Cycle Time

The cycle time of thermal imaging cameras and pyrometers, particularly in industrial settings, refers to the time between consecutive image captures or measurements. This parameter is also known as the sampling time for pyrometers, and its reciprocal is the sampling frequency. The cycle time is critical for applications that require continuous monitoring or rapid data acquisition.

The cycle time represents the total duration required for a sensor to complete one full measurement loop. The sensor captures the thermal or infrared signals from the measurement target, corrects any known errors or calibration factors in the captured signals, and applies algorithms to process the data into a usable format. The processed signals or alarms are then provided as output from the sensor in analog or digital signals.

Typically expressed in seconds, the cycle time is a crucial metric for determining how frequently the sensor can update its readings and provide new data. In scenarios where rapid temperature changes need to be monitored, a shorter cycle time allows for more frequent data updates and better real-time monitoring.