Development of a Thermal Camera Using a Low Noise High Speed Far Infrared Camera

This paper describes the development of a thermal imaging camera using a low noise high speed far infrared sensor from Melexis, MLX90621, and integrating it into an embedded solution alongside a microcontroller from STMicroelectronics with an ARM processor, a 1.8" TFT liquid crystal display and various other peripherals, all powered from a Li-Po battery whose voltage is regulated using a buck-boost converter. The main application of this device is inspecting assembled PCBs for thermal faults, although it can be used for other purposes such as non-contact temperature measurements, automotive thermal comfort system, intrusion detection.