shop/ pimoroni/ mlx90640 thermal camera breakout (pimoroni)

MLX90640 Thermal Camera Breakout is a thermal imaging breakout board that is a compact thermal sensing breakout for contactless heat mapping, temperature pattern monitoring, human presence experiments, and embedded thermal imaging projects. It is a solid choice for makers, educators, and developers who want a more integrated and professional-looking build using Pimoroni hardware and compatible Raspberry Pi or microcontroller platforms where applicable.

Why choose this product

  • Thermal insight without contact: Useful for projects that need heat pattern awareness rather than just a single temperature reading.
  • Great for prototyping: A practical option for research, monitoring, and interactive installations.
  • Flexible use: Works well in electronics, sensing, and experimental thermal applications.

What you can build

  • Heat mapping tools: visualize temperature patterns across surfaces and objects.
  • Presence and motion experiments: use thermal changes as part of smart sensing projects.
  • Monitoring projects: add thermal awareness to test rigs and environmental builds.

Recommended add-ons

Technical overview

Product type Thermal camera breakout
Sensor family MLX90640
Primary use Thermal imaging and heat pattern sensing
Project fit Monitoring, experiments, presence detection
Integration style Breakout board for embedded builds

Setup & build tips

  • Line of sight matters: Thermal readings depend on what the sensor can clearly observe.
  • Mounting: Keep the field of view unobstructed in enclosures.
  • Processing needs: Thermal visualization projects often benefit from a display or host processor.

What’s in the box

  • MLX90640 Thermal Camera Breakout board

FAQs

What is this best for?
It is ideal for projects that need contactless thermal imaging or heat pattern monitoring.
Can I use it with microcontrollers?
Yes. It is suitable for embedded and maker projects with the right host platform.
Is this for precise medical use?
It is better treated as a maker, prototyping, and sensing module unless your application is professionally validated.

Build with this board

// from learn.circuit.rocks

Notes from the bench

// from blog.circuit.rocks

Ask the community

// from forum.circuit.rocks