IR Grid 5 Click

How does it work?

IR Grid 5 Click is based on the MLX90642, a fully calibrated 32x24 pixels thermal infrared (IR) array imager from Melexis, that provides precise thermal imaging and non-contact temperature measurement. This sensor integrates 768 FIR pixels and an internal temperature reference sensor that measures the cold junction temperature of the chip, allowing accurate ambient compensation. Each pixel is factory-calibrated to ensure linearized temperature output (To), while both raw IR data and ambient temperature data (Ta) are stored in internal RAM and made accessible through a standard I2C interface, enabling simple communication with various microcontroller platforms.

The MLX90642 offers selectable field-of-view configurations of 55°x35° and 110°x75°, providing flexibility for applications that range from narrow-area precision monitoring to wide-angle environmental scanning. Designed for high-performance thermal detection, the MLX90642 supports use in visual IR thermometers, industrial temperature control of moving parts, intrusion and motion detection systems, microwave oven sensing, busbar temperature monitoring, and HVAC systems in residential, commercial, and industrial environments.

This Click board™ is designed in a unique format supporting the newly introduced MIKROE feature called "Click Snap." Unlike the standardized version of Click boards, this feature allows the main sensor/IC/module area to become movable by breaking the PCB, opening many new possibilities for implementation. Thanks to the Snap feature, the MLX90642 can operate autonomously by accessing its signals directly on the pins marked 1-8. Additionally, the Snap part includes a specified and fixed screw hole position, enabling users to secure the Snap board in their desired location.

To optimize power control and operational management, IR Grid 5 Click integrates the MAX40200 ideal diode controller from Analog Devices, which enables or disables the MLX90642 through a dedicated enable pin (EN), providing efficient power switching and protection.

This Click board™ can be operated only with a 3.3V logic voltage level. The board must perform appropriate logic voltage level conversion before using MCUs with different logic levels. It also comes equipped with a library containing functions and example code that can be used as a reference for further development.

Click Snap

Click Snap is an innovative feature of our standardized Click add-on boards, designed to bring greater flexibility and optimize your prototypes. By simply snapping the PCB along predefined lines, you can easily detach the main sensor/IC/module area, reducing the overall size, weight, and power consumption - ideal for the final phase of prototyping. For more details about Click Snap, visit the official page dedicated to this feature.

Specifications

Pinout diagram

This table shows how the pinout on IR Grid 5 Click corresponds to the pinout on the mikroBUS™ socket (the latter shown in the two middle columns).

Notes	Pin					Pin	Notes
	NC	1	AN	PWM	16	NC
Device Enable	EN	2	RST	INT	15	NC
ID COMM	CS	3	CS	RX	14	NC
	NC	4	SCK	TX	13	NC
	NC	5	MISO	SCL	12	SCL	I2C Clock
	NC	6	MOSI	SDA	11	SDA	I2C Data
Power Supply	3.3V	7	3.3V	5V	10	NC
Ground	GND	8	GND	GND	9	GND	Ground

Onboard settings and indicators

IR Grid 5 Click electrical specifications

Software Support

IR Grid 5 Click demo application is developed using the NECTO Studio, ensuring compatibility with mikroSDK's open-source libraries and tools. Designed for plug-and-play implementation and testing, the demo is fully compatible with all development, starter, and mikromedia boards featuring a mikroBUS™ socket.

Example Description

This example demonstrates the use of the IR Grid 5 Click board by reading and displaying the sensor temperature as well as the object temperature image from the 32x24 pixel array.

Key Functions

• irgrid5_cfg_setup This function initializes Click configuration structure to initial values.
• irgrid5_init This function initializes all necessary pins and peripherals used for this Click board.
• irgrid5_default_cfg This function executes a default configuration of IR Grid 5 Click board.
• irgrid5_get_device_id This function reads the device ID from the IR Grid 5 EEPROM.
• irgrid5_get_fw_version This function reads the firmware version from the IR Grid 5 flash memory.
• irgrid5_get_measurement This function reads object temperature image and sensor internal temperatures from the IR Grid 5 device.

Application Init

Initializes the log interface and the IR Grid 5 Click driver. Reads and displays the device ID and firmware version.

Application Task

Reads the sensor internal temperature and the object temperature image from the pixel array and displays them on the USB UART terminal every 500ms.

Application Output

This Click board can be interfaced and monitored in two ways:

• Application Output - Use the "Application Output" window in Debug mode for real-time data monitoring. Set it up properly by following this tutorial.
• UART Terminal - Monitor data via the UART Terminal using a USB to UART converter. For detailed instructions, check out this tutorial.

Additional Notes and Information

The complete application code and a ready-to-use project are available through the NECTO Studio Package Manager for direct installation in the NECTO Studio. The application code can also be found on the MIKROE GitHub account.