DRS intros high-res infrared camera core

USA:  DRS Technologies Inc., a Finmeccanica company, expanded the Tamarisk product line by introducing the high-resolution Tamarisk640, which is designed for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to incorporate into their products. The Tamarisk640 camera module generates a sharp thermal image with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, advancing the groundbreaking technology of the tiny Tamarisk320 released in 2011.

The affordable but powerful Tamarisk640  detects long-wave infrared energy to produce exceptionally clear images at extended distances, employing an advanced 17 micrometer pixel pitch focal plane array. Its uncooled vanadium oxide detector senses infrared waves (heat), rather than visible light.

The Tamarisk640 creates highly defined video images of people, structures, vehicles and objects not only in bright sunlight, but also in atmospheric conditions degraded by smoke, haze, dust or light fog, or even in total darkness. Its ability to visualize potential intruders and obstacles in shadows or the dark of night make the Tamarisk640 imaging technology especially valuable for such applications as security and surveillance, enhanced vision systems, process monitoring, mobile applications and more.

The Tamarisk640, developed by the Network and Imaging Systems (NIS) Co. of DRS Technologies, is an exceptionally compact, lightweight core, one of the smallest in its class. The device, without optics, measures just 46 x 40 x 31 mm, weighs less than 60 grams and draws less than 1.5 watts of power. An integrated shutter helps ensure consistently accurate pixel alignment. It is available in both 30 and 9 frames per second versions that are configured for export.

Backed by a two year warranty, the Tamarisk640 can be equipped with any of six lenses with focal lengths ranging from 14.25 mm to 65 mm, providing a horizontal field of view from 44 degrees to 9.6 degrees. A no lens version is also available for OEMs who want to mount their own specialized optics on the thermal imaging module. In addition, its electronic architecture is simple to integrate into commercial products. To assist customers in designing the Tamarisk640 into their applications, NIS offers a complete development kit.