By Melexis Technologies NV 98
Melexis' MLX90621 is a 16X4 array of pixels sensitive to thermal infrared radiation. It has improved considerably on speed and temperature resolution (x4) compared to the previous generation product. Optional versions are available with fields-of-view matching previous generations of IR array sensors (60° x 15° and 40° x 10°).
The improved field-of-view enables a single MLX90621 sensor to measure temperature profiles of both passenger and driver from a single position on the center-stack of the dashboard. In a room air-conditioning system it was previously necessary to mount the sensor on a stepper-driven mechanical scanner to sweep the scene and provide a full view of the area in front of the cooling appliance. The expanded field-of-view eliminates the need for mechanical scanning and replaces it with a single, fixed sensor able to image the necessary area directly. The resulting reduction in cost, measurement time, and system complexity provide options and markets for cooling appliance designers.
The MLX90621 delivers unmatched noise versus speed performance providing 0.4 K noise equivalent temperature difference (NETD) at 16 Hz. It is available in small size, TO-39 metal can package for a cost-effective 16 x 4 pixel thermal array. Factory-calibrated to operate over a wide temperature range of -40°C to 85°C for sensor temperature, it can measure object temperatures over the range of -20°C to 300°C. The device is available in three field-of-view options including 30° x 120°, 60° x 15°, or 40° x 10°. Interface and control is managed via high-speed I2C digital interface. The speed is programmable from a frame rate of 0.5 Hz to a frame rate of 512 Hz.
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