Melexis — MLX90642 Far Infrared Thermal Sensor Array

Melexis MLX90642 Far Infrared Thermal Sensor Array

With flexible field of view options

The Melexis MLX90642 is a compact thermal imaging array that features a 32x24 pixel matrix and delivers high Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) performance. With 768 Far-Infrared (FIR) pixels, it produces detailed thermal images ideal for accurate temperature mapping in a wide range of environments. From monitoring temperature variations in industrial processes to capturing room occupancy heat signatures, the MLX90642 provides clear and reliable thermal data.

To accommodate diverse application needs, the MLX90642 is available in two Field of View (FOV) configurations: 45°x35° and 110°x75°. This flexibility enables designers to select the most suitable option based on their system requirements.

One of the key innovations of the MLX90642 is its built-in temperature calculation capability. By eliminating the need for an external MCU for basic temperature matrix processing, it simplifies system design and helps reduce overall component costs.

The sensor outputs linearized Object Temperature (To), raw infrared (IR) data, and Ambient Temperature (Ta), all of which are stored in internal RAM and accessed via a standard I2C interface for easy integration.

With a Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD) of just 65mK at a 2Hz refresh rate, the MLX90642 delivers sensitive, accurate performance in thermally demanding environments. This makes it well-suited for applications such as early fire detection and precise thermal monitoring.

The Melexis MLX90642 also uses a global shutter readout to capture all pixels simultaneously, minimizing motion artifacts and ensuring uniform image quality. Its refresh rate is configurable up to 16Hz, allowing developers to tune performance for their specific application needs.