Infra-red sensor simplifies car climate control

Melexis has begun automotive production of its MLX90601 infra-red temperature sensing modules.

Melexis has begun automotive production of its MLX90601 infra-red temperature sensing modules.

The IR sensors will make their debut in two different vehicle models this year, on two continents.

The low cost infra-red sensor modules are used in motor vehicle air conditioning and climate control.

Although mounted in the dashboard area, the Melexis IR sensors "see" right across the air space and actually measure the temperature of the driver.

This noncontact 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 infra-red 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 removes the need for the additional solar sensor commonly used in climate control.

The IR sensor also instantly detects when fan blowers and the temperature of the air supply can overheat or overcool a driver.

Cold or hot air blasting onto the driver is a thing of the past.

The 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 infra-red module is unique to the automotive market and offers the highest automotive reliability thanks to 100% CMOS processes.

In addition it includes a signal conditioning ASIC which allows the module to be configured and precalibrated to interface with any existing climate control computer.

It is a "plug and play" module for manufacturers of automotive climate control systems.

This direct infra-red measurement of driver 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.

The first vehicle using Melexis infra-red sensing was introduced in May 2003 in the Japanese market.

The second vehicle will be launched in August 2003 in the US market.

Further vehicle introductions are planned.

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