GY-906 MLX90614ESF-DCI Long Range IR Temperature Sensor Module - 5° Field of View

Specifications

• Sensor Model: MLX90614ESF-DCI

• Field of View (FOV): 5° (Ultra-Narrow / Long Range)

• Object Temperature Range: -70°C to +380.2°C

• Ambient Temperature Range: -40°C to +125°C

• Accuracy: ±0.5°C (at room temperature)

• Medical Accuracy: ±0.2°C in the human body temperature range

• Resolution: 0.02°C

• Communication: I2C (SMBus) Interface

• Input Voltage: 3.3V to 5V DC

• Filtering: Integrated optical filter for sunlight/ambient light rejection

Key Applications & Projects

• Automated Medical Kiosks: Measure human forehead temperature from a distance as people walk through a gate.

• Industrial Hot-Spot Detection: Monitor the temperature of moving conveyor belts or high-voltage transformers from a safe distance.

• Precision Reflow Ovens: Track PCB surface temperature without the sensor being affected by the surrounding heating elements.

• HVAC Air Flow Mapping: Pinpoint thermal leaks in ceiling vents from ground level.

Project Evolution

• Past Projects (Prerequisites): If you've mastered basic temperature logging with a DHT22 or a standard 90° IR sensor, the DCI version is your next step into professional-grade optics.

• Feature Upgrade: This sensor unlocks the ability to measure targets through small apertures or at significant distances where standard sensors would produce "averaged" (incorrect) data.

• Effort/Requirements: Intermediate. Due to the 5° FOV, alignment is critical. You may need to design a 3D-printed bracket or use a laser pointer for precise aiming.

Virtual Technician & Wiring

• VCC: Connect to 3.3V or 5V.

• GND: Connect to Common Ground.

• SDA: I2C Data (A4 on Arduino / GPIO 21 on ESP32).

• SCL: I2C Clock (A5 on Arduino / GPIO 22 on ESP32).

• ⚠️ Pro Tip: For the DCI version, ensure there are no obstructions within a 5-degree cone of the sensor face to avoid measuring the temperature of the sensor's own housing or mount.

Accessories

• Included: 1x GY-906 MLX90614ESF-DCI Module, 1x 4-pin Header.

• Required Additional Items: Arduino/ESP32, Jumper Wires, and a stable mounting bracket

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the maximum distance for accurate readings? For a human forehead, the 5° FOV remains highly accurate up to 60-80cm.
• Is this the 'DCI' medical grade version? Yes, the DCI suffix indicates the 5-degree FOV and gradient compensation.
• Does it require a lens? No, the 5° FOV is achieved through internal micro-optics within the TO-39 package.
• Can I use it with an Arduino Uno? Yes, it is fully compatible with 5V I2C logic.
• How do I change the I2C address? The address can be changed via software (default is 0x5A).
• Can it measure through acrylic? No, most plastics and glass block IR radiation.
• Is it affected by sunlight? It has an internal filter, but direct sunlight on the sensor face should be avoided.
• What is the response time? Approximately 0.1 seconds.
• Can I measure liquid temperature? Yes, but it measures the surface temperature of the liquid.
• What is the difference between DCI and BAA? BAA has a 90° FOV (short range); DCI has a 5° FOV (long range).
• Does it need a heat sink? No, the sensor consumes very little power.
• Is it factory calibrated? Yes, it comes fully calibrated from Melexis.
• Can I use it with Raspberry Pi? Yes, it works perfectly on the 3.3V I2C bus.
• What is the resolution of the sensor? 17-bit ADC with 0.02°C resolution.
• Does it work in total darkness? Yes, it measures infrared radiation, which does not require visible light.
• Is it waterproof? No, the PCB must be protected from moisture.
• Can it detect air temperature? It provides an ambient temperature reading of its own environment alongside the object reading.
• Why is my reading lower than expected? Check alignment; with a 5° FOV, even a slight tilt might cause the sensor to "miss" the target.
• How many can I put on one bus? Up to 127 sensors if you change the addresses.
• Is the pinout the same as the GY-906 BCC? Yes, the pinout is identical across the GY-906 family.