FLIR Neutrino LC vs. Neutrino SX8: Cooled MWIR Thermal Camera Cores Explained

The FLIR Neutrino® size, weight, and power (SWaP) Series provides cooled midwave infrared (MWIR) thermal imaging in compact, lightweight camera cores designed for applications requiring long-range performance. The Neutrino LC and Neutrino SX8 combine HOT detector technology, low power consumption, rugged construction, and flexible integration options for applications including uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), handheld imaging, and ground surveillance.

In this episode of Thermal Integration Made Easy, OEM engineers and developers learn the key differences between Neutrino LC and Neutrino SX8, including detector resolution and pixel pitch, video and communication interfaces, software development kits (SDKs), graphical user interfaces (GUIs), and optics. The video also introduces the Neutrino IS Series of integrated core-and-optics solutions.

Key Takeaways

What is the FLIR Neutrino SWaP Series?

The Neutrino SWaP Series consists of cooled MWIR thermal camera cores designed to provide high-performance thermal imagery in compact, lightweight packages. The series includes Neutrino LC and Neutrino SX8.

What is the FLIR Neutrino LC?

Neutrino LC is a 15-micron-pitch video graphics array (VGA) HOT MWIR camera core. Its electronics are similar to FLIR Boson+, making aspects of software integration relatively similar, with some commands valid across the cooled MWIR and uncooled longwave infrared (LWIR) platforms.

What is the FLIR Neutrino SX8?

Neutrino SX8 is an 8-micron-pitch super extended graphics array (SXGA) MWIR camera core using HOT detector technology. Its increased resolution supports applications requiring long-range imaging or a wide field of view.

What is HOT detector technology?

High operating temperature (HOT) detector technology enables the SWaP characteristics of the Neutrino platform while providing cooled MWIR imaging performance.

How do Neutrino LC and Neutrino SX8 optics compare?

The video states that optics for the two cores are nearly identical when using an equivalent F-number because their detectors have nearly the same physical footprint.

What cooler is used in Neutrino LC and SX8?

Both camera cores use the FL-100 cooler, which the video specifies has a 27,000-hour mean time to failure (MTTF).

Do Neutrino LC and SX8 use the same electronics?

No. The electronics are unique to each core. Neutrino LC and SX8 require separate SDKs for communication and also have different video and communication interface options.

What video interfaces does Neutrino LC support?

The video identifies analog video, USB video, and Camera Link as preferred video interface options for Neutrino LC.

What video interfaces does Neutrino SX8 support?

The video identifies HDMI and Camera Link as preferred video interfaces for Neutrino SX8.

Can the same interface board be used with Neutrino LC and SX8?

No. According to the video, the video and power interface boards are unique to each camera core.

What software is available for Neutrino LC?

Neutrino LC has its own GUI, which connects to a Windows computer over USB. The interface provides access to functions including two-point calibration, automatic gain control (AGC) settings, and diagnostics.

What software is available for Neutrino SX8?

Neutrino SX8 also has a dedicated GUI for camera configuration. The video highlights lens control and autofocus with compatible Neutrino IS Series optics, as well as two-point calibration and AGC settings.

What is the FLIR Neutrino IS Series?

The Neutrino IS Series combines Neutrino camera cores with integrated optics to reduce development challenges associated with lens selection, integration, calibration, and installation.

What applications are suited for the Neutrino SWaP Series?

The video identifies applications requiring compact, long-distance MWIR imaging, including UAS, handheld imaging, and ground surveillance.

What are the integration advantages of Neutrino SWaP camera cores?

Neutrino LC and SX8 provide integration interfaces, technical documentation, application engineering support, low power consumption, rugged construction, and a wide operating temperature range for demanding thermal imaging applications.

Products & Technology Featured

FLIR Neutrino SWaP Series

The FLIR Neutrino® SWaP Series includes the VGA-resolution Neutrino LC and SXGA-resolution Neutrino SX8, delivering high-performance midwave infrared (MWIR) imaging in compact, lightweight OEM camera modules. Built on Teledyne FLIR HOT FPA technology and linear micro-cooler technology, the series is designed for rugged applications requiring long operating life, low power consumption, and quiet, low-vibration performance. NDAA compliant and ITAR-free, Neutrino SWaP camera modules are well suited for small gimbals and airframes, handheld devices, security cameras, targeting systems, and asset monitoring applications.

Looking for additional technical resources or support?

Visit our Support Center for documentation, software downloads, and troubleshooting guidance.

Related Documents

• Neutrino SWaP Series Datasheet
• Neutrino IS SXGA Datasheet
• Neutrino IS VGA Datasheet
• Neutrino LC IS 27-275 Datasheet
• Neutrino Ground ISR Series Datasheet
• Neutrino Family Brochure

Application NOTES

• Teledyne FLIR Infrared Cryocooled Reliability
• 12 Considerations for Thermal IR Camera Lens Selection