Teledyne FLIR Boson+ Thermal Camera Core (LWIR)
The market-leading uncooled thermal imaging module for drones, defense, and industrial AI.
The Teledyne FLIR Boson+ represents the pinnacle of size, weight, and power (SWaP) optimization. By utilizing a 12-micron pixel pitch, this core delivers high-resolution thermal data in a package that fits in the palm of your hand. Whether you are building autonomous drones or automotive safety systems, the Boson+ allows you to "see" heat with unmatched clarity.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
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Ultra-Low Latency:
With a latency of less than 25ms (and often <6ms), this core provides real-time data essential for navigation and tracking fast-moving objects. -
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Rugged Reliability:
Designed for industrial and defense rigor, the Boson+ is US-made and built to withstand harsh operating environments without failing. -
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Compact & Lightweight:
Weighing as little as 7.5 grams and occupying less than 4.9 cm³, it maximizes flight time for drones and fits into tight spaces. -
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Superior Sensitivity:
With an NEDT (Noise Equivalent Differential Temperature) of ≤20 mK, it detects tiny heat differences even through fog, smoke, or total darkness. -
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AI-Ready Ecosystem:
Integrates seamlessly with Teledyne FLIR’s Prism AI software for "edge" computing, enabling automatic object detection and classification.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Teledyne FLIR |
| Technical Name | Boson+ (Uncooled VOx Microbolometer) |
| Pixel Pitch (Code) | 12 Microns ($12 \mu m$) |
| Chemical Group (Spectrum) | Longwave Infrared (LWIR) 8 - 14 µm |
| Formulation (Resolution) | Available in VGA (640×512) or QVGA (320×256) |
| Power Consumption | Low Power (Starting at ~600 mW) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
The Boson+ uses a Vanadium Oxide (VOx) microbolometer to translate invisible thermal energy into digital images. Unlike "cooled" cameras that need heavy refrigeration machinery, the Boson uses smart materials to detect heat at ambient temperatures.
- Absorption: Incoming infrared radiation hits the micro-pixel array, slightly heating up specific pixels based on the scene.
- Resistance Change: The heating causes a change in electrical resistance within the Vanadium Oxide material.
- Digital Readout: The camera's readout integrated circuit (ROIC) measures this resistance change and instantly converts it into a high-contrast video feed.
This process happens continuously, allowing the camera to visualize temperature differences as small as 0.02°C (20 mK).
Target Applications & Industries
| Industry / Application | Use Case Details |
|---|---|
| Automotive (ADAS) | Pedestrian detection in total darkness or glaring sunlight where visual cameras fail. |
| UAS (Drones) | Search and rescue, power line inspection, and solar panel efficiency checks. |
| Industrial Safety | Detecting overheating machinery or electrical faults before they cause fires. |
Configuration & Integration Guide
The Golden Rule: Always optimize for "SWaP" (Size, Weight, and Power) to get the best performance for your platform.
Resolution Options & Performance Metrics
| Model Type | Resolution (Pixels) | FOV (Field of View) | Frame Rate (Hz) | Startup Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boson+ VGA | 640 x 512 | Wide / Narrow options | 60 Hz or 30 Hz | < 4 Seconds |
| Boson+ QVGA | 320 x 256 | Wide / Narrow options | 60 Hz or 30 Hz | < 4 Seconds |
| Standard Boson | 640 or 320 | Various options | 60 Hz or 30 Hz | < 4 Seconds |
*Note: Frame rates above 9Hz may be subject to export restrictions (EAR/ITAR) depending on your location.
How to Integrate: Best Practices
- Mounting: Ensure the optical axis is aligned with your vehicle's forward vector. Use shock-absorbing mounts for high-vibration drones.
- Interfaces: Utilizes standard USB or CMOS video interfaces. Ensure your processor (e.g., Qualcomm QCS8550) supports the bandwidth.
- Calibration: Perform Flat Field Correction (FFC) periodically to maintain image uniformity. The Boson handles this automatically, but manual triggers are available.
- Safety: Do not point the thermal lens directly at the sun or high-power lasers, as this can permanently damage the sensor array.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between Boson and Boson+?
The Boson+ is physically identical but features a significantly improved thermal sensitivity (NEDT of <20 mK vs 40-60 mK) and better automatic gain control for sharper contrast.
2. Can this camera see through walls?
No. Thermal cameras detect surface temperatures. They cannot see through solid materials like glass or drywall, but they can see through obscurants like smoke, fog, and foliage.
3. What is Prism AI?
Prism AI is a software stack that runs on the camera's companion processor. It allows the camera to "understand" what it sees, automatically classifying pedestrians, vehicles, and animals at the edge.
4. What does "Uncooled" mean?
It means the camera operates at ambient temperature without needing a cryogenic cooler. This makes it much smaller, lighter, and more reliable than older "cooled" military cameras.
5. Is this product ITAR restricted?
High-performance thermal cameras are often subject to US export regulations (EAR or ITAR). Please check with Teledyne FLIR compliance before exporting this hardware.
Safety & Disclaimer
Always read and follow the official technical reference manual. The information provided here is for guidance only. Ensure compliance with all local laws and export regulations regarding thermal imaging technologies.
