New IR MEMS Sensor D6T on the market

2012-09-19

Omron has developed new super-sensitive sensor for non-contact thermal measurement that makes full use of proprietary Omron MEMS sensing technology. The D6T sensor, operating on infrared radiation sensing principle, is very suitable for human detection. It can detect the presence of people in an area without the need for movement and thus it is an outstanding alternative to pyroelectric sensors or PIR detectors in home automation, building automation, healthcare, security and industrial applications. Omron has developed new super-sensitive sensor for non-contact thermal measurement that makes full use of proprietary Omron MEMS sensing technology. The D6T sensor, operating on infrared radiation sensing principle, is very suitable for human detection. It can detect the presence of people in an area without the need for movement and thus it is an outstanding alternative to pyroelectric sensors or PIR detectors in home automation, building automation, healthcare, security and industrial applications. Most human presence sensors rely on movement, but the D6T is able to detect occupation by sensing body heat and provides a more reliable basis for switching off lighting, air conditioning and other services when the space is empty. Conventional sensors often fail to distinguish between an unoccupied space and a stationary person. As D6T sensors are also able to monitor the temperature of a room, they can also be used to control the level of heating and air conditioning systems and maintain optimal room temperature levels without wasting energy. Unusual changes in temperature can also be used in other ways, for example to detect line stoppages, identify hot spots before a fire breaks out or in clinical applications to check whether a patient has left the bed. While standard thermal sensors are only able to measure temperature at one contact point, the D6T can measure without any contact the temperature of an entire area. Signals generated by infrared rays are extremely weak. To achieve reliable detection, Omron has developed and manufactured every part of the new high sensitivity thermal sensor in-house, from the MEMS sensors to ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits) and other application-specific parts. The technology behind Omrons D6T thermal sensors combines a MEMS micro-mirror structure for efficient IR radiation detection with a high-performance silicon lens to focus the infrared rays onto its thermopiles. Proprietary application-specific integrated circuits then make the necessary computations and convert sensor signals into digital I2C outputs. The result is excellent 1.5 C accuracy with high noise immunity. Likewise other new technologies, by this new sensor, Omron aims to contribute to developments of state of art solutions which enhance peoples safety, security and comfort. The D6T thermal sensor will be demonstrated at Electronica 2012 - electronic component exhibition held from 13 to 16 of November 2012 in Munich, Germany.

New MEMS thermoelectric sensors are also capable of measuring the actual temperature of the area they are monitoring so can provide inputs to HVAC systems, allowing optimal control of the room environment. In addition, by detecting sudden or unusual hotspots, they can flag a range of alert or alarm conditions such as potential fires, overheating equipment, or leaks of hot fluids.

Accuracy
Conventional thermal sensors take measurements at a single point, whereas MEMS sensors measure across the entire field of view. Configured as an array (1 x 8 and 4 x 4 arrays are currently available), Omrons D6T sensor, for example, can assign temperature information to a specific cell, adding a positional dimension to its presence and temperature data. The result is higher accuracy, lower crosstalk and a wider field of view. The use of a number of sensors in a room multiplies these benefits a quad 4 x 4 array sensor module can be used to obtain higher resolution or broader coverage, identifying a persons location within 1m across a 16m area, for example. Omron has introduced a thermal sensor which combines a MEMS micro-mirror structure for efficient IR radiation detection with a high performance silicon lens to focus the infrared rays onto its thermopiles. Proprietary application-specific integrated circuits then make the necessary computations and convert sensor signals into meaningful digital outputs. Benefits of this sensor include 1.5C accuracy with noise immunity of 140mK. In the future, larger sensor arrays with 16 x 16 MEMS will provide capabilities approaching that of current low-resolution thermal imagers. Ratings Item Power supply voltage Storage temperature range Operating temperature range Storage humidity range Operating humidity range Characteristics Item View angle *1 X direction Y direction 44.2 45.7 1.5C max. Measurement conditions: Vcc = 5.0 V Accuracy 1 Object temperature output accuracy *2 Accuracy 2 (1) Tx = 25C, Ta = 25C (2) Tx = 45C, Ta = 25C (3) Tx = 45C, Ta = 45C 3.0C max. Measurement conditions: Vcc = 5.0 V (4) Tx = 25C, Ta = 45C D6T-44L-06 62.8 6.0 D6T-8L-06 4.5 to 5.5 VDC -10 to 60C (with no icing or condensation) 0 to 50C (with no icing or condensation) 85% max. (with no icing or condensation) 20% to 85% (with no icing or condensation) Specification

Current consumption Functions Item Object temperature detection range *2 Reference temperature detection range *2

5 mA typical

Specification 5 to 50C 5 to 45C Digital values that correspond to the object

Output specifications

temperature (Tx) and reference temperature (Ta) are output from a serial communications port.

Output form Communications form

Binary code (10 times the detected temperature (C)) I2C compliant

Temperature resolution (NETD) 0.14C *1. Refer to Field of View Characteristics. *2. Refer to Object Temperature Detection Range.

Connections

Terminal Arrangement

Terminal Name Function 1 GND Ground Positive power supply 2 VCC voltage input 3 4 Note: SDA SCL Serial data I/O line Serial clock input

Remarks

Connect the open-drain SDA terminal to a pull-up resistor. Connect the open-drain SCL terminal to a pull-up resistor.

The 18 type has pixels 0 to 7.

Field of View Characteristics

D6T-44L-06

Field of View in X Direction

Field of View in Y Direction

Note: Definition of view angle: Using the maximum Sensor output as a reference, the angular range where the Sensor output is 50% or higher when the angle of the Sensor is changed is defined as the view angle.
D6T-8L-06

Field of View in X Direction

Field of View in Y Direction

Note: Definition of view angle: Using the maximum Sensor output as a reference, the angular range where the Sensor output is 50% or higher when the angle of the Sensor is changed is defined as the view angle.