Ulis, a manufacturer of infrared imaging sensors, has launched the Pico384E, a 17µm pixel size thermal sensor with I2C, the standard Inter-Integrated Circuit link used in many of today’s electronic devices. I2C makes IR sensors compatible with the large-scale production processes used in visible cameras.
By adopting design techniques widely used in consumer electronics, Ulis will make IR technology more accessible to new entrants to the thermal camera market.
Pico384E is suitable for compact IR cameras used in high-end military and professional applications that require high thermal sensitivity. High sensitivity lets users perceive smaller objects at longer distances. Applications include long-range surveillance, Thermal Weapon Sights (TWS), ground vehicle situation awareness, handheld goggles and IR capability to UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle).
The sensor’s power consumption is less than 60mW (analog output, 50Hz frame rate. With an I2C bus speed, Pico384E operates up to 400kHz as defined in the I2C specification. It has a NETD (Noise-Equivalent Temperature Difference), an important parameter for evaluating image quality, in the range of 40mK, and a thermal time constant under 10ms.
