Teledyne Teledyne FLIR Boson 20320A006-6CAAX Thermal Camera Core, 320x256, 6° HFOV, 36mm Lens

The Boson core provides two primary video output paths: a standard CMOS parallel digital video interface and a USB 2.0 port for direct streaming to a host computer. For configuration and control, it includes a UART serial interface. You typically use the UART to send commands for setting parameters like gain, frame rate, or performing a flat-field correction (NUC). The CMOS output is ideal for direct connection to an FPGA or embedded processor, while USB offers plug-and-play compatibility with PC-based software like Teledyne FLIR's own development tools or third-party machine vision applications.

Power the module with a stable 3.3VDC supply, ensuring your power source can deliver the required current with minimal noise, as sensor performance depends on clean power. For integration, connect the CMOS parallel data lines, pixel clock, and frame sync signals to your host processor's GPIO or a dedicated camera interface. Alternatively, use the USB connection for a simpler setup. You must also connect the UART TX/RX lines for sending configuration commands. Teledyne FLIR provides a Software Development Kit (SDK) with APIs and documentation to facilitate communication, image acquisition, and calibration procedures for your application.

The narrow 6-degree horizontal field of view (HFOV) provided by the 36mm lens is designed for long-range imaging applications. A narrow FOV gives you a higher instantaneous field of view (IFOV) per pixel, meaning each pixel covers a smaller area on the target at a given distance. This results in finer detail and the ability to detect and identify smaller objects or temperature variations from far away. It's ideal for scenarios like perimeter security where you need to monitor a specific gate or entry point from a remote tower, or for drone-based inspection where you need to see fine cracks on a wind turbine blade from a safe distance.

Yes, the Boson core's frame rate is configurable via UART commands. It can operate at up to 60 frames per second (Hz) for high-speed monitoring. You can also select lower rates such as 30 Hz or even drop below 9 Hz. Reducing the frame rate lowers the total data bandwidth and can significantly reduce power consumption, which is crucial for battery-operated devices like handheld thermometers or long-endurance UAVs. A lower frame rate might introduce latency but is perfectly acceptable for applications like periodic industrial equipment scans or slow-moving environmental monitoring where capturing rapid thermal changes is not required.