Abstract: Tympanic temperature measurements are obtained from the output of a thermopile mounted in an extension from a housing. The housing has a temperature display thereon and supports the electronics for responding to sensed radiation. A disposable plastic sheet taken from a tape of such sheets stretches over the end of the extension between side posts. The thermopile is mounted in a highly conductive thermal mass which includes a waveguide tube. A low conductivity gaseous environment surrounding the thermopile extends through the tube. The electronics include an EEPROM in which both calibration and characterization information may be stored during a calibration procedure through an optical coupling. A capacitor and transistor associated with a switch form a simple watchdog circuit.

Abstract: Tympanic temperature measurements are obtained from the output of a thermopile mounted in an extension from a housing. The housing has a temperature display thereon and supports the electronics for responding to sensed radiation. A disposable plastic sheet taken from a tape of such sheets stretches over the end of the extension between side posts. The thermopile is mounted in a highly conductive thermal mass which includes a waveguide tube. A low conductivity gaseous environment surrounding the thermopile extends through the tube. The electronics include an EEPROM in which both calibration and characterization information may be stored during a calibration procedure through an optical coupling. A capacitor and transistor associated with a switch form a simple watchdog circuit.