Evaluating Thermocouple Measurement Techniques for Automotive Lighting

Evaluating thermal concerns is often addressed during the automotive lamp design process. The thermocouple device is used frequently for temperature measurements to locate and quantify hotspots that arise in the automotive lamp assembly. This study seeks to review the techniques used for thermocouple temperature measurement. Common techniques are described in detail and evaluated. An experiment coupled with computer simulation is introduced and performed that tests accuracy and compares the methodology and results of the different thermocouple measurement techniques. The technique that most directly measures both inside (exposed to light source) and outside (away from light source) surface temperature is demonstrated to have advantages. Correlation to heat deflection temperature and thermal damage such as warp and metalization blemish (haze) is described.