Niels 12 | SXGA 1280×1024 Low SWaP LWIR Thermal Camera

Meet Niels 12 from the SeeCube uncooled thermal cameras family

The Niels 12 high resolution thermal infrared camera core is a powerhouse of performance packed into a remarkably compact form factor. Measuring just 32 x 32 mm in width and height, this camera delivers cutting-edge thermal imaging with an SXGA resolution of 1280×1024 pixels and a frame rate of 60 Hz in full resolution, all while maintaining an ultra-lightweight build starting at just 60g without a lens. Designed for seamless integration, its USB 3.1 connectivity ensures effortless data transfer, making it the perfect choice for high-performance applications where space and weight are critical factors. Whether deployed in industrial, defense, or scientific environments, the Niels 12 offers unmatched performance in a sleek, space-saving design.

The Niels 12 LWIR thermal camera cores offers three operation modes in a single, streamlined package. Their built-in mechanical shutter ensures precise shuttered performance, while a factory calibration enables exceptional image quality in shutterless mode, thus adapting effortlessly to diverse conditions. Additionally, pixel-level radiometric calibration enables accurate temperature measurements from -10ºC to +120ºC. The Niels 12 combine cutting-edge technology with a remarkably efficient design, setting a new standard in thermal imaging excellence.

SeeCube family in a nutshell

• Redefining low SWaP-C 

Optimized for size (32 x 32 mm X,Y), weight (60 g without lens) and power (<1.7 W) with a competitive price tag. 

• 3 modes of operation

Shuttered (PN: N12_xx_xx_xx_N):

• An embedded mechanical shutter located between the sensor and the lens is activated for on-the-fly flat-field corrections (FFC).
• As the sensor temperature changes (time to reach thermal equilibrium, changes in environmental temperature etc), the uniformity of the sensor’s response also changes and a flat-field correction is necessary.
• A flat-field correction essentially consists of an offset and gain correction for each pixel in order to have a homogeneous intensity distribution (or flat-field) when looking at a black body, in this case the metal surface of the mechanical shutter itself.
• The FFC is activated automatically by setting a time delay (ms) or sensor temperature difference (ºC/K) or manually by calling a function of the SDK.

Shutterless (PN: N12_xx_xx_xx_SL+):

• This mode requires a shutterless factory calibration during which the entire camera with its lens is placed in a thermal chamber to simulate a change of environmental temperature (and therefore sensor temperature) in a controlled fashion.
• The thermal chamber temperature is varied between ~+10ºC and +60ºC.
• The calibration consists of acquiring data with the camera facing a black body as the thermal chamber temperature changes.
• The result of this calibration is a unique set of correction files that are specific to each camera.
• These files are contained in a folder called data. When using the camera in shutterless operation, the image quality remains the same despite changes in the sensor temperature.

Radiometric shutterless (PN: N12_xx_xx_xx_R1):

• This mode requires an additional calibration layer on top of the shutterless calibration.
• A black body with a temperature range of ~+5ºC to +120ºC is used to make the correspondence between pixel intensity and absolute temperature (in ºK or ºC).
• The temperature measurement is guaranteed with an accuracy of +/-2°C or 2% (typical). In this mode, the camera returns a thermal frame in 32-bit floats.

• USB3 interface

• UVC protocol (USB Video Class)

Webcam-like for experience for easy integration and plug-and-play feeling

• High sensitivity

NEdT of 35 mK w/o denoising or filtering

• Free C++ SDK + OpenCV sample app

For Windows 10/11, Linux, Linux for ARM (Nvidia Jetson, Raspberry Pi OS)

Click here to visit the manufacturer’s website.