New Automotive Design-ins for Infrared Sensors.
IR sensor modules in air conditioning and climate control
Melexis is pleased to announce automotive production of the
MLX90601 infrared temperature sensing modules. The IR sensors
make their debut in two vehicle models this year, on two continents.
The low cost infrared sensor modules are used in motor vehicle Air
Conditioning and Climate Control.
IR sensor increases drivers comfort
Although mounted in the dashboard area, the Melexis IR sensors
"see" directly right across the air space and actually measure the
temperature of the driver. This non-contact temperature
measurement signal is fed to an automatic climate control
computer in the vehicle.
Subsequently the vehicle climate control system automatically
adjusts heating and cooling systems to bring the driver's selected
comfort level as quickly as possible.
In addition, the infrared sensor instantly adjusts the climate control
system for any effects on the driver, that he or she may experience
from solar heat. Using the Melexis IR sensor, makes an additional
solar sensor, that is commonly used in climate control, redundant.
The IR sensor also instantly detects when fan blowers and
temperature of the air supply can overheat or overcool a driver.
Cold air or hot air blasting to the driver are things of the past.
Less components, higher accuracy
Melexis’ MLX90601 IR Thermometer Chip module is made
possible by a programmable signal conditioning sensor interface
IC (MLX90313) in combination with a MEMS IR Thermopile
(MLX90247). Together they are the heart of the low cost high
accuracy IR thermometers or transducers, capable of measuring
with an accuracy of 0.3C with a resolution smaller than 0.1C.
The Melexis infrared module is unique to the automotive market
and offers the highest automotive reliability thanks to 100%
CMOS processes. In addition it has the signal conditioning ASIC
which allows the module to be configured and pre-calibrated to
interface with any existing climate control computer. It is a
"plug ‘n play" module to manufacturers of automotive climate
control systems.
This direct measurement of driver infrared temperature also
allows climate control systems to be very precise in their control
with no need for custom comfort control algorithms by vehicle,
simplifying design and engineering.
Future sensing technology in vehicle market
The first vehicle using Melexis infrared sensing was introduced
in May 2003 in the Japanese market. The second vehicle is
being introduced in August 2003 in the US market. Additional
vehicle introductions are planned with this new Melexis sensing
technology.
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August 2003
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