PI 640i LT

The PI 640i is a high-performance infrared camera engineered for research and process engineering applications. This thermal imager supports remote infrared temperature measurement and offers high VGA resolution, enabling precise imaging across a temperature range from -20°C to 900°C in its standard configuration. Calibration for high-temperature measurements extends the range up to 1500°C. Superior radiometric measurement capabilities and high image quality characterize the Precision Line of Optris.

Optris infrared cameras utilize uncooled detector technology, resulting in a cost-effective design with low power consumption, extended operational life, and compact form factor. The PI 640i employs a high-resolution (640 x 480) uncooled microbolometer detector, achieving thermal sensitivity of down to 25 mK to detect subtle temperature variations.

These forward-looking infrared (FLIR) imaging systems are optimized for stationary applications and generate radiometric thermal images in the infrared spectrum without mechanical moving mirrors. The uncooled bolometer technology enhances reliability and robustness compared to traditional line scanner systems. All infrared cameras from Optris are designed and manufactured in Germany.

The PI 640i features an optimal pixel pitch size of 17 µm for long-wavelength infrared radiation, which, combined with low thermal noise, enables a measurement field of view (MFOV), so that a target only needs to cover 3 x 3 pixels. This configuration distinguishes it from infrared cameras with smaller pixel sizes, which require the target to cover more pixel area.

High-quality, large optics minimize image distortion and ensure uniform attenuation across the image, resulting in superior image quality. Multiple interchangeable lens options are available to optimize pixel coverage of the measurement target. The infrared camera supports a standard frame rate of 32 Hz and a high-speed subframe mode at 125 Hz, facilitating monitoring of rapid manufacturing processes.

The PI 640i operates in conjunction with Optris PIX Connect software, which is available for free download with complimentary updates. PIX Connect provides tools for identifying hot and cold spots, generating histograms, temperature profiling, image subtraction, and additional thermal image processing functions. The PC-based platform enables researchers and process engineers to extract and document fully calibrated temperature measurements from any pixel within the thermal image.

Time-versus-temperature data can be extracted from both live and recorded thermal video feeds containing stored temperature information. The system enables the extraction of maximum, minimum, and average temperatures from user-defined regions and supports complex alarm signal analysis. Additionally, stored thermal video can be replayed frame by frame, allowing for the capture and storage of radiometric images and the triggering of snapshots during temperature fluctuations.

PIX Connect software supports sheet-oriented industrial temperature measurement processes such as glass line, plastic thermoforming, conveyor belt, and wallboard temperature monitoring. This is accomplished using a line scan feature that converts the two-dimensional thermal image output into a continuous display of temperature variations along a single line.

The compact PI 640i thermal camera head is designed for flexible deployment, from laboratory settings to confined factory spaces. Its robust IP67 (NEMA 4) rating allows operation in ambient temperatures from 0°C to 70°C without additional enclosures. A comprehensive range of accessories supports data collection and temperature control in extreme environments. Water-cooled enclosures protect the camera at ambient temperatures up to 315°C and accommodate the Industrial Process Interface. Factory-designed air purging accessories maintain optical clarity by preventing dust or vapor accumulation. Outdoor enclosures with integrated heating enable reliable operation in external installations.

The PI 640i infrared camera and PIX Connect software platform are designed to facilitate comprehensive temperature data transfer from the thermal camera to external control interfaces. The Industrial Process Interface accessory enables transmission of current or relay outputs, conveying temperature or alarm data from specified regions to other systems.

The PI 640i thermal camera is designed and manufactured in Germany and is available with calibration certificates to support traceability documentation requirements.

Thermography software optris PIX Connect is included and license-free.All infrared cameras are delivered with the thermography software optris PIX Connect, developed specifically for the extensive documentation and analysis of thermal images. The Windows-based PIX Connect software enables users to tailor the infrared cameras to meet specific requirements. It analyses live and recorded temperature data and triggers alarm signals for process integration.The key to leveraging the Optris infrared camera is a correct configuration. This includes detailed device-specific configurations such as frame rate, measurement range adjustments, external communication settings, and USB/Ethernet configurations. Moreover, PIX Connect facilitates firmware updates and the download of configuration files over the Internet. PIX Connect Optris offers several different SDKs for our Xi and PI thermal imaging cameras. Depending on the operating platform, the infrared camera, the coding language, and the hardware platform, different software interfaces can be utilized: SDK The Optris IRmobile allows users to set up and commission an Optris infrared pyrometer or infrared camera with an Android smartphone or tablet. This tool becomes handy for commissioning and aligning the infrared camera‘s field of view or adjusting the configuration. The app analyzes the connected infrared camera‘s live infrared image stream with auto hot and cold spot detection. For pyrometers, a temperature-time diagram or the video signal is displayed. This app works on most Android devices running 5.0+ with a USB port supporting USB-OTG (On The Go). Google Play

Do I need a high-resolution infrared camera like the PI 640i, or can I use a cheaper, lower-resolution camera?

It depends on the temperature measurement requirement. In addition to delivering infrared images with higher clarity, the higher pixel count of high-resolution cameras measures smaller targets because each pixel covers a smaller physical area. High-resolution cameras can often be positioned further away from the part to be measured and still deliver accurate measurements, combining the advantages of higher resolution with telephoto optics. It is also important to consider future uses for the camera that may require higher resolution. Purchasing a high-resolution camera that may not be necessary to service an immediate requirement may eliminate the need for an additional camera purchase. If the area to be measured is not small, an inexpensive resolution camera can be a more affordable measurement solution. It is important to note that a low-resolution IR camera can often deliver better small-spot size performance than single-spot pyrometers. To determine the ability to measure small targets with any camera and optic combination, use the Optris Optics Calculator and the MFOV (Measurement Field of View) to determine spot size.

Can the PI 640i thermal camera be calibrated with more than one lens?

Six different lens options are available for the PI 640i; each can replace the optic installed on the camera. Each optic attenuates infrared signals in varying degrees and needs to be calibrated with the camera to deliver accurate temperature measurements, so it is best to anticipate future optic requirements and include these in the initial camera order.

Is the PI 640i thermal camera export-controlled?

The PI 640i’s high resolution qualifies it for export control in the EU and US markets. Check with local compliance authorities for procedures to manage exports outside the U.S. or European markets.

Can I use the PI 640i to measure the temperature of metals?

Most metal targets have low emissivity and tend to reflect heat temperatures from any area incident upon the target. IR cameras with long-wave detectors, like the PI 640i, are particularly vulnerable to this low-emissivity effect. For this reason, it is best to use a short-wavelength camera, such as the Optris PI 1M, when measuring metal targets, unless it is possible to coat or paint the metal part to improve its surface emissivity. Emissivity can also be improved on metal surfaces when they are rough-textured or when there are holes or crevices where measurements can be made inside the cavity.

Where is the PI 640i made, and does it contain memory components sourced from outside the U.S. or the European Union?

The PI 640i is designed, manufactured, and calibrated in Berlin, Germany. Some electronic components may be sourced from outside the EU or the US. Still, it is important to note that the PI 640i does not store any thermal images or temperature values in non-volatile memory. The PI 640i only stores full thermal images, thermal video (.ravi files), and temperature values in the customer PC hosting the PIX Connect software necessary to operate the camera. The camera uses memory components inside the camera electronics, which may be sourced outside the EU or the US, to store a reference picture (also called dark picture) of the non-uniformity correction paddle or flag and some reference temperatures used to correct temperature drift. All these memory elements are deleted when the power to the camera head is terminated.

Does the PI 640i have any Wi-Fi or other communication capabilities?

The PI 640i does not have any electronic components that enable external communication.

Can the PI 640i thermal camera operate without a connection to a computer?

The PI 640i must be connected to a PC loaded with Optris PIX Connect software to produce thermal images and remote temperature measurements. By eliminating processing in the camera head and leveraging PC processing power, the camera head size can be reduced, and the ambient operating temperature can be increased. Autonomous operation (without the use of a PC) is supported in Optris Xi-series infrared cameras.

What is the bit depth of our camera?

The bit depth of our cameras is 14 bit. The data has 16 bit but only 14 bit are used for the Temperature Data and the other 2 bits are not used.

What are the associated part numbers to this product?

OPTPI64ILTO15T090, OPTPI64ILTO33T090, OPTPI64ILTO60T090, OPTPI64ILTO90T090, OPTPI64ILTO120T090, OPTPI64ILTO15T150, OPTPI64ILTO33T150, OPTPI64ILTO60T150, OPTPI64ILTO90T150, OPTPI64ILTO120T150, DBRPI64ILTO15T090, DBRPI64ILTO33T090, DBRPI64ILTO60T090, DBRPI64ILTO90T090, DBRPI64ILTO120T090, DBRPI64ILTO15T150, DBRPI64ILTO33T150, DBRPI64ILTO60T150, DBRPI64ILTO90T150, DBRPI64ILTO120T150, MEPPI64ILTO15T090, MEPPI64ILTO33T090, MEPPI64ILTO60T090, MEPPI64ILTO90T090, MEPPI64ILTO120T090, MEPPI64ILTO15T150, MEPPI64ILTO33T150, MEPPI64ILTO60T150, MEPPI64ILTO90T150, MEPPI64ILTO120T150

I have a PI 640i and would like to connect it with the USB cable. What do I do if I’m not receiving a signal in the software?

• Check in the WINDOWS device manager that the USB driver was recognized correctly
• Go to Settings/Camera or via search and type in „camera“ and then activate the button “allow apps to access your camera”. Due to an Windows Update this could happen.
• If you have a black screen on PIXConnect software, this could be because of the bad performance of your graphic chip and hardware acceleration. Regarding this case, reduce the screen resolution of the monitor.
• Check the USB cable and the connector pins on camera and PC side
• Try another USB port of the PC or another PC (if available) to check that the USB cable has no issue
• Maybe the USB power supply of the camera supporting PC is too low
• Using a too long USB cable / a not provided USB cable by Optris or an USB extension cable could be the reason that the software PIXConnect does not get any signal
• Use a PC where you have administrative rights or check with your local administrator

I’m using the SDK to run SimpleViewer on Linux and have PI Connect installed on Windows. After performing calibration, the thermal image appears entirely black and displays an incorrect temperature reading of 257°F. Which setup or calibration steps could I have overlooked to make this work correctly?

• Regaring the black display in the software PIXConnect , this could be caused by a bad performance of your graphic chip e.g. the hardware acceleration. Reduce the screen resolution of your monitor or if possible reduce the hardware acceleration
• Set the Optimization to “Performance” and remove the hook from “High Speed temperature calculation”

Does the PI 640i support external triggering? Specifically, can I connect a relay output or a controller’s digital output to trigger image acquisition on the camera?

• Yes , the PI 640i camera supports via the software PIXConnect external triggering to record an image.
• You can use an analog input or a digital input signal via the Process Interface (PIF) to trigger the camera.
• In the configuration menu, PIF setting menu , you can set the voltage signal for the analog signal to trigger the camera or you can set the edges conditions for the digital signal to trigger the camera.
• Another possibility to trigger a snapshot via a controller’s digital output is to use the serial communication (if available at the PLC) . For this you can use the command list of the serial communication to send the command to take a snapshot.

Which Optris infrared camera is best for measuring temperatures during welding processes?

• The choose of the correct Optris infrared camera depends on the temperature range and the type of the welding process.
• For plastic welding , a PI/Xi LT camera can be used (8-14 µm)
• For metal (e.g. steel applications) a short wavelength camera PI 1M/08M/05M , Xi 1M , Xi05M should be used (0.85-1.1 µm , 780-820 µm , 500-540 µm)
• For laser welding applications Optris provides IR cameras with a blocking filter.

What is the bit depth of our camera?

The bit depth of our cameras is 14 bit. The data has 16 bit but only 14 bit are used for the Temperature Data and the other 2 bits are not used

Can we send the raw ADU data from the camera to another commercial software for processing?

As a rule, we do not disclose any information about raw data. The only option is to use the Connect SDK to output the camera’s ADU values as a matrix. However, these ADU values are uninterpreted. The cameras can send the temperature information and the color information to another commercial software for processing.

Does changing the mode from Temperature to ADU in the Connect SDK change the way that the image is displayed?

No, the way the image is displayed does not Change. You can see this in the software examples provided with the PIX Connect software (See the menu HELP => Connect SDK => Examples). Under the configuration menu => External communication => ConnectSDK. you can change the mode from “Temperatures” to “ADU”. This has no influence on the displayed image.

Our company designs and supplies camera systems for steelmaking processes and is exploring different camera types. For this application, would you recommend long-range, near-infrared, or short-wave infrared models?

For steelmaking processes we recommend short-wave infrared cameras as the PI 1M camera, PI 08M camera, PI05M camera , Xi1M camera or Xi 05M camera. Use the lowest wavelength / spectral range as possible!

The stated accuracy in that range for the PI 640i LT is +-2 C, but I was wondering if the accuracy could be further improved with surface emissivity information or calibrated to +-1 C or better.

No, the actual temperature accuracy could not be further improved by information on surface emissivity. This is for the PI640i camera ±2 °C or ±2 %. However, accurate surface information regarding the emissivity is necessary in order to measure the correct temperature based on the reflection ratio on the surface to be measured. An incorrectly set emissivity results in a temperature deviation.

Will the Optris PI 640i (8–14 µm LWIR model) work properly when looking through a Zinc Sulfide (ZnS) window?

Yes, zinc sulfide (ZnS) windows are transmissive for the 8-14 µm LWIR models.

Is your infrared camera long-wave (LWIR) or short-wave (SWIR/MWIR)? What’s the typical frame rate? What’s the IFOV (instantaneous field of view / pixel size)? And does it connect to a PC via USB, or what other platforms/interfaces are supported (e.g., Ethernet, etc.)?

Optris provides different types of IR cameras with different wavelengths. Here you can find an overview of the different camera types regarding the spectral ranges, the typical frame rates and the interface versions (USB or Ethernet (ETH)):

Long-wave (LWIR) cameras (spectral range 8-14 µm):

• PI400i LT (80Hz, switchable to 27 Hz)
• PI450i LT (80Hz, switchable to 27 Hz)
• PI640i LT (32 Hz, 640×120 px @ 125 Hz)
• Xi80 LT ETH (50 Hz)
• Xi400 LT USB (80Hz, switchable to 27 Hz)
• Xi410 LT ETH (25 Hz connected via Ethernet, 4 Hz connected via USB)
• Xi640 LT USB (32 Hz)

Long-wave (LWIR) cameras (spectral range 7.9 µm):

• PI450iG7 (80Hz, switchable to 27 Hz)
• PI640iG7 (32 Hz, 640×120 px @ 125 Hz)

Middle-wave (MWIR) cameras (spectral range 3.9 µm):

• Xi320MT (30 Hz)

Short-wave (SWIR) cameras:

• PI1M (0.85–1.1 µm), 32 Hz (382×268 px @ 80 Hz, switchable to 27 Hz / 72×56 px / 764×8 px @ 1 kHz)
• PI08M (780–820 nm), 32 Hz (382×268 px @ 80 Hz, switchable to 27 Hz / 72×56 px / 764×8 px @ 1 kHz)
• PI05M (500–540 nm), 764×480 px @ 32 Hz / 382×288 px @ 80 Hz (switchable to 27 Hz) / 72×56 px / 764×8 px @ 1 kHz
• Xi1M ETH (0.85–1.1 µm), 396×300 px, 20 Hz, 396×8 px (autonomous: 396×1 px), 500 Hz, Ethernet, USB 2.0 (20 Hz only), autonomous operation
• Xi05M ETH (500–540 nm), 396×300 px, 20 Hz, 396×8 px (autonomous: 396×1 px), 500 Hz, Ethernet, USB 2.0 (20 Hz only), autonomous operation

The following digital interface kits are available for the Xi 80 / 410 / 05M / 08M cameras:

• Ethernet TCP/IP / Modbus TCP interface kit
• EtherNet/IP interface kit
• Profinet kit

• Infrared Camera PI 640i
• USB cable (1m)
• Cable for output/input (1m) incl. terminal block
• Tripod
• Rugged outdoor transport case (IP67)
• Software package optris PIX Connect