities spanning the globe.
MOD-TRONIC Instruments Limited was established in 1972 in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. MTis a distributor of industrial sensors, transducers, heaters, controls, and instrumentation, primarily made in the USA as well as Japan, Switzerland, and Germany. MT’s customers are primarily in the aerospace, building automation, manufacturing, medical, military, oil and gas, and water treatment industries but also serves individuals. MT offers an above industry standard 5-year warranty and technical support on every product sold.
DOD Technologies was founded in 2003 and is based in Cary, Illinois. The company is an all-in-one gas detection supplier of low-level toxic gas monitoring systems and solutions for industries ranging from semiconductors and commercial to foam manufacturing and emergency response. The company uses a global network of suppliers to reach customers in countries around the world. The company has four primary categories: fixed colorimetric, fixed electrochemical, fixed FTIR systems, and portable systems. The company also offers equipment repair, calibration, installation, design, and training services.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Mercury |
6.7%
|
2 | Silicon Laboratories |
6.2%
|
3 | In-Situ Inc. |
4.4%
|
4 | Condex Wattco Inc |
4.2%
|
5 | MSA |
4.2%
|
6 | Pepperl+Fuchs Inc. |
4.2%
|
7 | Newport Industrial Glass, Inc. |
4.0%
|
8 | Optris Infrared Sensing, LLC |
4.0%
|
9 | Diamond Scientific |
3.8%
|
10 | Mod-Tronic Instruments Limited |
3.6%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the infrared sensor page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 10 | 34.5% |
Germany | 5 | 17.2% |
China | 4 | 13.8% |
Japan | 4 | 13.8% |
United Kingdom | 2 | 6.9% |
Canada | 2 | 6.9% |
Italy | 1 | 3.4% |
Belgium | 1 | 3.4% |
30 products are listed.
J Corporation
40+ people viewing
Last viewed: 21 hours ago
■ Future infectious disease measures The ventilation fan is automatically turned when the carbon dioxide concentration in the air is measured and ...
OPTEX CO., LTD.
50+ people viewing
It is an infrared beam sensor for the dating warning system that prevents accidents from the outdoor parking lot or factory entrance. The infrared ...
SENSATEC Co., Ltd.
140+ people viewing
Use Human body detection Security sensor (security camera activation, etc.) Automatic switch (lighting, ventilation fan, etc.) Energy saving Featu...
Micro-Epsilon JAPAN K.K.
40+ people viewing
The infrared temperature sensor of the Thermometer CT series is suitable for a wide range of applications in non -contact temperature measurements,...
Micro-Epsilon JAPAN K.K.
50+ people viewing
Last viewed: 3 hours ago
The infrared temperature sensor of the Thermometer CT series is suitable for a wide range of applications in non -contact temperature measurements,...
OPTEX CO., LTD.
50+ people viewing
Last viewed: 3 hours ago
It is a passing detection sensor that prevents encounters when participating from factories and parking lots. The infrared rays irradiated from the...
Micro-Epsilon JAPAN K.K.
160+ people viewing
Last viewed: 6 hours ago
■ Overview The infrared temperature sensor of the Thermometer CT series is suitable for a wide range of applications in non -contact temperature me...
Shinko Technos Co., Ltd.
60+ people viewing
■ Measurement of glossy metal surface is possible Small infrared temperature sensor of 2.3 meters wavelength. Glossy metal surface, secondary metal...
Shinko Technos Co., Ltd.
60+ people viewing
・ There is a visual angle type and a cross -focus type that can measure 5φ. ・ Easy selection with a simple lineup ・ Unified with the same size o...
Shinko Technos Co., Ltd.
50+ people viewing
・ Temperature measurement by non -contact ・ Fast response time: 14 ms (90 %response) ・ Compact detection end ・ Temperature range 0 to 500 ° C ...
SENSATEC Co., Ltd.
50+ people viewing
Use Human body detection Security sensor (security camera activation, etc.) Automatic switch (lighting, ventilation fan, etc.) Energy saving Featu...
BEAJAPAN Co., Ltd.
40+ people viewing
It is a distance setting type sensor and can be installed on a movable door. You can select the exposure type (FOCUS1) or the embedded type (FOCUS2...