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See Heat in High Resolution — MLX90640 IR Thermal Camera (55°)
The Adafruit MLX90640 IR Thermal Camera Breakout (55° FOV) is a 32×24 pixel thermal imaging sensor that reads surface temperatures from -40°C to 300°C — all over a simple I2C connection. It's the most affordable way to add real thermal imaging to your project, producing heat maps that reveal temperature patterns invisible to the naked eye.
Unlike single-point IR thermometers, the MLX90640 captures an entire 768-pixel thermal image per frame, letting you see hot spots, cold leaks, body heat, and temperature gradients across a scene. The 55° field of view covers a wide area — ideal for room-scale monitoring and people detection.
Why you'll love it
- 768-pixel thermal image: 32×24 resolution — real thermal imaging, not just a single point
- -40°C to 300°C range: Covers everything from freezers to hot machinery
- Simple I2C interface: Works with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32, and more
- STEMMA QT / Qwiic: Solderless plug-and-play connection
- No mechanical parts: Solid-state sensor with no shutter or moving components
Thermal camera comparison
| Sensor | Resolution | Range | FOV | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMG8833 (Grid-EYE) | 8×8 (64 pixels) | 0–80°C | 60° | People detection, simple heat maps |
| MLX90640 55° (this) | 32×24 (768 pixels) | -40–300°C | 55° | Detailed thermal imaging, wide view |
What you can build
Home thermal leak detectors, people-counting systems, non-contact fever screening stations, HVAC diagnostics tools, wildlife thermal cameras, industrial hot-spot monitors, fire detection systems, and smart occupancy sensors.
Technical specifications
| Sensor | MLX90640 (Melexis) |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 32 × 24 pixels (768 total) |
| Temperature range | -40°C to +300°C |
| Accuracy | ±1.5°C typical |
| Field of view | 55° × 35° |
| Frame rate | Up to 16 Hz (half-frame) / 32 Hz (interleaved) |
| Interface | I2C |
| Connector | STEMMA QT / Qwiic |
| Supply | 3–5V (onboard regulator) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this compare to a FLIR camera? FLIR cameras have much higher resolution (e.g., 160×120 or more) and cost thousands. The MLX90640 is a budget-friendly option for makers at 32×24, enough for heat mapping and people detection but not fine detail.
Can I display the image on a screen? Yes. Use a TFT display or send data to a Raspberry Pi for real-time thermal overlays.
What's the difference between 55° and 110° FOV versions? The 55° version covers a smaller area with slightly better angular resolution per pixel. The 110° version sees wider but each pixel covers more area.
Manila stock. Order before 16:00 PHT, ships today via J&T or LBC. Provincial: 1–3 working days.
Schools / class POs: we accept Purchase Orders for accredited schools and universities. contact us with your PO details.
Returns: 7-day inspection window for DOA units. Email proof of issue and we ship a replacement.
Compatibility & downloads
// downloads
- GitHub PCB repo git
- GitHub PCB repo git
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