On January 20, 2025, Melexis, a global microelectronics technology company, launched a non-contact infrared temperature sensor chip designed for induction cooktops, the MLX90617. With its 17-bit ADC's high-precision measurement capability and innovative non-contact temperature control technology, this chip not only solves the technical pain points of traditional induction cooker temperature control, but also brings new possibilities for the development of smart kitchen equipment. China Exportsemi will analyze how MLX90617 conquer the market with technical strength and innovative design from the aspects of technical details, market value and future prospects.
Technological innovation: The perfect combination of 17-bit ADC and non-contact temperature control
MLX90617's core competency stems from its precise temperature measurement capabilities and highly integrated design.
- 17-bit ADC high-precision measurements
The MLX90617 17-bit ADC enables it to capture small temperature changes with a measurement accuracy of 0.1°C compared to traditional 12- or 14-bit ADCs. This high resolution enables the chip to provide more precise temperature control support in complex cooking scenarios, especially for operations that require high levels of delicate heat such as frying and stewing.
- Contactless temperature control breaks through traditional limitations
MLX90617 uses advanced optical filtering technology to directly measure the temperature at the bottom of the cooking vessel through the ceramic glass panel. This design avoids the inaccurate temperature control caused by the temperature measurement error of the glass surface in the traditional method, and at the same time, the infrared interference signal emitted by the ceramic glass plate is effectively filtered out by a proprietary algorithm.
In addition, the chip highly integrates functions such as infrared thermopile detection elements, low-noise amplifiers, and digital signal processing units (DSPs) into the TO-39 package, simplifying system design and reducing production costs for manufacturers.
Pictured: Melexis introduces a MLX90617 of non-contact infrared temperature sensor chips designed specifically for induction cooktops
Market impact: Break through the traditional temperature control problem
The temperature control method of traditional induction cookers usually relies on the temperature sensor on the back of the ceramic glass, which is limited by the delay of material heat conduction and measurement error, and it is difficult to accurately reflect the actual cooking temperature. The launch of the MLX90617, with its ability to directly measure the temperature at the bottom of the container, completely solves this industry problem.
According to Joris Roel, Marketing Manager at Melexis, the MLX90617 was designed in response to the need for precise temperature control. During the R&D process, the team overcame the technical challenges of SWIR signal detection and interference suppression, and presented the solution to the manufacturer in a more economical form. This customer-oriented R&D strategy has enabled the MLX90617 to be highly recognized by many induction cooker manufacturers in the test stage.
It is reported that MLX90617 has been used in a variety of high-end induction cooker products. After the products were launched on the market, the general feedback showed that the temperature control accuracy, energy efficiency and user safety were significantly improved.
Application prospects: the core drive of smart kitchens
As a key component in the field of smart kitchens, MLX90617 has a wide range of application scenarios:
1. Multi-scenario adaptation
MLX90617 supports a wide operating temperature range from 0°C to 125°C, especially suitable for high-temperature cooking environments from 70°C to 250°C, including frying, stewing, steaming and other complex scenarios. Its high adaptability to ambient temperature makes it excellent in both low-temperature cooking (e.g. slow cooking) and high-temperature cooking.
2. Intelligent function expansion
In addition to high-precision temperature measurement, the chip also has a temperature overrun alarm function, which provides additional protection for the safety performance of induction cooker products. Combined with other Melexis products, such as MLX90614 or MLX90632, MLX90617 can be used to further expand functionality, such as multi-point temperature monitoring or more complex automatic cooking algorithms.
Competitive analysis: comprehensive leadership from technology to market
Through MLX90617, Melexis has demonstrated its technological leadership in the field of microelectronics and its precise insight into market needs. Here are a few of the significant competitive advantages of MLX90617:
1. Precise temperature control: The combination of 17-bit ADC and optical filtering technology makes the temperature measurement accuracy reach the industry-leading level.
2. Highly integrated design: Integrate multiple functional modules into a single chip, reducing design complexity and production costs.
3. Diversified applications: Flexibly adapt to different temperature control needs to meet consumers' expectations for smart kitchens.
4. Customer-oriented strategy: Through in-depth market research and technical research, we can quickly respond to industry pain points and provide induction cooker manufacturers with solutions that can be directly deployed.
With the growing consumer demand for high-end kitchen equipment, MLX90617's unique technological advantages and wide application potential make it an important driving force for the smart kitchen equipment market.
Conclusion: MLX90617 redefine the standard of intelligent temperature control
With MLX90617, Melexis has successfully overcome the technical bottleneck of traditional induction cooker temperature control. With the high-resolution measurement of the 17-bit ADC, the innovative design of non-contact temperature control, and the advantages of highly integrated structure, MLX90617 not only provides manufacturers with more competitive solutions, but also brings consumers a more accurate, efficient, and safe cooking experience.
In the future, with the rapid development of smart home and kitchen equipment, the technical direction represented by MLX90617 will become a benchmark for industry innovation. Melexis's masterpiece is not just a chip, but a new definition of the smart kitchen of the future.
