Infrared Sensor Chip Heating for Precise Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional infrared sensor devices face challenges in precisely controlling the temperature of the sensor chip due to the Peltier element being a separate member, which hinders accurate measurement.

Innovation Solution

An infrared sensor device with an integrated heat generation mechanism on the insulating substrate, controlled by a control unit to manage current supply, ensuring precise temperature regulation of the sensor chip.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a Peltier element is used for temperature control, then temperature control capability is provided, but measurement accuracy is insufficient due to imprecise temperature control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor chip temperature controlVSAvoidinfrared measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The heating element is integrated directly into the sensor chip structure, merging the temperature control function with the sensing element. This integration eliminates the gap between the Peltier element and sensor chip, enabling precise temperature control at the exact location where temperature stability is critical for measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If a separate Peltier element is attached to the sensor chip, then temperature control is achieved, but temperature control precision is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparate Peltier element structureVSAvoidtemperature control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The heating element is formed as an integrated part of the sensor chip rather than as a separate attached component. This merging eliminates thermal interface resistance and ensures that temperature control is applied precisely where needed, achieving superior temperature control precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The heating element is positioned specifically at the region of the sensor chip that requires temperature control, providing localized heating capability. This local quality approach ensures that temperature is controlled precisely at the critical sensing region without affecting other parts of the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This integration allows for precise temperature control of the sensor chip, enhancing measurement accuracy and stabilizing output levels quickly.

Implementation Method 1

a heat generation mechanism integrated with the sensor chip; and a control unit provided on the insulating substrate and controlling an amount of current to be supplied to the heat generation mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS12601636B2Infrared sensor device
Publication Date: 2026.04.14 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • US12601636B2 patent drawing
  • US12601636B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A sensor chip (4) having a pixel unit (8) that detects an infrared ray is bonded to an insulating substrate (2) using a bonding material (3). A heat generation mechanism (11) is integrated with the sensor chip (4). A control unit (14) is provided on the insulating substrate (2) and controls an amount of current to be supplied to the heat generation mechanism (11).