*The article is sourced from the FLIR website.
Capturing stop-motion infrared data on fast-moving or dynamic targets is a particular challenge for researchers, requiring thermal cameras that go beyond high frame rates.
True high-speed infrared imaging needs fast integration times down to microseconds and the ability to achieve thousands of frames per second. Modern R&D cameras enable dynamic analysis of jet engine turbine blades, supersonic projectiles, explosions, and more, without losing frame areas to windowing.
In the automotive industry, product R&D on internal combustion engines, brake rotors, tires, and high-speed airbags benefits greatly from thermal characterization. Traditional contact temperature measurements like thermocouples are impractical on moving objects, while non-contact tools such as spot guns or consumer thermal cameras are too slow for high-speed targets.
Without proper thermal measurement tools, automotive engineers risk inefficiency, missed defects, dangerous products, and costly recalls. US automakers have recalled millions of vehicles due to faulty airbags, ranging from micro-cracks in activation systems to defective inflators. Handheld thermal cameras cannot provide the frame rates or integration speed necessary for accurate data on systems like heated car seats.
Next-generation infrared cameras offer solutions. These cameras feature 640×512 to 1280×1024 pixel detectors capable of capturing full-frame images at up to 1004 Hz. FLIR’s X6980 HS and X8580 HS science cameras use InSb detectors for mid-wave infrared or Strained Layer Superlattice SLS detectors for longwave imaging. When synchronized and triggered remotely, these technologies equip engineers to handle high-speed automotive testing challenges.
Camera Integration Speeds
Integration time is like shutter speed in digital cameras. Too long an exposure blurs motion. Similarly, IR cameras with long integration times produce blurred images. High-speed IR cameras process pixels at least 200 MP per second; low-performance cameras often run below 50 MP per second.
Target temperature affects integration speed and digital counts, which are converted into radiance values for temperature readings. Hotter targets emit more photons, while colder targets emit fewer. Measuring temperature on colder targets at high frame rates is challenging because faster rates require shorter integration times.
Older detectors with previous ROIC designs were non-linear at low well fills, causing poor Non-Uniformity Correction and inaccurate temperature readings. New ROIC designs offer linearity at low well fill, ensuring accurate high-speed measurements on cold targets.
Data Capture and Transmission
High-speed thermal cameras feature precise triggering and synchronization for accurate start and stop times. The FLIR X Series HS includes dedicated trigger inputs and IRIG time stamping, optimizing data accuracy and testing efficiency.
Streaming high-resolution thermal data can strain systems, but cameras like the FLIR X Series HS can stream full-frame data via 10 GigE, CXP 2.1, or CameraLink Full without dropped frames. They also have a removable 4 TB SSD for extended recording, allowing over 1.5 hours of high-speed data capture without frame loss.
Why Choose FLIR X6980 HS or X8580 HS?
The X6980 HS InSb MWIR and X8580 HS SLS LWIR cameras deliver speed and sensitivity for demanding thermal analysis. Advantages include:
Simplified setup for direct PC recording with 10 GigE, CXP 2.1, and CameraLink Full interfaces
Direct recording to 4 TB removable SSD at maximum frame rates without dropping frames
Custom-designed lenses for precise and remote focus adjustments
Full integration with Research Studio for enhanced camera and image control
