Temperature sensor has narrow field of view
Melexis is introducing the MLX90614xAC with narrow field of view (FOV) to expand on its automotive-proven family of intelligent infrared, non-contact thermometers.
Currently shipping versions of the MLX90614 non-contact temperature sensor have a wide field of view of 90 degrees and target air conditioning and room heater applications. The MLX90614xAC now being introduced has a narrow field of view of only 35 degrees.
Design engineers can use the sensor to measure the temperature of smaller objects or increase the sensor-object distance. The 35 degree FOV was chosen as the smallest field of view that is achievable without the use of costly infrared optics, while still achieving the excellent accuracy specifications of the original MLX90614.
The 35 degree field of view of the MLX90614xAC is obtained by adding a viewing angle limiting metal tube to the standard TO-39 housing of the MLX90614. By performing the calibration of the thermometer after this tube has been attached, the accuracy of the temperature measurements is maintained.
Luc Buydens, marketing manager of infrared sensor products at Melexis, comments: “This new addition to our line of low-cost, infrared thermometers builds further on the positive feedback we received after the introduction of our integrated infrared sensor, the MLX90614. The 35 degree field of view of this new version of the infrared thermometer enables many new applications like microwave ovens, true non-contact fever temperature measurement and industrial temperature control.”
The sensing element in the MLX90614 is a silicon chip with a thin, micro-machined membrane sensitive to the infrared radiation of a distant object. A custom signal conditioning chip amplifies and digitises the signal from the membrane and calculates the object temperature using factory set calibration. The digital output temperature is fully linearised and compensated for ambient temperature variations.
In addition, the MLX90614xAC utilises advanced low-noise amplifiers, a 17-bit ADC, and powerful DSP unit in its signal conditioning chip to give a wide operating temperature range of -40 to 125 degrees C and an extended object temperature range of -70 to 380 degrees C while maintaining a temperature resolution of 0.02 degrees C. The MLX90614xAC has a high absolute accuracy of +/-0.5 degrees C in the object temperature range of 0 to 50 degrees C and +/-1 degree C outside that range.
The MLX90614xAC is qualified in accordance to AECQ100 and is ROHS compatible. It can be soldered up to 260 degrees C according to JEDEC 020C.
Samples of the integrated thermometer are available now and production quantities can be ordered with a lead time of eight weeks. Pricing for the MLX90614xAC is EUR5.66 at 1000 pieces quantity.
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