Far infrared sensor array at high speed with low noise (16x4 RES)

Not recommended for new designs. Similar functionality provided by the MLX90640 or MLX90641.

The MLX90621 Infrared (IR) sensor array delivers a significantly expanded field of view (FOV) at 30°x120° and a 4x faster measurement speed of or – equivalently - a 2x lower noise level. Optional versions are available with fields of view matching previous generation of IR array sensors (60°x15° and 40°x10°).

The improved field of view enables a single MLX90621 infrared 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 necessary previously 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 new options and markets for cooling appliance designers.

The MLX90621 delivers unmatched noise versus speed performance providing 0.4K NETD (noise equivalent temperature difference) at 16Hz. It is available in small size, TO39 metal can package for a cost effective 16x4 pixel thermal array. Factory calibrated to operate over a wide temperature range of -40 to 85 °C for sensor temperature it can measure object temperatures over the range of -20 to 300 °C. The device is available in three field of view options, including 60°x15°, 40°x10° and 120°x30°. Interface and control is managed via high speed I2C digital interface. The speed is programmable from a frame rate 0.5 to a frame rate of 512 Hz.

MLX90621 delivers unmatched performance and establishes a new milestone in the field of low cost, low resolution thermal imagers, enabling and facilitating a myriad of novel, low cost applications.