Melexis recently announced a new version of the far infrared (FIR) thermal sensor array - the MLX90641. Compared to the current version of the MLX90640, the thermal noise of the new version is significantly reduced, the refresh rate is increased to 64 Hz, and the upper operating temperature is raised to 125 °C.

The latest sensing technology makes temperature measurement easier to integrate into applications, especially in harsh thermal conditions, with improved safety, efficiency and convenience.

The new MLX90641 is a small 16 x 12 pixel IR array that is accurate to measure temperatures between -40°C and +300°C in an industry-standard 4-pin TO39 package. The device is calibrated at the factory and can achieve 1°C accuracy under typical measurement conditions. Its noise equivalent temperature difference (NETD) is only 0.1K RMS.

The component is currently available in two different viewing angles (FoV): standard 55° x 35° and 110° x 75° wide angle. With a single 3.3 V supply, all results are stored in internal RAM for easy access via an I2C-compatible digital interface. Proprietary algorithms ensure high thermal stability even under conditions of extreme temperature changes.

The new MLX90641 will be especially suitable for cooking appliance applications such as conventional ovens and microwave ovens, as well as industrial applications such as power electronics overheat detection and automotive.

JorisRoels, marketing manager for temperature sensors at Melexis, said: "Compared to earlier devices, this new device offers a wider temperature range, greater thermal stability, and a wider application range. Thanks to this new technology, we are able to meet our customers' needs for precise temperature sensing, even under more challenging thermal conditions."