Microbolometer thermal imager offers high resolution & frame rate

Newer thermal technologies based on microbolometers, a MEMS technology, have changed the landscape by making thermal imaging more accessible. In addition to security and surveillance systems, ULIS’s sensor can also be used in cameras for outdoor leisure, such as nature observation or hunting.

Pico640 Gen2 is quick and easy to install because it uses Hync/VSync clocking and an I2C standard communication protocol, compatible with commercial camera standards. Pico640 Gen2 is easy to calibrate, even in shutterless mode, due to the predictability of the sensor’s behavioural patterns over varying operating temperatures.

Other significant improvements include better image quality through higher image resolution (over 300,000 pixels). This means that users can capture the most minute details up to a distance of several hundred metres. The product offers faster frame rates of 30-120Hz, providing more fluid images. No matter how fast an object is moving, captured images remain unblurred.

Another parameter, the Noise Equivalent Differential Temperature (NEDT), has also been upgraded. NEDT enables a longer detection range and crisper images; the lower the NEDT, the sharper the image. Dipping far below 50mK means that this model has achieved a more than 15% improvement over earlier generations, without any trade-off in power consumption. It operates at less than 130mW with a 60Hz frame rate. This is in contrast to other thermal imaging sensors in this category, which tend to consume more power, typically over 200 to 350mW at an equivalent frame rate.

All Pico640 Gen2 features are housed in ceramic packaging. ULIS’ Gen2 products will be displayed at SECON, an international security conference and exhibition taking place 18^th to 20^th March 2015 in South Korea, at booth #E39. SECON draws close to 38,000 visitors annually.

“ULIS has designed Pico640 Gen2 to match increasing requirements from fixed and portable camera makers for high standard thermal imaging technologies that are easier to install,” said Jean-François Delepau. “We have stripped away the complexity by closely aligning our thermal image sensor with all-important commercial standards. Customers can now have easier access to top-notch thermal image resolution at longer detection ranges with enduring performance at an affordable cost. We are eager to show security and surveillance professionals the benefits of our Pico brand products.”