There are several types of sensors used in today’s modern world. Be it a PIR sensor to detect movement or motion or video sensors to identify humans based on their shape and distinguish humans from dogs or other animals.
All the applications of modern devices are made with the central idea of making our lives more comfortable and safer. Considering the Covid-19 and other widespread variants posing a threat to public health, food supply, and the workforce, all this makes it a crisis.
The microelectromechanical system or MEMS thermal sensor is something that can differentiate between temperatures and provide
What is a MEMS Thermal Sensor?
The Omron thermal sensor series D6T is the super sensitive and infrared temperature of MEMS thermal sensor which uses MEMS sensing technology. The distinctive idea is not to monitor the movement as sometimes when there is bare minimum movement or some stationary object, the detection will be faulty.
The MEMS thermal sensor uses the body or surface temperature of the object so even stationary humans can be detected. This feature is very useful in some automation applications such as home electronics and consumer goods.
The Omron thermal sensors are used in home appliances to automatically switch off lighting, ACs, and other devices. The D6T series is a very good example of a thermal sensor for human detection.
Types of MEMS Thermal Sensors
We want the type of thermal sensor that will provide extremely accurate and reliable readings. But if we use thermal sensors in our cars then extreme accurate readings are not mandatory as it is not a life-threatening situation.
Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) or Thermistor
This type is sensitive to temperature and can notice a small degree of continuous changes in resistance. Which are often correlated to fluctuations in temperature.
Its resistance changes and goes down as the temperature increases, and the output is linear but can be changed in some applications.
Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD)
In this also the resistance changes with the temperature and its working range are -2000 to 6000C. This sensor comprises a film that provides accuracy.
This is also wrapped with a wire around the ceramic glass core; another type comes in platinum as this makes the most accurate RTD.
Some others are available too in nickel and copper that are not as expensive as the platinum but also not as accurate as it is.
Thermocouples
This is made out of two wires made from different metals. The different metals reflect the change in the temperature.
It is a non-linear type and needs conversion to control and compensate also its accuracy is doubtful in some conditions. Despite that, this works in a wide range from -200 °C to 1750 °C.
Semiconductor-based temperature sensors
This is the last type of MEMS thermal sensor that has ICs or integrated circuits. It has two similar diodes that are temperature sensitive.
This provides the linear readings with low accuracy and the operating range of temperature is from -70 °C to 150 °C.
How is an Omron Thermal Sensor Distinctive From Others?
The Omron thermal sensors come in 6 varieties; the first one is D6T-32L-01A, which works in -10°C to 70°C of temperatures. The second one is D6T-1A-01 and its temperature range is 0°C to 60°C.
The next is D6T-1A-02 with a 40°C – 80°C temperature range. The D6T-8L-09 work in 0°C ~ 60°C,
D6T44L06 with 0°C ~ 50°C, and the last one D6T8L06, works at 0°C ~ 50°C temperature.
The variety in detection range and temperature makes them useful in applications like factory automation, home automation, home appliances, and security.
Applications of Thermal Sensors
Preventive Maintenance
Electrical devices can work for a longer period giving them the right maintenance. Using thermal sensors to detect extreme heating can be helpful in preventive maintenance.
Also, the technicians working with power lines and wires can benefit from thermal sensing to identify the troubling areas and pinpoint joints and parts posing a high risk of overheating. These are the areas that are already emitting more heat than the other sections.
Building Maintenance and Automation
In building automation and maintenance the thermal imagers can provide insight into the areas of leaks and broken pipes.
Also, thermal sensors can analyze a building’s HVAC systems in little time providing solutions for spot faults.
The common issues of HVAC systems and equipment are done through doors, windows, and walls. The thermal sensors can locate common issues.
Healthcare Industry
Healthcare and medicine have some practical uses of thermal sensors like determining the body temperature of people and animals.
Thermal cameras installed at airports have helped in controlling the transmission of Covid-19 by detecting people with high body temperature.
Fire-Fighters
Thermal cameras are used in searching for people in extreme conditions and dangerous environments. Rapid intervention is also possible as it can spot fires quickly and enables it to intervene without delay.
Law & Order
Law and order enforcement agencies like police use and incorporate thermal imagers in systems like security cameras and other surveillance equipment.
It can identify suspects, especially at night, also you can think of their importance in rescue missions.
Conclusion
MEMS thermal sensor is one impressive and compact method to monitor. The temperature in a contactless way and in situations like in the dark, it is quite useful.
The broad range of applications is from industry to healthcare to household items.
You can imagine the broad spectrum of their use, the Omron thermal sensors are super sensitive and effective. You need to make sure that your thermal sensors are suitable and perfect for a certain application and they will provide you with accurate and reliable results.
Omron D6T thermal sensor price provides value to its applications as the Omron MEMS thermal sensors work very well in extreme and rugged working conditions.
