Thermal imaging has long been an essential tool in various industries, from detecting heat leaks in buildings to diagnosing electrical faults and even enhancing night vision in security systems. These cameras work by capturing infrared radiation and converting it into a thermal image that represents temperature variations. However, commercial thermal imaging cameras are often expensive, primarily due to the high cost of advanced sensors and image-processing hardware. While DIY alternatives, like the DIY thermal camera project we built a while back using an ESP32 and an MLX90640 sensor, offer a cheaper and more accessible option, they are typically limited by the lower resolution of the image sensor.
Waveshare has introduced a new, affordable solution for hobbyists and developers with its ESP32-S3 IR Thermal Imaging Camera Module. Unlike many DIY solutions, this module features a Meridian Innovation MI0802 thermal imaging sensor with a resolution of 80×62 pixels, offering a significant improvement in resolution over entry-level infrared sensors. As per WaveShare, the module uses a hybrid technology of microbolometer and thermopile to detect the IR distribution of objects in the field of view, turn that data into the surface temperature of the objects by calculation, and then generates thermal images. The module is claimed to deliver a frame rate of up to 29.3 frames per second at a claimed ±1°C accuracy. The device is powered by the ESP32-S3-WROOM-1, a dual-core processor running at up to 240MHz, providing ample processing power for handling thermal image data. It supports both Wi-Fi 4 and Bluetooth 5 (LE), allowing for wireless connectivity and remote monitoring. The module is available in two variants with two different field of view (FOV) options—45° and 90°—to suit different applications, whether for focused inspections or wider thermal imaging.
Designed for flexibility, the ESP32-S3 IR Thermal Imaging Camera Module comes with a USB Type-C port for power and programming, along with a 2-pin header for connecting a 3.7V lithium battery, enabling portable operation. It also features 20 pin GPIO header with 14 GPIO pins, an I2C interface, and a UART port for expansion, making it suitable for integration into various embedded systems. The module supports TCP communication, Wi-Fi AP/STA preview modes, and configuration via an Android app. It includes an RGB LED indicator for real-time status updates and is compact enough for embedded applications. The ESP32-S3 IR Thermal Imaging Camera Module is now available for purchase on the Waveshare store at $86.99, making it an accessible choice for those looking to experiment with thermal imaging without the high cost of professional-grade equipment.
