UAV Lightweight Thermal Camera
≤40 mK NETD, 640 × 512 VOx LWIR, <8.6 g — ultralight thermal camera module for UAV gimbals, robotics, and mobile platforms.
System Detail
What It Is
The XTC2640LT is an uncooled LWIR thermal imaging camera module using a vanadium oxide focal plane array, classified as an Uncooled LWIR Thermal Camera Module optimised for UAV gimbal payloads, FPV drone integration, robotics platforms, and mobile surveillance units requiring minimal payload mass.
Performance
The XTC2640LT delivers thermal sensitivity of ≤40 mK NETD measured at F/1.0 and 25 Hz. The 640 × 512 VOx detector operates across an 8–14 μm LWIR spectral range with a 12 μm pixel pitch and supports frame rates of 30 Hz and 60 Hz on both the sensor and digital video output. Power consumption is ≤0.7 W at 25 °C from a 5 VDC supply. The module weighs under 8.6 g without lens and measures 21 × 21 × 10.3 mm, making it compatible with payload-constrained drone platforms.
Key Technical Features
- Quad digital video output supporting DVP, BT.656, USB, and MIPI CSI simultaneously, alongside analogue PAL/NTSC, with UART, I²C, and USB serial communication for flight controller and embedded processor integration.
- Digital zoom from 1× to 8× in 0.1× steps with shutterless non-uniformity correction algorithm, eliminating the mechanical shutter click cycle that disrupts continuous UAV imaging streams.
- Standard lens at 9.1 mm focal length with optional lenses from 9.1 mm to 55 mm including F/1.0 manual focus options, with iFOV values from 1.3 mrad down to 0.22 mrad for long-range target observation from altitude.
- Built-in electrical protection against over-current, over-voltage, reverse-polarity, and high-voltage surge, with image mirroring in horizontal, vertical, and diagonal axes for flexible gimbal mounting orientations.
Platform Compatibility
The XTC2640LT is designed for integration into UAV gimbal assemblies, FPV racing and surveillance drone platforms, ground robots, and vehicle-mounted mobile surveillance units. The XTM2640LT bare-core module variant targets board-level integration in custom payload enclosures and robotics chassis.
UAV-Optimised Thermal Core
The XTC2640LT uses a 640 × 512 vanadium oxide uncooled focal plane array in a 21 × 21 × 10.3 mm package weighing under 8.6 g without lens. This form factor is sized for direct installation into small UAV gimbal assemblies and FPV drone payload bays without weight penalty.
Quad Digital Video Architecture
The module simultaneously provides DVP, BT.656, USB, and MIPI CSI digital outputs alongside analogue PAL and NTSC, with UART, I²C, and USB serial control. This breadth of interface support eliminates signal conversion overhead when connecting to diverse embedded processors and flight controllers.
Shutterless Non-Uniformity Correction
The XTC2640LT supports a shutterless NUC algorithm in addition to standard shutter-based correction, removing the mechanical correction cycle from the imaging timeline. Continuous NUC delivery maintains calibrated image quality throughout extended airborne missions without interrupting the video stream.
Sub-Watt Power for Long Endurance
Operating at ≤0.7 W from a 5 VDC supply, the XTC2640LT is engineered for battery-powered UAV platforms where thermal budget directly affects flight endurance. The low operating current allows sustained continuous imaging on small lithium-polymer cells without forced cooling.
Our technical team provides pre-sales support for system integration planning, field testing, and deployment assessment.
Contact Technical TeamFull Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| GENERAL | |
| Model Number | XTC2640LT |
| Product Series | XTC2 Series |
| Product Type | UAV and Lightweight Thermal Camera |
| OPTICAL | |
| Sensor Type | Uncooled VOx Microbolometer (LWIR) |
| Resolution | 640 × 512 |
| Pixel Pitch | 12 μm |
| Spectral Range | 8–14 μm (LWIR) |
| Focal Length (Standard Lens) | 9.1 mm (standard) |
| Optional Lens Focal Lengths | 9.1 / 13.5 / 15 / 18 / 25 / 35 / 55 mm |
| PERFORMANCE | |
| Sensitivity (NETD) | ≤40 mK @ F/1.0, 25 Hz |
| Frame Rate | 30/60 Hz |
| NUC Mode | Shutter correction / Shutterless algorithm |
| MECHANICAL | |
| Core Dimensions | 21 × 21 × 10.3 mm (without lens & connector) |
| Weight | <8.6 g (without lens) |
| ELECTRICAL | |
| Operating Voltage | 5 VDC |
| Power Consumption | ≤0.7 W @ 25 °C |
| ENVIRONMENTAL | |
| Operating Temperature | −40 °C to +80 °C |
| Storage Temperature | −45 °C to +85 °C |
| Humidity | 5–95%, non-condensing |
| Shock Rating | 80 g, 4 ms, saw-tooth pulse, 3 axes, 6 directions |
| Vibration Rating | 6.06 g random vibration, all axes |
| FEATURES | |
| Noise Reduction | Digital Noise Reduction / Digital Filtering |
| Image Flip / Mirror | Horizontal / Vertical / Diagonal |
| SDK Support | SDK available — contact sales@star-navi.net |
| INTERFACE | |
| Digital / Analogue Video Output | DVP / BT.656 / USB / MIPI CSI, PAL/NTSC |
| Serial Communication | UART / I²C / USB |
Designed for the Field
UAV Gimbal and Drone Payload
The XTC2640LT addresses UAV payload weight budgets requiring a full-resolution thermal imaging engine below 10 g without lens.
Robotics and Mobile Platform Integration
The module supports ground robot and mobile surveillance platform integration where low power draw and compact form factor are primary constraints.
OEM Payload and Embedded System Integration
UAV payload manufacturers and robotics OEMs embed the XTC2640LT into custom gimbal housings and embedded vision systems using its quad digital video interface architecture.
UAV Gimbal and FPV Drone Payload
The XTC2640LT serves as the thermal imaging core in UAV gimbal assemblies and FPV drone payload bays where mass and power budgets are the primary integration constraints. A module weighing under 8.6 g and consuming ≤0.7 W at 25 °C fits within the payload envelope of commercial and tactical drones without requiring active cooling or dedicated power regulation circuitry. The 640 × 512 VOx detector delivers ≤40 mK NETD imagery at 30 Hz or 60 Hz frame rates, with MIPI CSI and DVP outputs directly compatible with Raspberry Pi, NVIDIA Jetson, and similar onboard processors used in autonomous surveillance and target detection workflows.
- Weight: <8.6 g (without lens)
- Power Consumption: ≤0.7 W @ 25 °C
- Sensitivity (NETD): ≤40 mK @ F/1.0, 25 Hz
- Video Output: DVP / BT.656 / USB / MIPI CSI
Ground Robotics and Mobile Surveillance
The XTC2640LT provides thermal imaging capability for ground unmanned vehicles and mobile surveillance platforms where compact sensor footprint and multi-interface connectivity are required. The 21 × 21 × 10.3 mm core fits into narrow robot head assemblies and vehicle-mounted pan-tilt units alongside visible-light sensors. The 8–14 μm LWIR spectral range with shutterless NUC correction provides calibrated thermal imagery throughout continuous operation cycles, while UART and I²C serial interfaces allow the host robotics controller to adjust imaging parameters in real time without interrupting the video stream.
- Core Size: 21 × 21 × 10.3 mm (without lens & connector)
- Spectral Range: 8–14 μm (LWIR)
- Serial Interfaces: UART / I²C / USB
- NUC Mode: Shutter correction / Shutterless algorithm
OEM Payload Manufacturer Integration
UAV payload manufacturers and embedded vision system OEMs integrate the XTC2640LT into custom multi-spectral sensor pods, handheld surveillance devices, and vehicle-mounted thermal observation systems using its quad digital video interface and analogue PAL/NTSC fallback. The XTM2640LT bare-core module variant removes the outer housing for board-level PCB integration in custom mechanical assemblies. Lens options from 9.1 mm to 55 mm focal length with iFOV values from 1.3 mrad to 0.22 mrad allow OEMs to configure observation range and field of view at the component selection stage without custom optic procurement.
- Frame Rate: 30/60 Hz
- Analogue Output: PAL / NTSC
- Lens Range: 9.1 mm to 55 mm (F/1.0)
- iFOV Range: 1.3 mrad (9.1 mm) to 0.22 mrad (55 mm)
System Integration
Interface Architecture
The XTC2640LT provides four simultaneous digital video outputs and analogue PAL/NTSC, with three serial communication interfaces covering UART, I²C, and USB control.
Full register-level configuration documentation and SDK are available through the corporate support channel at sales@star-navi.net.
DVP / MIPI / USB Video Interface
The XTC2640LT outputs digital thermal video simultaneously over DVP, BT.656, USB, and MIPI CSI at 30 Hz or 60 Hz, with analogue PAL/NTSC also available. MIPI CSI-2 output is directly compatible with Raspberry Pi Camera Connector and NVIDIA Jetson CSI receivers.
Request a Quote or Demo Unit
Our technical sales team can arrange a field demonstration, provide deployment planning, and prepare a formal quotation for your procurement requirements.
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