FLIR Lepton 25 Advances Pocketsized Thermal Imaging

Imagine if your smartphone could perceive heat, detecting real-time temperature changes in its surroundings. The FLIR Lepton® 2.5 thermal imaging module is turning this vision into reality. Smaller than a coin, this micro thermal camera combines high performance with affordability, expanding the boundaries of thermal imaging applications.

The FLIR Lepton® 2.5 is a long-wave infrared (LWIR) camera solution featuring radiometric temperature measurement. It overcomes the limitations of traditional infrared cameras—bulky size and high cost—by achieving remarkable miniaturization and integration. With an 80x60-pixel thermal array, the Lepton 2.5 seamlessly integrates into smartphones and other electronic devices as an infrared or thermal imaging sensor. Crucially, this radiometric-capable module captures, calibrates, and delivers non-contact temperature data, assigning thermal information to each pixel.

The Lepton 2.5’s performance is driven by its advanced technical parameters:

• Frame Rate: 8.6 Hz (commercially exportable), enabling real-time thermal imaging.
• Input Clock: 25-MHz nominal, with CMOS IO voltage levels for stable data transmission.
• Output Formats: 14-bit, 8-bit (with AGC), or 24-bit RGB (with AGC and colorization), offering flexibility for diverse applications.
• Pixel Size: 17 µm, ensuring high-resolution imaging.
• Radiometric Accuracy: High gain: ±5°C or 5% (typical); low gain: ±10°C or 10% (typical), guaranteeing reliable temperature measurements.
• Dynamic Range: -10°C to 140°C (high gain); up to 450°C (low gain), accommodating varied environments.
• Thermal Sensitivity: <50 mK (0.050°C), detecting minute temperature variations.
• Power Consumption: 150 mW (operational), 650 mW (shutter event), and 4 mW (standby), optimized for mobile devices.

The FLIR Lepton® 2.5’s versatility spans sectors requiring thermal monitoring:

• Smart Homes: Temperature regulation, occupancy detection, and leak identification.
• Industrial Maintenance: Equipment diagnostics, circuit board analysis, and pipeline inspections.
• Security: Night vision, intrusion detection, and fire prevention.
• Automotive: Driver assistance, pedestrian detection, and cabin climate control.
• Healthcare: Fever screening, medical diagnostics, and therapeutic monitoring.
• Research & Education: Thermodynamic studies, biological experiments, and environmental assessments.

With standardized interfaces and developer-friendly tools, the Lepton 2.5 accelerates product development. Engineers and creators can effortlessly incorporate thermal imaging into their designs, reducing costs and time-to-market.

The FLIR Lepton® 2.5 signifies a shift toward mainstream thermal imaging. As technology advances and prices decline, thermal capabilities may soon become standard in smartphones, smart home devices, and automotive systems, fostering safer and more intuitive living environments.