Exciting New Omron D6T MEMS Thermal Sensor

Omron has developed a new super-sensitive sensor for non-contact thermal measurement that makes full use of Omron's proprietary MEMS sensing technology. The D6T sensor, operating on infrared radiation sensing principle, is ideal 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 Omron's 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. The D6T thermal sensor will be demonstrated at Electronica 2012, in Munich, Germany from 13 to 16 of November 2012 in Munich, Germany.