Melexis has announced the industry's smallest medical-grade FIR sensor

     Melexis has announced the launch of the industry's smallest medical-grade precision standard FIR temperature sensor, the MLX90632. The sensor is packaged in a patch and is suitable for a variety of applications such as wearables, particularly advanced in-ear devices known as hearables, and clinical testing that requires a highly accurate measurement of human body temperature.

     The MLX90632 is based on Melexis' leading far infrared (FIR) technology, taking advantage of the fact that all objects emit thermal radiation. Small far-infrared sensors are usually more sensitive to thermal perturbations, but the MLX90632 can reduce the influence of thermal perturbations through complex compensation algorithms to achieve high thermal stability. The new Medical grade MLX90632 is optimized for the normal temperature range of the human body and achieves medical grade accuracy of ±0.2°C thanks to an advanced factory calibration procedure.

     This ultra-small device is a complete solution in a 3mm x 3mm x 1mm QFN package that integrates sensor components, signal processing components, digital interfaces and optics for easy and quick integration into a wide range of space-constrained applications.

     The medical grade MLX90632 is small, thermally stable and optimized for human temperature, making it ideal for ultra-small health monitoring devices, such as portable diagnostic tools that continuously monitor body temperature. Continuous monitoring of vital signs is a key element in the practice of preventive medicine to detect early serious health conditions. The sensor is also ideal for more traditional medical devices such as a frontal or ear temperature gun.

     Speaking about the new product launch, JorisRoels, Marketing Manager for temperature sensors at Melexis, said: "Melexis has successfully sold millions of medical-grade sensors and this new device is built on the deep expertise we have accumulated in this process. The MLX90632 will bring disruptive sensing technology to a wide range of applications, enabling devices from leading manufacturers to differentiate themselves in the market and provide users with important health monitoring capabilities."