INFIRAY Xinfrared P2 PRO Thermal Camera Review

4 June, 2023

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Introduction

Infiray Xinfrared introduced the compact P2 Thermal camera dongle, which received a positive response from the market, prompting Infiray to introduce the P2 PRO model. This upgraded version features a detachable close-up lens designed for macro imaging tasks. When the close-up lens is attached, the P2 camera’s capabilities are enhanced, allowing for effective analysis of modern miniature SMT components on printed circuit boards. With a resolution of 256x192px is able to see in detail the thermal profile of the object under test.

Features

Infiray Xinfrared’s P2 Pro represents a remarkable achievement in shrinking thermal imaging technology to cater to users seeking to equip their mobile phones with thermal imaging capabilities. By utilizing a mobile phone as the host device, the camera design not only reduces the overall Bill of Materials (BoM) but also takes advantage of the substantial processing power and high-quality displays commonly found in modern mobile phones. The accuracy of the thermal camera is ±2℃ which is more than enough for most applications. The refresh rate is 25Hz.

Build Quality and Connection

The P2 PRO is encased in aluminum, delivering a sense of premium quality to the user. At the top of the camera’s case, a USB Type C male connector is firmly secured. The camera itself lacks buttons or indicators, with the standout feature being the sizable LWIR transparent window located on the front. This window not only safeguards the camera lens situated behind it but also provides protection against dust and liquids. While the camera is not officially waterproof, the presence of a sealed window in place of an exposed imaging core lens is highly advantageous.

Macro Lens

The P2 PRO model offers users an enhanced temperature measurement capability of -20 to +600C, along with the flexibility to attach a meticulously designed close-up (Macro) lens for intricate object examination. The close-up lens assembly is thoughtfully shaped to align with the front casing of the P2 PRO and securely held in place using a magnet. This clever design proves to be highly effective, allowing for effortless attachment and removal of the close-up lens. The focus distance of the close-up lens is 25mm. For optimal performance in long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) applications, the close-up lens is crafted from Chalcogenide IR glass with an anti-reflective (AR) coating.

Compatible with USB 2.0

The P2 PRO incorporates the latest Infiray Xinfrared Tiny1 series thermal imaging core, providing integrators with multiple interface options for the host device, such as USB. Within the core, you’ll find the lens, microbolometer, housekeeping electronics, and USB interface. The host system takes on the more resource-intensive tasks of processing, measuring, and displaying. The camera connects to the host mobile phone using a USB-C connector, while compatibility with USB 2.0 is achievable by using appropriate OTG connector adapters.

The image collection, processing, and analysis software are installed on a typical Android mobile phone. The P2 PRO software delivers the necessary imagery and image analysis functions to the user, eliminating the need for a larger computing device like a PC. It’s worth noting that for phones lacking a USB-Type C interface, USB adapters will be required.

The P2 Pro camera package is meticulously designed, resembling the packaging of a mobile phone. Inside the box, a removable card envelope holds documentation and a small Infiray leatherette bag for the camera’s protection during travel. Adjacent to the camera, there is a card box containing a USB Type C extension cable, which is a nice addition to a camera dongle meant to be directly mounted on a mobile phone. Removing the camera from its foam insert is made easy with a ribbon pull, adding a thoughtful touch by Infiray Xinfrared.

Specifications

Imaging Core: Infiray Tiny1
Resolution: 256 x 192 Pixels
Pixel Size: 12um
Frame Rate: 25fps
Field of view: 56.0°x 42.2°
NETD: <50mK @25C with F1.0 Lens
Focus Distance (Fixed lens): ~200mm to Infinity
Focus Distance (with close-up lens): 25mm
Measurement Temperature range: -10C to +550C in two ranges
Measurement accuracy: +/- 2C or +/- 2% whichever is greater
Span and Level adjustment: Automatic (Brightness and Contrast controls are included)
Interface to Host: USB C with USB 2.0 data compatibility
Operating Systems Supported: Android only
SDK availability: A Tiny1 series core SDK is available

The smaller Infiray Xinfrared box, containing the “P2 PRO Micro Teleconverter,” follows a similar design. The box features gold embossed writing and a velvet-covered foam insert that holds the Close-up lens assembly. Just like the camera, a ribbon lifting system is employed for effortless extraction. However, this box lacks documentation, which would have been helpful for understanding the specifications of the close-up lens.

Software

The P2 Pro camera is designed as a mobile phone dongle, specifically for use with an Android mobile phone as the host device. Therefore, a compatible mobile phone is required to utilize the camera dongle. However, it might be possible to use the P2 Pro with a PC if suitable host software is obtained, although this aspect is not covered in this review.

To establish communication between the camera dongle and the mobile phone, the mobile phone must have the Infiray Host system app called “P2 PRO” installed, which can be downloaded from the Google Play Store. Once installed, running the app prompts an animation instructing the user to insert the P2 Pro camera into the phone’s USB port. The app then requests the necessary access permissions.

Sample Photos/Video

After the initial setup, a thermal image should appear on the mobile phone’s display, indicating that the camera and phone are functioning together. The camera receives power and commands from the host phone, while the P2 PRO app receives the USB data stream required to generate the thermal image on the phone’s display.

The P2 Pro camera utilizes a Flat Field Correction (FFC) flag to maintain image quality and perform self-calibration for temperature measurements. Periodic clicking sounds can be heard from the camera dongle as the microbolometer warms up, followed by occasional clicks every few minutes.

Once the setup is complete, the P2 Pro camera and its accompanying software app are ready for use. Attaching the close-up lens (Macro lens) is a simple process of aligning it correctly with the shape of the P2 Pro camera and allowing the magnetic retention system to securely hold the close-up lens assembly in place on the camera’s front face. Removing the close-up lens, it is a matter of pulling it away from the camera body.

Video

Conclusion

The Infiray Xinfrared P2 PRO thermal imaging camera dongle is a meticulously designed solution suitable for various applications, including general thermal imaging and specialized tasks such as electronics, research and development (R&D), automotive, and repairs that involve temperature measurement or imaging. The camera’s build quality is exceptional, featuring a robust cast aluminum casing, a reliable USB C connector, and an integrated large lens protection window.