Aurora Mini DSQ09 Thermal Module for Compact OEM Devices
Camera Systems · Product guide
The Aurora Mini DSQ09 is a compact uncooled thermal imaging core for OEM teams building size- and power-constrained devices. It combines a 640 × 512 VOx sensor, a fixed 9.1 mm F1.0 lens, flexible video outputs and low-power operation, making it relevant to handheld, wearable, drone and surveillance integrations.
Verified specifications
| Detector and resolution | Uncooled VOx microbolometer, 640 × 512 pixels, 12 μm pixel pitch |
|---|---|
| Thermal sensitivity | NETD ≤ 50 mK at F1.0 with a 300 K background temperature |
| Lens and field of view | 9.1 mm F1.0 fixed-focus lens; 45.8° × 37.3° field of view |
| Digital video outputs | 2-lane MIPI CSI-2 with 8-bit YUV422 at 216 MHz, plus USB 2.0 UVC with YUV422 output |
| Analog video output | CVBS in PAL or NTSC format with 75 Ω coaxial termination; PAL is the default |
| Control interfaces | 1.8 V TTL UART at 115200 bps and 3.3 V I²C slave at address 0x67 |
| Power | 5 V DC ±5% supply input; typical consumption ≤1.2 W |
| Mechanical dimensions | 21 × 21 × 32.63 ±0.5 mm including the lens; weight ≤41.9 g |
Thermal Imaging Performance
The DSQ09 uses an uncooled vanadium oxide microbolometer to provide 640 × 512 thermal imagery across an 8–14 μm spectral range. Its stated NETD of no more than 50 mK at F1.0 is measured under a 300 K background condition, which should be considered when comparing it with modules tested under different reference conditions.
An integrated processing pipeline provides shutter-based non-uniformity correction, digital filtering for noise reduction and detail enhancement. Brightness and contrast adjust automatically, while electronic zoom spans 1× to 8× in 1024 steps. Six palettes include White Hot, Black Hot, Iron Red, Rainbow, Red Hot and Bird Watching.
Outputs and System Control
The module provides several paths for carrying thermal video into an OEM system. These include 2-lane MIPI CSI-2 for embedded camera pipelines, USB 2.0 UVC for a host connection, and an independent analog CVBS output selectable as PAL or NTSC. The documented MIPI format is 8-bit YUV422 with a 216 MHz differential clock in continuous mode.
Control can be handled through 1.8 V TTL UART at 115200 bps or through the 3.3 V I²C slave interface at address 0x67. USB also supports control commands. These interfaces offer integration choices, but developers should confirm electrical levels, connector arrangements and host-driver requirements in their own design.
Power and Mechanical Fit
The DSQ09 is designed around low system power demand. It operates from 5 V DC with a ±5% tolerance and consumes no more than 1.2 W typically. Over-voltage, under-voltage and reverse-polarity protection are specified, which is useful when the module is connected to a protected battery-powered supply.
Including the fixed-focus lens, the module measures 21 × 21 × 32.63 mm with a tolerance of ±0.5 mm and weighs no more than 41.9 g. Four symmetrically distributed M1.6 threaded holes provide an identified mounting pattern, while the 45.8° × 37.3° field of view gives integrators a defined starting point for enclosure and aiming decisions.
Civilian Application Fit
Its compact size, low weight and low power make the module suitable for OEM designers working on handheld thermal monoculars, helmet-mounted systems, compact UAV payloads and portable surveillance devices. The same form factor may also suit thermal-assisted wildlife observation, infrastructure inspection and multi-spectral fusion equipment where visible or short-wave infrared channels are combined with thermal imagery.
The listed use cases do not by themselves confirm suitability for every deployment. Optical field of view, thermal sensitivity, frame rate, environmental limits and available processing bandwidth should be checked against the intended application. Weapon-sight and tactical integrations require separate evaluation of the complete host system and applicable requirements.
OEM Integration Checklist
Before committing to the module, verify that the chosen video path matches the host processor and its driver stack. Pay particular attention to the documented MIPI lane count, data format and clock mode, or the camera-class USB compliance and control-command support needed by the host.
Mechanical and environmental planning should include the complete lens assembly, mounting-hole geometry, field of view, operating temperature and humidity. The module is specified for operation from -20 °C to +50 °C and 5% to 95% non-condensing relative humidity.
- Confirm MIPI CSI-2 or USB UVC support in the host pipeline
- Validate UART or I²C electrical requirements
- Check enclosure clearance around the integrated lens
- Match the 5 V supply and planned operating environment
- Review CVBS format and termination for analog systems
Frequently asked questions
What sensor and resolution does the Aurora Mini DSQ09 use?
It uses an uncooled vanadium oxide microbolometer with 640 × 512 resolution and a 12 μm pixel pitch. The documented spectral response is 8–14 μm, and the stated NETD is no more than 50 mK at F1.0 with a 300 K background.
Which video interfaces are supported by the module?
The DSQ09 supports 2-lane MIPI CSI-2 with 8-bit YUV422, USB 2.0 UVC with YUV422 output and analog CVBS in PAL or NTSC. These are documented output options; developers still need to verify host compatibility and implement the required control and display pipeline.
How much power does the thermal imaging core consume?
The module operates from 5 V DC with a ±5% tolerance and has a typical power consumption of no more than 1.2 W. It also includes specified over-voltage, under-voltage and reverse-polarity protection for integration with suitably designed battery-powered systems.
Is the lens and mounting arrangement fixed?
The module includes a 9.1 mm F1.0 fixed-focus lens and provides a field of view of 45.8° horizontally by 37.3° vertically. Four symmetrically distributed M1.6 threaded holes form the mounting interface, allowing an enclosure designer to plan around the documented dimensions.
