An uncooled infrared (IR) module is a compact thermal imaging solution that integrates an infrared lens with an uncooled microbolometer detector operating at ambient temperature. Unlike cooled IR modules, uncooled systems do not require cryogenic cooling, resulting in lower cost, reduced power consumption, smaller size, and higher reliability.
These modules are ideal for applications where ultra-high sensitivity is not critical, but robust, real-time thermal imaging is required across a wide range of environments.
Optical Module Characteristics
- Operates without active cooling (no Stirling cooler)
- Based on microbolometer detector technology
- Optimized for LWIR (8–14 μm) thermal imaging
- Compact, lightweight, and power-efficient design
- Simple electronic architecture for easy system integration
- Typically compatible with standard industrial mounts (e.g. C-mount)
Integrated Technical Specifications
Detector & Imaging Performance
| Parameter | 384 × 288 | 640 × 512 | 1280 × 1024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel Pitch | 12 μm | 12 μm | 12 μm |
| NETD (@25 °C) | ≤ 50 mK | ≤ 50 mK | ≤ 50 mK |
| Frame Rate | 50 Hz | 50 Hz | 50 / 100 Hz |
| Spectral Band | 8–14 μm (LWIR) | 8–14 μm (LWIR) | 8–14 μm (LWIR) |
Video & Communication Interfaces
- Analog Video: 1-channel PAL / NTSC
- Digital Video: USB, 14-bit or 10-bit LVDS-H / F
- Serial Communication: RS-232 / UART (3.3 V)
Image Processing & Functional Parameters
- Brightness / Contrast: Manual or Automatic
- Gain Control: Manual, Semi-automatic, Automatic
- Polarity Modes: Black Hot, White Hot, Red Hot, Pseudo-color, Sky, Stroke
- Polarity Reversal: Supported
- Image Enhancement: On / Off
- Noise Reduction: Digital filtering noise reduction
- Cross Cursor: Display / Fade / Move
Environmental Adaptation
- Operating Temperature: −40 °C to +60 °C
- Storage Temperature: −50 °C to +70 °C
- Humidity: 5% – 95%, non-condensing
Typical Detector Technology
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Detector Type: Uncooled microbolometer
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Detector Materials:
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Vanadium Oxide (VOx)
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Amorphous Silicon (a-Si)
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These materials provide stable thermal response, long operational life, and excellent suitability for commercial and industrial thermal imaging.
Applications
Uncooled IR modules are widely deployed in:
- Commercial thermal cameras
- Security and surveillance systems
- Automotive night vision and ADAS
- Industrial process monitoring
- Preventive maintenance and inspection
- Medical and biomedical thermal imaging
- Environmental and energy monitoring
How to Select an Uncooled IR Module
1. Define Application Requirements
Determine whether your application prioritizes cost efficiency, compact size, or frame rate, rather than extreme sensitivity.
2. Choose Detector Resolution
- 384×288: Cost-effective, compact systems
- 640×512: Balanced performance and detail
- 1280×1024: High-detail imaging and analytics
3. Pixel Pitch Considerations
Smaller pixels improve spatial resolution but may slightly affect sensitivity—balance resolution with thermal performance needs.
4. Spectral Range
Ensure LWIR (8–14 μm) is suitable for detecting human, mechanical, and environmental heat signatures.
5. Frame Rate
- 50 Hz for standard monitoring
- 100 Hz for fast-moving targets or dynamic scenes
6. Interface Compatibility
Confirm compatibility with your processing system (USB, LVDS, RS-232).
7. Environmental Conditions
Verify temperature, humidity, and enclosure requirements for outdoor or industrial environments.
8. Power & Integration
Uncooled modules are ideal for battery-powered, mobile, or embedded systems due to low power consumption.
9. Budget
Uncooled IR modules offer the best performance-to-cost ratio for most commercial and industrial applications.