Boson SX8 LWIR camera modules
- Technology
- Imaging camera modules
- Partner
- Teledyne FLIR
The Boson SX8 is a next-generation LWIR thermal camera module designed for demanding defence, security, industrial, and AI applications. It combines an 8 μm pixel pitch sensor with SXGA (1280×1024) resolution to deliver high-definition infrared imaging in an uncooled, SWaP-optimised package. With roughly four times the pixel detail of typical 640×512 thermal cores, it improves long-range detection and small-object recognition without requiring a larger payload. The module is NDAA-compliant and ITAR-free, making it suitable for sensitive government programmes and international deployments.
Multiple factory-integrated fixed lenses are available, along with an optional 15–75 mm continuous zoom lens for flexible field-of-view control. Built-in image processing helps produce sharp, high-contrast thermal video in real time. The Boson SX8 is well suited to UAV payloads, perimeter security systems, handheld thermal imagers, targeting systems, and industrial monitoring platforms. By delivering near-cooled-camera detail in an uncooled core, it enables broader deployment of high-resolution thermal sensing.
Range features
A high level overview of what this range offers
- SXGA 1280×1024 resolution with 8 μm pixel pitch – Delivers roughly four times the image detail of standard 640×512 thermal cores for improved detection, recognition, and thermal scene clarity.
- Uncooled LWIR microbolometer architecture – Provides high-performance thermal imaging without a cryogenic cooler, reducing maintenance, complexity, and power demand.
- Compact SWaP-optimised design – Supports integration into drones, handheld devices, wearable systems, and other space-constrained platforms.
- Multiple factory lens options – Available with fixed focal length configurations to match wide-area monitoring, medium-range observation, or longer-range targeting needs.
- Optional 15–75 mm continuous zoom variant – The Boson SX8-CZ 15–75 adds 5× optical zoom with integrated alignment and focus-through-zoom capability.
- NDAA-compliant and ITAR-free – Suitable for defence, government, and export-sensitive programmes requiring trusted sourcing and fewer regulatory barriers.
- US high-volume manufacturing – Supports reliable OEM supply and consistent quality from prototyping through full production.
- Advanced onboard image processing – Built-in enhancement functions improve thermal contrast and apparent image sharpness while reducing reliance on external processing.
What’s in this range?
All the variants in the range and a comparison of what they offer
| Specification | Boson SX8 (core module) | Boson SX8-CZ 15–75 (zoom variant) |
|---|---|---|
Detector type | Uncooled VOₓ microbolometer | Uncooled VOₓ microbolometer (same core) |
Resolution | 1280 × 1024 (SXGA) | 1280 × 1024 (SXGA) |
Pixel pitch | 8 μm | 8 μm |
Spectral range | 7.5 – 14 μm (LWIR) | 7.5 – 14 μm (LWIR) |
Lens configuration | Multiple fixed focal lengths (factory options) | Integrated 15–75 mm continuous zoom lens (5× optical zoom) |
Frame rate (sensor) | Up to 60 Hz full-frame (9 Hz exportable model available) | Up to 60 Hz (same core sensor) |
Radiometric output | Optional on select models (for temperature measurement) | Not specified (likely unavailable) |
Video outputs | USB 2.0 UVC; parallel CMOS; MIPI CSI-2 (selectable) | Same outputs via core module |
Compliance | NDAA-compliant; ITAR-free | NDAA-compliant; ITAR-free |
FAQs
for Boson SX8 LWIR camera modules
The Boson SX8 captures roughly four times more thermal detail than a typical 640×512 core. This allows it to detect smaller or more distant objects and produce clearer imagery for surveillance, safety, and targeting tasks. In practical use, operators can distinguish people, hazards, or equipment details at ranges where lower-resolution thermal cameras may only show indistinct heat signatures.
The 8 μm pixel pitch enables a much higher pixel count within a compact sensor area, which is how the SX8 achieves its SXGA resolution without a major increase in module size. This improves apparent image detail and extends effective detection performance for a given lens. It also helps integrators upgrade image quality while staying within tight size, weight, and power constraints.
Yes. The Boson SX8 is NDAA-compliant and ITAR-free. That matters for defence, government, and security programmes that require trusted sourcing and restricted-component compliance. It also simplifies deployment in international projects by reducing export-control complications compared with products subject to stricter regulatory limitations.
The Boson SX8 is available with multiple factory-integrated fixed lenses as well as a Boson SX8-CZ 15–75 variant with a built-in 5× continuous zoom lens. Fixed-lens options are best when the required field of view is known in advance and a simpler, lighter configuration is preferred. The continuous zoom model is ideal when one platform must support both wide-area observation and detailed long-range inspection without changing hardware.
Yes, radiometric output is available on select Boson SX8 configurations. These versions can provide calibrated temperature data per pixel, which is valuable for industrial inspection, fire detection, condition monitoring, and research applications. Not every model includes radiometry, so temperature-measurement requirements should be confirmed when selecting a specific configuration.
Integration is designed to be straightforward for engineering teams. The module supports USB 2.0 UVC, parallel CMOS, and MIPI CSI-2 outputs, allowing it to connect to common embedded processing platforms and custom boards. Mechanically, it is similar in form factor to earlier Boson-family cores, helping OEMs reuse existing housings, gimbals, and mounting concepts with minimal redesign.
The Boson SX8 is engineered as a SWaP-optimised thermal core, making it suitable for drones, handheld devices, and other mobile systems. It delivers high-resolution thermal imaging while maintaining a compact footprint and low power draw typical of uncooled camera modules. This allows platforms to improve imaging capability without heavily impacting payload capacity or endurance.
In many surveillance, security, and observation use cases, the Boson SX8 can reduce the need for a cooled MWIR camera by offering much higher uncooled resolution and improved range performance. It provides strong benefits in size, weight, power, robustness, and system complexity. However, applications requiring extreme sensitivity, specialised spectral response, or very high frame rates may still favour cooled solutions.
Typical use cases include UAS and drone payloads, perimeter and border surveillance, handheld and weapon-mounted thermal sights, industrial inspection, predictive maintenance, and public safety operations. It is especially well suited to applications that need long-range thermal detection, fine scene detail, and a compact integration footprint.
Yes. The Boson SX8 is designed with a form factor and mounting approach similar to earlier Boson-family modules, which helps simplify upgrades for existing OEM platforms. Integrators moving from Boson 640 or Boson+ designs can often adopt the SX8 with only limited mechanical or electrical changes, although final fit and interface details should always be verified for the selected configuration.
