{"id":27304,"date":"2019-11-25T18:51:31","date_gmt":"2019-11-25T10:51:31","guid":{"rendered":"\/blog\/?p=27304"},"modified":"2019-11-28T10:44:01","modified_gmt":"2019-11-28T02:44:01","slug":"mlx90640-thermal-imaging-cameras-for-your-microcontroller","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/2019\/11\/25\/mlx90640-thermal-imaging-cameras-for-your-microcontroller\/","title":{"rendered":"MLX90640 IR Array: Thermal Imaging Cameras for your Microcontroller"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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ref<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The MLX90640 32×24 IR array by Melexis is a cost-effective alternative unlike the one seen above that’s a much more expensive high-end thermal camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These big thermal cameras do perform well but are way too costly for the average consumer. This does not sit well for users merely wanting to try out thermal imaging and what’s all about. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fear not though, in today’s blog, I’ll be introducing MLX90640 based thermal imaging cameras that are affordable, easy-to-pair with your microcontroller, and run through python for viewing of thermal images.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

*Not sure about programming or using python?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not to worry, there aren’t many steps to the pairing tutorial and I’ll walk you through it as we go along<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Introduction to MLX90640 IR Array<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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ref<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Before we touch on my recommended thermal imaging cameras, we’ll take a further look at the MLX90640 32×24 IR array sensor that it’s running on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What’s good? Key Features<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Wide temperature measurement range<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The MLX90640 has a -40\u00b0C to 85\u00b0C operational temperature range, with it being capable of measuring object temperatures between
-40\u00b0C to 300\u00b0C <\/p>\n\n\n\n

High precision<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This infrared sensor maintains high levels of precision across its measurement range, delivering a target object temperature accuracy of \u00b11\u00b0C. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Low system cost with continuous monitoring <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The MLX90640 does not require frequent re-calibration, unlike microbolometer alternatives. This ensures continuous monitoring and lowering system cost\/operational expense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Simple to integrate<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Running on an I2C-compatible digital interface simplifies integration<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other key features include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n