Infrared (IR) measurements of the surface temperature of electronic devices have improved over the last decade. However, to obtain more accurate surface temperatures the devices are often coated with a high emissivity coating leading to temperature averaging across the device surface and possible damage to the device. This paper will look at the problems of making accurate surface temperature measurements particularly on areas of transparent semiconductor and will address the surface emissivity and surface temperature correction problem using novel measurement approaches based on a mathematical model. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.