How to Choose the Specifications of the Thermal Imager?

When shopping for an infrared thermal imager, there are many specifications for thermal imagers. Just looking at one spec does not reflect the overall performance of a thermal imager. The combination of specifications is what determines the performance of a thermal imager. All specs for a thermal imager are important, but there are a few you can keep an eye on to make sure you're buying the right device.

The resolution of a thermal imager refers to how many pixels the detector of the thermal imager has. Higher resolution means each image contains more information, more pixels, and more detail, so the temperature can be measured more accurately. The choice of thermal imaging camera depends on your application scenario. When you can get close to the target, you can choose a lower-resolution device. Measuring smaller targets from a distance requires higher resolution.

The temperature measurement range is the entire temperature range that the camera can measure. Some cameras have multiple ranges set to measure a wider temperature range more accurately. Each type of thermal imaging camera has its own specific temperature measurement range. For some industrial applications, such as measuring boilers, kilns or furnaces, it is especially important to choose a thermal imager with a higher temperature range. Therefore, before choosing a thermal imaging camera, you must be familiar with the temperature measurement range required by the industry.

The field of view (FOV) is determined by the thermal imaging lens. The field of view determines the distance and range of the thermal imaging lens. According to different usage scenarios, choose lenses with different viewing angles, such as a wide-angle (48°) lens or a telephoto lens (12° or 7°).

The spectral range is the range of wavelengths detected by the sensor in the thermal imager, measured in micrometers (μm). Most thermal imaging cameras for gas detection (such as propane, methane, and butane detectors) are mid-wave thermal imaging cameras, which means they have a spectral range between 2 microns and 5 microns. Most thermal imaging cameras are long-wave cameras with a spectral range between 8 microns and 14 microns. Long-wave infrared thermal imaging cameras are suitable for infrared applications such as power inspection and fire rescue.

Thermal Sensitivity or Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD) describes the smallest temperature difference a thermal imager can see. The smaller the value, the better the thermal sensitivity of the infrared system.

If you need to measure a large temperature difference of the target, you do not need a thermal imager with excessive heat. For applications that require more accurate temperature measurement, such as measuring humidity problems, higher thermal sensitivity is required.

When you are not sure which thermal imager to choose, you can refer to the above parameters. When selecting equipment, not only one parameter should be considered, but also a comprehensive selection based on your own needs. For example, if you need to detect something subtle, even high resolution won't work if you don't have a high thermal sensitivity. If you still don't know how to choose or you already have an idea to buy an infrared thermal imager, please contact us.

JAVOL is a professional custom thermal imager manufacturer. Relying on the multi-spectral high-sensitivity photoelectric sensor chip of advanced compound semiconductor materials, with deep learning AI algorithm as the engine, it integrates low-light night vision technology, infrared thermal imaging technology, short-wave infrared technology and many more. Spectral fusion technology, our company designs, develops, and manufactures advanced imaging products and system solutions for a wide range of applications in machine vision, autonomous driving, drone payloads, high-end manufacturing and medical diagnostics.