Reliable, high quality infrared sensors have found their way into automotive climate control

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Reliable, high quality infrared sensors have found their way into automotive climate control

Diels, R. / Pompei, D.

To measure and control cabin temperature, automotive climate control manufacturers traditionally have used air temperature thermistors, and more recently, a combination of thermistors and solar sensors. Thermistors are almost universally mounted behind the dashboard. Solar sensors are mounted where they have a clear view of the sun and sky, located where the front windshield meets the dashboard. Infrared sensors allow a direct, faster, and more accurate measurement of passenger comfort. The principles are the same as those used with IR to control temperatures of moving products during manufacturing. The IR measurement is correct regardless of the means used to heat or cool the target, whether it is forced convection, radiation, or convection. This paper shows that IR technology, based on Si sensors and signal processing, has become mature and cost-compatible. The concept of pre-calibration within the production line has simplified the design-in of IR sensors. The maximum use of cmos integration, both for the sensor as the signal treatment, has secured the reliability of the product. As such, first IR sensors are now going into production in Climate Control applications. Other applications will follow.