VOx Microbolometer Uncooled FPA IR Detectors

Cooled thermal sensors use a cryocooler to bring the detector to very low temperatures, achieving higher sensitivity and longer detection ranges — but at significantly greater cost, size, weight, and maintenance requirements. Uncooled sensors, such as VOx microbolometers, operate at room temperature, offering excellent sensitivity (as low as 30 mK NETD), lower cost, compact form factors, and greater reliability for continuous industrial, R&D, and process monitoring applications.

The product lineup spans a wide range of resolutions: from the compact FLIR AX8 at 80×60 pixels, through mid-range 320×240 options (Seek G300, FLIR A400, FLIR A40), to high-resolution 464×348 (FLIR A50/A500) and up to 640×512 pixels (IRSX IRS640, FLIR A700/A70). This range accommodates budget-conscious monitoring applications through precision R&D thermal characterization.

Thermal sensitivity (NETD) varies by model. Entry-level detectors like the FLIR AX8 achieve 100 mK, while mid-range models such as the Seek G300 and FLIR A40 reach below 35 mK. High-performance R&D cameras like the FLIR A400, A500, A700 Science Kits, and the IRSX Smart Camera achieve NETD values as low as 30 mK, enabling detection of very subtle temperature differences on electronic components or process equipment.

These uncooled VOx FPA detectors are used across industrial process monitoring, predictive maintenance, early fire detection, R&D and laboratory thermal analysis, non-destructive testing (NDT), electronics inspection, food processing, aerospace, data center monitoring, energy generation, and IIoT-integrated condition monitoring systems. Their broad temperature measurement ranges and rugged enclosures make them highly versatile.

Yes. Multiple models support industrial communication protocols including EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, MQTT, OPC-UA, Profinet, and GigE Vision. The FLIR AX8 supports EtherNet/IP and Modbus TCP directly, the FLIR A40 Smart Sensor supports MQTT and RESTful API, and the IRSX Smart Infrared Camera supports Profinet, OPC-UA, and GigE Vision — enabling seamless PLC, SCADA, and IIoT integration.

Most detectors in this lineup support Power over Ethernet (PoE) via IEEE 802.3af, eliminating the need for separate power cabling. Gigabit Ethernet (GigE Vision) is standard on R&D-focused models, with optional Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n) available on FLIR A400, A500, A700, and A40 models. RTSP video streaming, RESTful APIs, and digital I/O ports are also commonly included for flexible deployment.