Ecomatik - Model LAT-B2 and LAT-C1 -Leaf-to-Air-Temperature Sensors (LAT) for Temperature Broad Leaf and Conifer Needle
Leaf-to-Air-Temperature sensors (LAT) are used for direct, continuous and high-precision temperature measurements. The measured temperature parameters include absolute temperatures of the leaf surface, leaf-surrounding ambient air (Tair), and the temperature difference between leaf surface and ambient air (ΔTleaf-to-air). These devices are suitable for long-term application in outdoor conditions. Due to their extremely low power consumption, Ecomatik LAT sensors are ideal for battery-powered solutions, e.g., in IoT applications.
The LAT-B2’s ultra-light carbon frame is mounted on a leaf and simultaneously measures absolute leaf temperature (Tleaf) and air temperature (Tair) using two high-precision micro-thermistor probes. Both probes are individually matched to each other and thus ensure maximum precision when determining the difference between leaf and air temperature (ΔTleaf-to-air).
The lightweight LAT-C1 sensors are attached directly to the needles. A thin thermopile measures the average temperature difference between the surface of 10 needles and the surrounding ambient air (ΔTleaf-to-air). An additional micro-thermistor measures absolute temperature of the surrounding ambient air (Tair). Absolute needle temperature (Tleaf) is inferred from the two measured values.
- Direct, continuous and highly accurate measurement of blade temperature (Tleaf), air temperature (Tair), and leaf-air temperature difference (ΔTleaf-to-air)
- Small, lightweight and flexible sensors to minimize loading on and damage to the measurement object
- Easy installation
- Maximum stability against wind and rain; specifically designed for field conditions
- Customizable production possible, e.g. for specific leaf/needle size
- Extremely low power consumption, suitable for IoT application
Specific to the Lat-B2 model
- Sensor signal in mV, measurable with most common data loggers
Specific to the LAT-C model
- 10 measuring points for 10 needles provide a spatially integrative temperature signal
- Not suitable for leaves smaller than 2 x 2 cm (LAT-B2), or needles shorter than 3 mm (LAT-C1)
Specific to the LAT-C1 model
- Two different output signals: a thermopile between ± 10 mV and a micro-thermistor probes with an analogue output signal between 0V and supply voltage (VEX).
Compatible sensors and peripherals:
Our open and modular system is highly flexible and easy to expand in stages. In this case, virtually all sensors or other peripheral devices (such as a webcam) can be integrated.
Ecomatik sensors include:
- Dendrometers
- Sap flow sensors
- Temperature sensors
- Leaf sensors
- Humidity and air temperature sensor
- Soil moisture sensors
- And many more…
Sensor model name | Leaf temperature sensor for broad leaves Type LAT-B2 | Leaf temperature sensor for conifer needles Type LAT-C1 |
Scope of application | For continuous measurement of leaf surface (Tleaf), surrounding ambient air temperature (Tair), and leaf-to-air temperature difference (Δtleaf-to-air) | For continuous measurement of conifer needle surface (Tleaf), surrounding ambient air temperature (Tair), and leaf-to-air temperature difference (Δtleaf-to-air) |
Suitable for | Leaf size > 2 x 2 cm | Conifer needle length > 3 mm |
Special feature/limitations | Measurement of the absolute temperatures of leaf surface and ambient air, high accuracy in leaf-to-air temperature difference (individually matched probes) | Representative sensor output by integrating measurements from 10 single needles. |
Measurement range | -25 to +70 °C | -25 to +70 °C |
Resolution | Theoretically infinite depending on the data logger used e.g. CR300 logger (at 25 ° C): < 0.001 ° C DL 18 Logger (at 25 ° C): < 0.002 ° C | Theoretically infinite depending on the data logger used e.g. CR300 logger (at 25 ° C): < 0.001 ° C |
Accuracy | Sensor-dependent: Absolute: max. ± 0.2 ° C. Difference between leaf and air: max. ± 0.1 ° C Logger dependent: e.g. CR300 logger (at 25 ° C): ± 0.03 ° C DL 18 Logger (at 25 ° C): ± 0.07 ° C | Sensor-dependent: Absolute: max. ± 0.2 ° C. Logger dependent: e.g. CR300 logger (at 25 ° C): ± 0.03 ° C |
Data logger requirements & sensor output signal | Minimum logger requirements: 2 single ended channels, providing a switched reference voltage (Vex) Resolution: 12 bits in the measuring range from 0 to Vex All loggers of Campbell Scientific, as well as the DL 18 logger meet these requirements Output signal: analogue DC voltage in the range from 0 to Vex | Minimum logger requirements: 2 channels (1x single ended, 1x differential), providing a switched reference voltage (Vex) Resolution: 12 bits in the measurement range from 0 to Vex (single ended), ≤ 5 μV in the measurement range of ± 10 mV (differential) All loggers from Campbell Scientific meet these requirements Output signal: analogue DC voltage in the range from 0 to Vex and analogue DC voltage in the range of ± 10 mV |
Power supply | VEX (! Regulated!) 0.5 to 2.5 VDC, required excitation interval time max. 100 ms. Power consumption negligibly low, max. 16.5 nWh per measurement | VEX (! Regulated!) 0.5 to 2.5 VDC, required excitation interval time max. 100 ms Power consumption negligibly low, max. 8.3 nWh per measurement |
Operational conditions | Air temperature: -25 to 70 ° C, rel. humidity: 0 to 100% | Air temperature: -25 to 70 ° C, rel. humidity: 0 to 100% |
Size and Weight | 2 x 2 x 0.1 cm, 1.4 g without cable | Length of the thermopile about 10 cm; 0.5 g |
Sensor cable length | 0.5m + 4.5m pluggable extension, plug extension up to max. 50 m possible | 0.5m + 4.5m pluggable extension, plug extension up to max. 20 m possible |