MLX90640BAB Thermal Image Camera Module Temperature Sensor 32x24 IR Infrared Array FoV 55 Degrees

Specifications:

• Product: Thermal Camera Module
• Model: MLX90640-BAB 
• Field of view (FoV): 55°x35° 
• Pixel:32x24 
• Operating Voltage: 3.6V
• Object measuring temperatures:-40°C and 300°C
• Operational temperature: -40°C to 85°C
• Interface: I2C
• Dimensions:25.1*15.1mm

Features:

• -40 to 85°C operational temperature range, allows deployment in difficult industrial environments
• Can measure object temperature between -40 to 300°C
• A typical target object temperature accuracy of 1°, precision across its full measurement scale
• NETD of just 0.1K RMS at a 1Hz refresh rate
• No re-calibration is needed to specific temperature requirements ensuring greater convenience and lowering operational expense
• Field of view (FoV) 55°x35° wide angle
• I²C compatible digital interface, simplifying integration

Applications:

• Fire prevention systems
• Smart buildings
• Intelligent lighting
• IP/surveillance cameras
• HVAC equipment 
• Medical diagnosis
• Vehicle seat occupancy detection.

Package Includes:

1 x  MLX90640BAB Thermal Image Camera Module 32x24 IR Infrared Array FoV 55 x 35 Degrees

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the MLX90640 compatible with an Arduino Uno?
  No, standard Arduino Uno and Nano boards lack the required RAM to buffer the large 32x24 float array; you must use a high-RAM board like an ESP32 or Teensy.
• Can I use this sensor with a Raspberry Pi?
  Yes, it works excellently with a Raspberry Pi using Python libraries, as the Pi has more than enough memory to process the thermal data.
• Is this the 55-degree or 110-degree version?
  This specific module is the BAB version, which features a narrower 55° × 35° field of view for longer-range, more concentrated thermal imaging.
• Does this module work with 5V microcontrollers?
  The sensor operates at 3.3V, so you will need a logic level converter if you are interfacing it with a 5V microcontroller to avoid damaging the I2C lines.
• What is the operating voltage of the MLX90640 module?
  The module requires a stable 3.3V DC power supply to operate correctly.
• How much current does the thermal camera module draw?
  It draws approximately 18mA during normal operation, making it suitable for powering directly from an ESP32's 3.3V regulator.
• Can I power this from a 5V pin if I use a logic level shifter on the data lines? No, the VCC pin must receive strictly 3.3V; providing 5V to the power pin will permanently damage the sensor array.
• Which pins do I use to connect this to an ESP32?
  Connect VCC to 3.3V, GND to GND, SDA to GPIO 21, and SCL to GPIO 22.
• Do I need to add external I2C pull-up resistors?
  Most MLX90640 breakout modules include internal pull-up resistors, but if you experience communication errors on long wires, adding 4.7kΩ resistors to the SDA and SCL lines can help.
• What is the default I2C address for this sensor?
  The default I2C address for the MLX90640 is usually 0x33, though it can be reprogrammed in software if needed.
  Which Arduino library is recommended for this sensor?
  The Adafruit MLX90640 and SparkFun MLX90640 libraries are the most robust and widely used options for Arduino IDE environments.
• Can I adjust the refresh rate of the thermal camera?
  Yes, the refresh rate is programmable via I2C and can be set anywhere from 0.5Hz up to 64Hz, depending on your microcontroller's processing speed.
• Is there example code available to visualize the output?
  Yes, both the Adafruit and SparkFun libraries include examples that output the thermal data to the serial monitor or generate a color map on a connected TFT display.