EDL SBB Single Black Body Infrared Calibrator
The EDL Single Black Body (SBB) series provides a controlled infrared reference source for checking and calibrating non-contact temperature instruments.
The SBB can be used with handheld infrared thermometers, infrared pyrometers, IR guns and installed non-contact temperature sensors. Three models cover low-, medium- and high-temperature calibration requirements from -30°C to 650°C.
Each model uses a large black body target with high emissivity to provide a repeatable reference surface for infrared temperature measurements.
SBB Model Selection
| Model | Temperature Range | Application |
| SBB-1-DRL |
-30°C to 110°C |
Low-temperature infrared calibration |
| SBB-2-DRL |
Ambient to 350°C |
General and mid-temperature infrared calibration |
| SBB-3-DRL |
Ambient to 650°C |
High-temperature infrared calibration |
Black Body Target
The SBB series uses a 2-inch diameter black body target. The target is machined and coated to provide an emissivity of 0.986.
The large target provides a defined reference area for aiming an infrared thermometer or pyrometer during calibration. The instrument being checked should be positioned so that its measurement spot remains within the black body target area.
| Target Diameter |
2" (50.8 mm) |
| Emissivity |
0.986 |
| Set-Point Control |
Programmable temperature controller |
| External Reference Provision |
Drilled for 0.125" external reference sensor |
| Control Sensor |
Removable for independent recalibration |
Key Features
- Three temperature ranges from -30°C to 650°C
- 2" diameter infrared target
- High target emissivity of 0.986
- Designed for handheld and installed infrared thermometers
- Suitable for infrared pyrometers and IR guns
- High temperature stability
- Fast heat-up and cool-down performance
- Programmable temperature controller
- Removable control reference sensor
- Provision for a 0.125" external reference sensor
- Available in 120 VAC or 240 VAC configurations
- Compact format for laboratory and field use
- NIST-traceable calibration certificate included
- 12-month manufacturer warranty
SBB-1 Low-Temperature Infrared Calibrator
The SBB-1-DRL covers temperatures from -30°C to 110°C.
It is designed for infrared calibration points below ambient temperature as well as moderate positive temperatures. Solid-state cooling allows the target to operate down to -30°C under normal ambient conditions.
A foam plug is provided to help minimise ice build-up on the target during low-temperature operation, reducing the need for a separate gas-purge system.
| Model |
SBB-1-DRL |
| Temperature Range |
-30°C to 110°C |
| Cooling |
Solid-state cooling |
| Target Diameter |
2" (50.8 mm) |
| Reference Probe |
BB-350 |
| Typical Transition Time |
Approximately 20 minutes from ambient to either temperature extreme |
SBB-2 Mid-Temperature Infrared Calibrator
The SBB-2-DRL covers temperatures from ambient to 350°C.
It provides a stable infrared reference source for common industrial and laboratory calibration points where sub-ambient operation is not required.
| Model |
SBB-2-DRL |
| Temperature Range |
Ambient to 350°C |
| Published Accuracy |
< ±0.5°C |
| Published Stability |
< ±0.05°C |
| Heating Rate |
Greater than 10°C per minute |
| Heat to Maximum Temperature |
Just over 30 minutes |
| Typical Stabilisation |
Approximately 15 minutes |
| Reference Probe |
BB-650 |
SBB-3 High-Temperature Infrared Calibrator
The SBB-3-DRL extends the operating range from ambient temperature to 650°C.
It is intended for higher-temperature infrared measurement equipment where the calibration points exceed the range of the SBB-2.
| Model |
SBB-3-DRL |
| Temperature Range |
Ambient to 650°C |
| Published Accuracy |
±0.5°C |
| Published Stability |
±0.05°C |
| Heating Rate |
Greater than 10°C per minute |
| Heat to Maximum Temperature |
Approximately 1 hour |
| Typical Stabilisation |
Approximately 15 minutes |
| Reference Probe |
BB-650 |
Infrared Thermometer Calibration
An infrared thermometer measures thermal radiation from a surface rather than making direct contact with the object. Calibration therefore requires a suitable radiating reference target rather than a conventional dry well insert or liquid bath.
The SBB provides a controlled black body surface at a known temperature. Once the target has reached the required set point and stabilised, the infrared instrument is aimed at the target and its indicated temperature is compared with the black body reference.
Target Size and Measuring Distance
The infrared thermometer's distance-to-spot ratio should be considered when positioning the instrument.
The complete measurement spot should remain within the 2-inch black body target. Moving an infrared thermometer too far from the target may increase its spot size beyond the available reference area.
For instruments with a large measurement spot, an optional black body aperture can be used to assist with spot-size and source-size checks.
External Reference Sensor
Each SBB is drilled to accommodate a 0.125" external reference sensor. The external reference sensor is optional.
This arrangement allows a separate calibrated reference sensor to be used when the calibration procedure requires an independent temperature reference.
The internal control reference probe can also be removed for independent recalibration.
Controller and Set Points
The SBB temperature controller is pre-programmed for straightforward operation. The required target temperature is entered from the controller and the black body is allowed to stabilise before measurements are taken.
The controller also supports automated set-point operation and data collection for calibration work where several temperature points are required.
Typical Instruments
- Handheld infrared thermometers
- Infrared temperature guns
- Industrial IR pyrometers
- Installed non-contact temperature sensors
- Portable infrared measurement instruments
- Non-contact temperature transmitters
Typical Applications
- Calibration laboratories
- Quality control departments
- Instrument maintenance
- Production temperature checks
- Verification of handheld IR thermometers
- Field calibration of infrared pyrometers
- Non-contact temperature measurement verification
Selecting the SBB Model
| Required Calibration Range | SBB Model |
| Below ambient temperature to 110°C |
SBB-1-DRL |
| Ambient to 350°C |
SBB-2-DRL |
| Ambient to 650°C |
SBB-3-DRL |
Select the model according to the lowest and highest infrared calibration temperatures required. The target size and the distance-to-spot characteristics of the instrument under test should also be checked.
Optional Accessories
Universal Black Body Aperture
An adjustable black body aperture is available for evaluating source size and infrared thermometer spot size during calibration.
External Reference Sensor
A 0.125" external reference sensor can be installed in the provision provided in the calibrator when an independent temperature reference is required.
Reference Pyrometer
A calibrated reference pyrometer can also be incorporated into an infrared calibration setup where required.
Power Supply
The SBB series is available for 120 VAC or 240 VAC operation. The appropriate voltage and power cord configuration should be specified when ordering.
Calibration Documentation
Each EDL SBB calibrator is supplied with a NIST-traceable calibration certificate.
The calibrator is tested for temperature stability and uniformity before shipment. Where an external reference sensor is required, specify the required reference configuration when requesting a quotation.
Before Ordering
Please provide the following information:
- Lowest required calibration temperature
- Highest required calibration temperature
- Infrared thermometer or pyrometer model
- Distance-to-spot ratio, if available
- Typical working distance from the target
- External reference sensor requirement
- Required power supply
Ordering Information
Specify SBB-1-DRL, SBB-2-DRL or SBB-3-DRL according to the required temperature range.