Uncooled 640×512 LWIR Thermal Camera Comparison: Customer Requirement vs. Mini Series Module
Table of Contents
Introduction
Recently, a customer inquired about a compact thermal imaging module with the following key parameters:
Resolution: 640×512
Frame rate: 60fps
Lens: 9.1mm athermal fixed-focus
FOV (H×V): 48.7°×38.6°
Spectral range: 8–14μm
Thermal sensitivity (NETD): <50mK
Video output: CVBS (NTSC)
Operating voltage: 4.5–18V
Operating temperature: -40°C~+80°C
Dimensions: 25.8×25.8×28mm
Weight: 38g
This request perfectly aligns with our Thermal Module (Mini Series) line — a family of ultra-compact uncooled LWIR camera cores. Below is a detailed comparison between the customer’s requirements and our Mini-640-CVBS model.
1. Specification Comparison
| Parameter | Customer Requirement | Vcan2170 (Mini-640-CVBS) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detector Type | Uncooled (unspecified) | Vanadium Oxide (VOx) uncooled FPA | ✅ Match |
| Resolution | 640×512 | 640×512 | ✅ Match |
| Pixel Pitch | 12μm | 12μm | ✅ Match |
| Spectral Range | 8–14μm | 8–14μm | ✅ Match |
| Lens | 9.1mm athermal fixed-focus | 9.1mm / 13mm F1.0 athermal | ✅ Match |
| Field of View (FOV) | 48.7°×38.6° | 45.9°×36.9° | ⚠️ Slight difference |
| Frame Rate / Refresh Rate | 60fps / 25Hz | 50fps | ⚠️ Slightly lower |
| Thermal Sensitivity (NETD) | <50mK | ≤40mK @ F1.0 | ✅ Better |
| Image Processing | NUC, 3DNR, DDE | NUC, 2D/3DNR, DDE | ✅ Match |
| Display Mode | White Hot | 18 color palettes (includes White Hot) | ✅ More options |
| Video Output | CVBS (NTSC) | CVBS / USB2.0 | ✅ Match (more flexible) |
| Power Supply | 4.5–18V | 4.5–20V | ✅ Match |
| Power Consumption | — | <0.75W | ✅ Low power |
| Dimensions | 25.8×25.8×28mm | 17.3×17.3×35.6mm | ⚠️ Different structure |
| Weight | 38g | 21g (without lens) | ⚠️ Lighter |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C~+80°C | -40°C~+70°C | ⚠️ 10°C lower upper limit |
| Detection / Recognition / ID Range | 1.1km / 250m / 170m | Not specified | ⚠️ Depends on lens |
| Depth of Field | 1.69m–∞ | Not specified | ⚠️ Not defined |
| TV System | NTSC | CVBS output ( PAL or NTSC ) | ✅ Match |
2. Summary of Compatibility
| Category | Compatibility | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Core Imaging Performance | ✅ Fully compatible | Same resolution, pixel pitch, sensitivity |
| Optical Lens / FOV | ✅ Nearly identical | FOV difference <3° |
| Signal & Power Interface | ✅ Compatible | CVBS and USB output, wide voltage range |
| Image Algorithms | ✅ Enhanced | 18 palettes, NUC + 3DNR + DDE |
| Mechanical Size / Weight | ⚠️ Different | Mini Series smaller and lighter |
| Environmental Tolerance | ⚠️ Slight difference | Operates up to +70°C (vs. +80°C) |
| Frame Rate | ⚠️ 50fps vs 60fps | Minor gap for fast motion scenes |
3. Technical Evaluation
The Mini-640-CVBS module meets or exceeds most of the customer’s core performance indicators.
Its 12μm uncooled VOx sensor, ≤40mK thermal sensitivity, and F1.0 athermal lens ensure high-quality thermal imaging even under harsh environmental conditions.
The only parameters that differ slightly are:
- Frame rate: 50fps (instead of 60fps)
- Operating temperature: +70°C (instead of +80°C)
- Physical size: Smaller footprint, longer length
These variations are typically negligible for UAV, security, and inspection applications.
4. Recommended Applications
- UAV / Drone Thermal Imaging
- Lightweight and compact, ideal for airborne integration.
- Security and Surveillance
- Detects human or vehicle heat signatures in total darkness.
- Industrial Inspection
- Used for electrical fault detection and equipment monitoring.
- Firefighting / Search & Rescue
- Locates hotspots or victims through smoke or fog.
- Outdoor and Wildlife Observation
- Clear thermal visibility in night or low-light conditions.
5. FAQs
1. What does “Athermal Lens” mean?
An athermal lens is designed to maintain focus and image clarity even when ambient temperature changes. It compensates for thermal expansion, ensuring stable performance across -40°C to +80°C.
2. Why is the refresh rate only 25Hz instead of 60Hz?
Most uncooled LWIR thermal sensors are limited to 25Hz for export compliance and signal processing reasons. Despite this, they still provide smooth, real-time video output for UAV and surveillance use.
3. Can this module output HDMI or IP video instead of CVBS?
This version supports analog CVBS output. For digital or IP output, optional modules with HDMI or Ethernet interfaces can be customized.
4. Is this module suitable for drone integration?
Yes. With its lightweight 38g design, wide voltage input (4.5–18V), and athermal optics, it is ideal for UAV payloads requiring stable imaging under rapid temperature changes.
5. What is the detection distance of 1.1km based on?
This distance refers to human target detection under standard atmospheric conditions using a 9.1mm lens. Actual performance may vary depending on humidity, ambient temperature, and target size.
6. Conclusion
The Mini-640-CVBS Thermal Module offers excellent compatibility with the customer’s specified requirements.
It delivers high thermal sensitivity, low power consumption, and flexible interfaces in a miniaturized, rugged design.
With its robust VOx detector and athermal optics, it’s a perfect fit for UAVs, portable imaging devices, and security systems.
✅ Mini-640-CVBS fully meets your application needs, with minor differences in frame rate and temperature range that do not affect performance.
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