Introduction - FLIR Tau Camera TAU-0035-00-10 User Manual

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Introduction

The Tau camera is a long-wavelength (8 – 14 microns) uncooled microbolometer camera
designed for infrared imaging applications that demand absolute minimum size, weight, and
power consumption. It is available with multiple different lens focal length options, as well as
lens-less (not shown) and narrow-field-of-view (NFOV) options. The Tau Software Developer's Kit
(SDK) enables camera control using one of several programming languages including VB6,
VB.net, C#, and C++ (MFC). The FLIR Camera Controller GUI is an example of an application
created using the SDK—See "Software Accessory SDK for Windows & Embedded" on page 2-
5.
5mm
(43° HFOV)
25mm
(18° HFOV)
The camera provides "power-in, video-out" capability, which means that one need only apply input
voltage to receive analog video. For those applications requiring serial control, the Tau camera
includes a serial interface (RS-232) for transmitting camera commands and receiving status.
The Tau camera also provides 8-bit and 14-bit digital data options, including CMOS, BT.656,
and the Legacy Photon LVDS—See "Tau Digital Data Channel" on page 4-1.
TAU-0035-00-10, version 150
9mm 13mm
(48° HFOV) (34° HFOV)
35mm
(13° HFOV)
100mm
(4.6° HFOV)
Figure 1-1: Tau Cameras
June 2011
19mm
(24° HFOV)
60mm
(8° HFOV)
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