s

TELEDYNE FLIR LEPTON®

MICRO THERMAL IMAGING CORE
PRODUCT DATASHEET
Doc. # 500-0771-01-09
Release 400

Official Publication Date: Nov 17, 2023

Information is subject to change without notice. Document Number: 500-0771-01-09, Rev: 400.
Approved for public release: Teledyne FLIR approved [FLIRGTC-SBA-017]. © 2023
 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

General Description
Smaller than a dime and cost-effective, Lepton has enabled thermal innovation and has been
adopted by millions of customers. Lepton offers 80x60 (17 µm) or 160x120 (12 µm) resolution,
absolute temperature output, multiple field-of-view (FOV) options, and an expanded scene
dynamic range for high-temperature scenes.

Applications
• Smart Mobile Phones
• Gesture Recognition
• Building Automation
• Thermal Imaging
• Night Vision
• Smart Homes
• Augmented Reality
• Condition Monitoring

Features
• Integral shutter configurations
11.5 x 12.7 x 6.9 mm (without socket) 11.8 x 12.7 x 7.2 mm (with socket)
• 50°, 57°, 95°, and 165° UWFOV
• LWIR sensor 8 to 14 µm
• 80x60, and 160x120 active pixels available
• Thermal sensitivity <50 mK
• Integrated digital thermal image processing functions (automatic thermal environment
compensation, noise filters, non-uniformity correction, and gain control)
• Radiometric accuracy (35 °C blackbody)
• High gain: ±5C @ 25 °C
• Low gain ±10C @ 25 °C
• Software features per pixel and frame radiometric output (T-linear) and spot meter
• Export compliant frame rate (< 9 Hz)
• SPI video interface
• Two-wire I2C serial control interface
• Cell-phone-compatible power supplies: 2.8 V to sensor, 1.2 V to digital core, and flexible
IO from 2.8 V to 3.1 V
• Fast time to image (< 1.2 sec)
• Low operating power
• Nominally <150 mW
• ~800 mW typical during shutter event
• Low power mode 5 mW
• REACH RoHS compliant
• 32-pin socket interface to standard Molex or similar side-contact connector

Information is subject to change without notice. Document Number: 500-0771-01-09, Rev: 400.
Approved for public release: Teledyne FLIR approved [FLIRGTC-SBA-017]. © 2023
2
 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

Information is subject to change without notice. Document Number: 500-0771-01-09, Rev: 400.
Approved for public release: Teledyne FLIR approved [FLIRGTC-SBA-017]. © 2023
3
 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................9
1.1 REVISION HISTORY .......................................................................................................................................9
1.2 CONTACT US ................................................................................................................................................9
1.3 REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................................10
1.4 DEVICE OVERVIEW......................................................................................................................................11
1.5 KEY SPECIFICATIONS ..................................................................................................................................12
1.6 SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE ..............................................................................................................................14
2 FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION .........................................................................................................................15
2.1 FPA INTERFACE MODULE ............................................................................................................................15
2.2 SYSTEM CONTROL (SYS CTRL) MODULE ......................................................................................................15
2.3 POWER MANAGEMENT MODULE ...................................................................................................................15
2.4 SOFTWARE-BASED VIDEO PROCESSING (SVP CORE) MODULE ......................................................................15
2.5 MEMORY SYSTEM (MEMORY SYS) MODULE ..................................................................................................16
2.6 GENERAL PURPOSE PROCESSOR (GPP) ......................................................................................................16
2.7 VIDEO INTERFACE MODULE (VIDEO IF) .........................................................................................................16
2.8 ONE-TIME PROGRAMMABLE MEMORY (OTP) ................................................................................................16
2.9 STATIC RANDOM-ACCESS MEMORY (SRAM) ................................................................................................16
2.10 GPIO INTERFACE MODULE (GPIO IF) ..........................................................................................................16
2.11 VIDEO PIPELINE ..........................................................................................................................................17
2.11.1 NUC ..................................................................................................................................................17
2.11.2 Defect Replacement .........................................................................................................................17
2.11.3 Spatial / Temporal Filtering ...............................................................................................................17
2.11.4 AGC ..................................................................................................................................................17
2.11.5 Colorize.............................................................................................................................................17
2.12 MASTER CLOCK ..........................................................................................................................................18
3 OPERATING STATES AND MODES ..............................................................................................................19
3.1 POWER STATES ..........................................................................................................................................19
3.2 FFC STATES ..............................................................................................................................................22
3.3 GAIN STATES ..............................................................................................................................................26
3.4 TELEMETRY MODES ....................................................................................................................................26
3.5 RADIOMETRY MODES ..................................................................................................................................32
3.5.1 Radiometry Enabled - TLinear ..........................................................................................................32
Radiometry Enabled – Flux Linear ...................................................................................................................33
3.5.2 Radiometry Disabled.........................................................................................................................33
3.5.3 Radiometric Accuracy – Module .......................................................................................................34
3.5.4 Radiometric Accuracy – System Considerations ..............................................................................34
3.6 AGC MODES ..............................................................................................................................................36
3.7 VIDEO OUTPUT FORMAT MODES ..................................................................................................................38
3.8 GPIO MODES .............................................................................................................................................40
4 INTERFACE DESCRIPTIONS .........................................................................................................................41
4.1 COMMAND AND CONTROL INTERFACE ...........................................................................................................41
4.1.1 User Defaults Feature .......................................................................................................................43

Information is subject to change without notice. Document Number: 500-0771-01-09, Rev: 400.
Approved for public release: Teledyne FLIR approved [FLIRGTC-SBA-017]. © 2023
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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

4.2 VOSPI CHANNEL ........................................................................................................................................44

4.2.1 VoSPI Physical Interface ..................................................................................................................45
4.2.2 VoSPI Protocol – Lepton 2.5.............................................................................................................46
4.2.3 VoSPI Protocol – Lepton FS1, 3.1R, 3.5, and UWFOV ....................................................................53
4.2.4 VoSPI Protocol – Lepton 2 vs. Lepton 3 ...........................................................................................60
5 THERMAL CAMERA BASICS .........................................................................................................................61
6 MOUNTING SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................................................................................62
6.1 SOCKET INFORMATION ................................................................................................................................63
6.2 MECHANICAL CONSIDERATIONS ...................................................................................................................65
6.3 THERMAL CONSIDERATIONS ........................................................................................................................66
6.4 OPTICAL CONSIDERATIONS ..........................................................................................................................66
7 IMAGE CHARACTERISTICS ...........................................................................................................................67
8 SPECTRAL RESPONSE .................................................................................................................................68
9 ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................................................................69
9.1 CAMERA MODULE PINOUT ...........................................................................................................................69
9.2 DC AND LOGIC LEVEL SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................................72
9.3 AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS .............................................................................................................73
9.4 ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS .....................................................................................................................74
9.5 ELECTRONIC INTEGRATION CONSIDERATIONS ................................................................................................75
10 ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS ...........................................................................................................76
10.1 COMPLIANCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL DIRECTIVES ..........................................................................................76
11 ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS .............................................................................................................77

Information is subject to change without notice. Document Number: 500-0771-01-09, Rev: 400.
Approved for public release: Teledyne FLIR approved [FLIRGTC-SBA-017]. © 2023
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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1 - Lepton 3.5 (with shutter) and Lepton UWFOV (without shutter) ...........................................11
Figure 2 - Lepton Architecture .........................................................................................................................14
Figure 3 - Lepton Detailed Block Diagram.....................................................................................................15
Figure 4 - Lepton Video Pipeline Block Diagram .........................................................................................17
Figure 5 - State Diagram Showing Transitions among the Five Power States.....................................19
Figure 6 - Lepton Power Sequencing .............................................................................................................21
Figure 7 - Examples of Good Uniformity, Graininess, and Blotchiness ................................................22
Figure 8 - FFC States ..........................................................................................................................................24
Figure 9 - Relative Spatial Noise after FFC vs. Number of Integrated Frames (default is 8).............25
Figure 10 - Hypothetical Illustration of Camera Output in Counts vs. Camera Temperature in
Radiometry-enabled Mode ................................................................................................................................33
Figure 11 - Hypothetical Illustration of Camera Output vs. Camera Temperature in Radiometry-
disabled Mode ......................................................................................................................................................34
Figure 12 - Illustration of a Histogram for a 3x3 Pixel Area ......................................................................36
Figure 13 - Comparison of Linear AGC and Classic/Lepton Variant of Histogram Equalization .....37
Figure 14 - Built-in Color Palette......................................................................................................................39
Figure 15 - Comparison of an Identical Image with Gray-scale and a False-color Palette ................40
Figure 16 - VoSPI Flexible Clock Rate ............................................................................................................45
Figure 17 - VoSPI I/O ...........................................................................................................................................45
Figure 18 - SPI Mode 3 (CPOL=1, CPHA=1)...................................................................................................46
Figure 19 - SPI Bit Order (transmission of 0x8C08) ....................................................................................46
Figure 20 - Generic VoSPI Packet....................................................................................................................47
Figure 21 - Video Packet ....................................................................................................................................48
Figure 22 - Discard Packet ................................................................................................................................48
Figure 23 - Raw14 Mode: 1 video line per 160-byte payload.....................................................................48
Figure 24 - RGB888 Mode: 1 video line per 240-byte payload ..................................................................49
Figure 25 - Frame Counter for Successive 80x60 Frames ........................................................................50
Figure 26 - Valid Frame Timing (no loss of synchronization)...................................................................51
Figure 27 - Clock Too Slow - Failure to Read an Entire Frame Within the Frame Period ..................52
Figure 28 - Intra-Frame Delay Too Long - Failure to Read Out an Entire Frame Before the Next Is
Available ................................................................................................................................................................52
Figure 29 - Failure to Read Out an Available Frame ...................................................................................52
Figure 30 - Generic VoSPI Packet....................................................................................................................54
Figure 31 - Segment and Packet Relationship to the 160x120 video image .........................................54
Figure 32 - Packet Header Encoding and an Example ...............................................................................55
Figure 33 - Discard Packet ................................................................................................................................55
Figure 34 - Raw14 Mode: 1 video line per 160-byte payload.....................................................................56
Figure 35 - RGB888 Mode: 1 video line per 240-byte payload ..................................................................56
Figure 37 - Frame Counter for Successive Frames .....................................................................................58
Figure 38 - Valid Frame Timing (no loss of synchronization)...................................................................59

Information is subject to change without notice. Document Number: 500-0771-01-09, Rev: 400.
Approved for public release: Teledyne FLIR approved [FLIRGTC-SBA-017]. © 2023
6
 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

Figure 39 - Clock Too Slow - Failure to Read an Entire Frame Within the Frame Period ..................59
Figure 40 - Intraframe Delay Too Long - Failure to Read Out an Entire Frame Before the Next Is
Available ................................................................................................................................................................59
Figure 41 - Failure to Read Out an Available Frame ...................................................................................59
Figure 42 - Illustration of Lepton Detector Time Constant ........................................................................61
Figure 43 - Lepton 2.5, 3.1R, 3.5 and FS1 with Molex socket 1050281001 (left) and Lepton UWFOV
with Molex socket 1050281001 .........................................................................................................................62
Figure 44 - Two Commercially Available Sockets (both from Molex) Compatible with Lepton .......63
Figure 45 - Both Sockets Mounted on a PCB ...............................................................................................64
Figure 46 - Recommended Approach to Retaining Lepton in the End Application ............................65
Figure 47 - Normalized Response as a Function of Signal Wavelength for Lepton 2.5 .....................68
Figure 48 - Normalized Response as a Function of Signal Wavelength for Lepton 3.5 ....................68
Figure 49 - Pinout Diagram (viewed from bottom of camera module)....................................................69
Figure 50 - Example of Lepton Schematic ....................................................................................................75

Information is subject to change without notice. Document Number: 500-0771-01-09, Rev: 400.
Approved for public release: Teledyne FLIR approved [FLIRGTC-SBA-017]. © 2023
7
 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

TABLE OF TABLES
Table 1- Key Specifications ............................................................................................................................................. 12
Table 2 - Telemetry Data Content and Encoding......................................................................................................... 27
Table 3 - Status Bit Encoding (Telemetry Row A, words 3 and 4) ........................................................................... 31
Table 6 - Partial List of Parameters Controllable through the CCI .......................................................................... 41
Table 7 - Parameters Stored in the User Defaults OTP Memory Location ............................................................. 43
Table 8 - Lepton Camera Module Pin Description for VPROG ................................................................................. 44
Table 9 - Electrical Specifications for VPROG ............................................................................................................. 44
Table 10 - Packet Length and Number of Video Packets per Frame as a Function of User Settings .............. 47
Table 11 - Video Packet Contents Per Frame as a Function of Video Format and Telemetry-mode Settings 49
Table 12 - Packet Length and Number of Video Packets per Frame as a Function of User Settings .............. 53
Table 13 - Image Characteristics .................................................................................................................................... 67
Table 14 - Lepton Camera Module Pin Descriptions .................................................................................................. 70
Table 15 - Lepton Camera Module Pin Descriptions (cont.) ..................................................................................... 71
Table 16 - DC and Logic Levels ...................................................................................................................................... 72
Table 17 - AC Electrical Characteristics........................................................................................................................ 73
Table 18 - Absolute Maximum Ratings .......................................................................................................................... 74
Table 19 - Environmental Specifications ...................................................................................................................... 76

Information is subject to change without notice. Document Number: 500-0771-01-09, Rev: 400.
Approved for public release: Teledyne FLIR approved [FLIRGTC-SBA-017]. © 2023
8
 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Revision History

Revision Date Description of Change
100 05/03/2016 Lepton with Radiometry release
110 11/12/2016 Updates to include low gain mode feature details
200 03/21/2018 Consolidating all Lepton current configurations into one
datasheet. Older document numbers are 500-0771-01-09,
500-0763-01-09, 500-0726-01-09.
201 04/06/2018 Corrected part number for Lepton 1.5. Minor editorial
changes. Added document number.
202 07/02/2018 Updated dimensions and weight.
203 08/28/2018 Clarified validity of scene dynamic range.
Updated EAR statement.
Clarified that THousing in telemetry is only supported for
Lepton 2.5 and 3.5.
204 10/08/2019 Updated broken reference.
300 08/22/2023 Remove discontinued models, add Lepton 3.1R, update
format, and copy edit.
400 10/10/2023 Added Lepton Ultrawide FOV (UWFOV)

1.2 Contact Us
email: [email protected]
http://www.teledyneflir.com/lepton

Information is subject to change without notice. Document Number: 500-0771-01-09, Rev: 400.
Approved for public release: Teledyne FLIR approved [FLIRGTC-SBA-017]. © 2023
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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

1.3 References

Configuration Document
2.5, FS1, 3.1R 110-0144-04 Lepton Software Interface Description Document (pdf)
3.5 UWFOV
2.5, FS1, 3.1R 80x60 Lepton VoSPI Developer Guide (pdf)
3.5 UWFOV
3.1R, FS1, 3.5 110-0144-50 Lepton VoSPI Developers Guide (pdf) (For 160x120)
UWFOV
2.5, FS1, 3.1R Lepton_Example_Schematic_CAD_r100.DSN (Cadence-Capture schematic CAD
3.5 UWFOV file)
2.5, FS1, 3.1R Lepton_Example_Schematic_CAD_r100.pdf (Cadence-Capture schematic PDF
3.5 UWFOV file)
2.5, FS1, 3.1R Lepton_Example_Schematic_CAD_r100.brd (Cadence-Allegro PCB layout CAD
3.5 file)
UWFOV
2.5, FS1, 3.1R 102-PS245-75 Advanced Radiometry App Note (pdf)
3.5 UWFOV
2.5 500-0763-41 Mechanical IDD (pdf)
3.1R 500-0758-41 Mechanical IDD (pdf)
3.5 500-0771-41 Mechanical IDD (pdf)
UWFOV 500-1387-00 Mechanical IDD (pdf)

Information is subject to change without notice. Document Number: 500-0771-01-09, Rev: 400.
Approved for public release: Teledyne FLIR approved [FLIRGTC-SBA-017]. © 2023
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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

1.4 Device Overview

Lepton is an infrared camera system that integrates a fixed-focus lens assembly, an 80x60 or 160x120
longwave infrared (LWIR) microbolometer sensor array, and signal-processing electronics. Some
configurations are also provided with an integral shutter assembly that is used to automatically optimize
image uniformity on a periodic basis. Easy to integrate and operate, Lepton is intended for mobile
devices as well as any other application requiring a very small footprint, very low power, and instant-on
operation. Lepton can be operated in its default mode or configured into other modes through a
command-and-control interface (CCI).

Figure 1 shows a view of the Lepton with radiometry camera module as standalone and mounted in a
socket.

Figure 1 - Lepton 3.5 (with shutter) and Lepton UWFOV (without shutter)

Information is subject to change without notice. Document Number: 500-0771-01-09, Rev: 400.
Approved for public release: Teledyne FLIR approved [FLIRGTC-SBA-017]. © 2023
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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

1.5 Key Specifications

Table 1- Key Specifications

(All numbers are nominal unless tolerances are specified.)

Available configurations

range1 - High gain

Scene Dynamic
Array format

Radiometry

(Low gain)

Pixel pitch
Shutter
HFOV

DFOV

Distortion
Part Numbers
-10 °C to
Lepton 2.5: 80 x +140 °C 17
50° 63.5° Yes Yes <8%
500-0763-01 60 (-10 °C to μm
450 °C)
-10 °C to
Lepton 3.0 FS1: 160 x +140 °C 12
57° 71° Yes No <13%
500-0771-FS1 120 (-10 °C to μm
350 °C)
-10 °C to
Lepton 3.1R: 160 x +140 °C 12
95° 119° Yes Yes <55%
500-0758-03 120 (-10 °C to μm
450 °C)
-10 °C to
Lepton 3.5: 160 x +140 °C 12
57° 71° Yes Yes <13%
500-0771-01 120 (-10 °C to μm
450 °C)
-10 °C to
Lepton UWFOV: 160 x +140 °C 12
160° 160° No No <92% 3
500-1387-00 120 2 (-10 °C to μm
450 °C)
Overview
Function Passive thermal imaging module for mobile equipment
Sensor Technology Uncooled VOx microbolometer
Spectral Range Longwave infrared, 8 μm to 14 μm
Video Scan Progressive

1 Scene Dynamic Range is specified at room temperature and may vary over ambient temperature. It is typically somewhat

reduced at lower operating temperature.

2 Lepton UW provides a 160x120 output with a useable 120-pixel area (centered horizontally)
3 Lepton 3.1 and Lepton UW have negative (barrel) distortion.

Information is subject to change without notice. Document Number: 500-0771-01-09, Rev: 400.
Approved for public release: Teledyne FLIR approved [FLIRGTC-SBA-017]. © 2023
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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

Effective frame rate 4 8.6 Hz (exportable)

Thermal Sensitivity <50 mK (0.050 °C)
Temperature Compensation Automatic. Output image independent of camera temperature.
Output Format User-selectable 14-bit, 8-bit (AGC applied), or 24-bit RGB (AGC
and colorization applied)
Solar Protection Integral
Radiometric Accuracy High Gain Mode: Greater of +/-5 °C or 5% (typical)
Low Gain Mode: Greater of +/-10 °C or 10% (typical)
Electrical
Input Clock 25-MHz nominal, CMOS IO Voltage Levels in
(see Master Clock)
Video Data Interface Video over SPI
Control Port CCI (I2C-like), CMOS IO Voltage Levels
(see Command and Control Interface)
Input Supply Voltage (Nominal) 2.8 V, 1.2 V, 2.5 V to 3.1 V IO
(see DC and Logic Level Specifications)
Power Dissipation Nominally 140 mW at room temperature (operating), 5 mW
(standby). For 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5 650 mW during shutter
event.
Mechanical
Dimensions [mm] (W × L × H) Lepton FS1, 2.5, 3.1R, 3.5 (with shutter): 11.5 x 12.7 x 6.9 mm
Lepton UWFOV: 8.47 x 12.7 x 11.14 mm
Dimensions with Socket Lepton FS1, 2.5, 3.1R, 3.5 (with shutter): 11.8 x 12.7 x 7.14 mm
105028-101 [mm] (W × L × H) Lepton UWFOV: 11.52 x 12.70 x 11.44 mm
Weight (Typical) Lepton 2.5: 1.02 grams
Lepton FS1, 3.5: 0.90 grams
Lepton 3.1R: 1.00 grams
Lepton UWFOV: 0.7 grams
Environmental
Camera Operating Temperature -10 °C to +80 °C
Range
Non-Operating Temperature -40 °C to +80 °C
Range
Shock 1500 G @ 0.4 ms

4 Lepton 2.5 stream video at 26Hz with every 3 frames repeated (effectively 8.7Hz). Lepton 3.5 stream segments of the images

with effectively full frames at 8.7Hz. In this document, when referring to number of frames, the frame rate 26Hz is understood.

Information is subject to change without notice. Document Number: 500-0771-01-09, Rev: 400.
Approved for public release: Teledyne FLIR approved [FLIRGTC-SBA-017]. © 2023
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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

1.6 System Architecture

A simplified architectural diagram of the Lepton camera module is shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2 - Lepton Architecture

The lens assembly focuses infrared radiation from the scene onto an array of thermal detectors with
17μm or 12μm pitch. Each detector element is a vanadium-oxide (VOx) microbolometer whose
temperature varies in response to incident flux. The change in temperature causes a proportional change
in each microbolometer’s resistance. VOx provides a high temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR)
and low 1/f noise, resulting in excellent thermal sensitivity and stable uniformity. The microbolometer array
is grown monolithically on top of a readout integrated circuit (ROIC) to comprise the complete focal plane
array (FPA).
For shuttered configurations, the shutter assembly periodically blocks radiation from the scene and
presents a uniform thermal signal to the sensor array, allowing an update to internal correction terms used
to improve image quality. For applications in which there is little to no movement of the Lepton camera
relative to the scene (for example, fixed-mount security applications), the shutter assembly is
recommended. For applications in which there is ample movement (for example, handheld applications),
the shutter assembly is less essential although still capable of providing slight improvement to image
quality, particularly at start-up and when the ambient temperature varies rapidly. The shutter is also used
as a reference for improved radiometric performance.
The serial stream from the FPA is received by a system on a chip (SoC) device, which provides signal
processing and output formatting. This device is more fully defined in functional description.

Information is subject to change without notice. Document Number: 500-0771-01-09, Rev: 400.
Approved for public release: Teledyne FLIR approved [FLIRGTC-SBA-017]. © 2023
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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

2 FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

A detailed block diagram of the Lepton camera module is shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3 - Lepton Detailed Block Diagram

2.1 FPA Interface Module

The FPA Interface module generates timing and control signals to the FPA. It also receives and
deserializes the digital data stream from the FPA. The output values of on-board temperature sensors
are multiplexed into the pixel data stream, and the FPA Interface module strips these out and
accumulates them (to improve SNR).

2.2 System Control (Sys Ctrl) Module

The System Control module provides the phase-lock-loop (PLL) and generates all clocks and resets
required for other modules. It also generates other timing events including syncs and the internal
watchdog timer. Additionally, it provides the boot controller, random-number generator, and command
and control interface (CCI) decode logic.

2.3 Power Management Module

The Power Management module controls the power switches under direction from the System Control
Module.

2.4 Software-based Video Processing (SVP Core) Module

The SVP Core module is an asymmetric multi-core digital signal processor (DSP) engine that provides
the full video pipeline further described in Video Pipeline.

Information is subject to change without notice. Document Number: 500-0771-01-09, Rev: 400.
Approved for public release: Teledyne FLIR approved [FLIRGTC-SBA-017]. © 2023
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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

2.5 Memory System (Memory Sys) Module

The Memory System module provides the memory interface to all the other modules that require access
to SRAM and/or OTP.

2.6 General Purpose Processor (GPP)

The GPP is a central processing unit (CPU) that provides the following functionality:

• Servicing of CCI commands

• Initialization and configuration of the video pipeline
• Power management
• Other housekeeping functions

2.7 Video Interface Module (Video IF)

The Video Interface module receives video data and formats it for VoSPI protocol (see documents in
References, page 10).

2.8 One-Time Programmable Memory (OTP)

The OTP memory contains all the non-volatile data for the camera, including the software programs for
the SVP Core and GPP as well as calibration data and camera-unique data (such as serial number).
There are no provisions for directly writing to OTP memory outside of the Lepton factory except the User
Default values as described below.
An optional User Default feature is available on some Lepton versions to configure the desired defaults
(e.g., FFC mode, radiometry configuration, etc.), and write these defaults once by the user to OTP. This
feature removes the needs for an initialization sequence at start-up to configure the desired run-time
settings. See User Defaults Feature.

2.9 Static Random-Access Memory (SRAM)

SRAM is the primary volatile memory utilized by all other modules.

2.10 GPIO Interface Module (GPIO IF)

The General-Purpose Input / Output (GPIO) Interface module implements the GPIO pins, which can be
runtime configured (see GPIO Modes).

Information is subject to change without notice. Document Number: 500-0771-01-09, Rev: 400.
Approved for public release: Teledyne FLIR approved [FLIRGTC-SBA-017]. © 2023
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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

2.11 Video Pipeline

A block diagram of the video pipeline is shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4 - Lepton Video Pipeline Block Diagram

The video pipeline includes non-uniformity correction (NUC), defect replacement, spatial and temporal
filtering, automatic gain correction (AGC), and colorization.

2.11.1 NUC
The non-uniformity correction (NUC) block applies correction terms to ensure that the camera produces
a uniform output for each pixel when imaging a uniform thermal scene. Factory-calibrated terms are
applied to compensate for temperature effects, pixel response variations, and lens-illumination roll-off.
To compensate for temporal drift, the NUC block also applies an offset term that can be periodically
updated at runtime via a process called flat-field correction (FFC). The FFC process is further described
in FFC States.

2.11.2 Defect Replacement

The defect-replacement block substitutes for any pixels identified as defective during factory calibration
or during runtime. The replacement algorithm assesses the values of neighboring pixels and calculates
an optimum replacement value.

2.11.3 Spatial / Temporal Filtering

The image pipeline includes several sophisticated image filters designed to enhance signal-to-noise ratio
(SNR) by eliminating temporal noise and residual non-uniformity. The filtering suite includes a scene-
based non-uniformity correction (SBNUC) algorithm which relies on motion within the scene to isolate
fixed pattern noise (FPN) from image content.

2.11.4 AGC
The AGC algorithm for converting the full-resolution (14-bit) thermal image into a contrast-enhanced
image suitable for display is a histogram-based non-linear mapping function. AGC Modes.

2.11.5 Colorize
The colorize block takes the contrast-enhanced thermal image as input and generates a 24-bit RGB
color output. See Video Output Format Modes.

Information is subject to change without notice. Document Number: 500-0771-01-09, Rev: 400.
Approved for public release: Teledyne FLIR approved [FLIRGTC-SBA-017]. © 2023
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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

2.12 Master Clock

In Lepton, the master clock (MASTER_CLOCK) frequency is 25 MHz.

Information is subject to change without notice. Document Number: 500-0771-01-09, Rev: 400.
Approved for public release: Teledyne FLIR approved [FLIRGTC-SBA-017]. © 2023
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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

3 OPERATING STATES AND MODES

Lepton provides several operating states and modes, more completely defined in the sections that
follow:

• Power States
• FFC States
• Gain States
• Telemetry Modes
• AGC Modes
• Video Output Format Modes
• GPIO Modes
3.1 Power States
Lepton currently provides five power states. As depicted in the state diagram shown in Figure 5, most
of the transitions among the power states are the result of explicit action from the host. The automatic
transition to and from the over-temperature (Overtemp) state is an exception.

Figure 5 - State Diagram Showing Transitions among the Five Power States

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

The power states are listed here:

• Off: When no voltage is applied, Lepton is in the off state. In the off state, no camera
functions are available.
• Uninitialized: In the uninitialized state, all voltage forms are applied, but Lepton has not
yet been booted and is in an indeterminate state. It is not recommended to leave Lepton
in this state as power is not optimized; it should instead be booted to the on state (and
then transitioned back to Shutdown if imaging is not required).
• On: In the on state, all functions and interfaces are fully available.
• Shutdown: In the shutdown state, all voltage forms are applied, but power consumption is
approximately 5 mW. In the shutdown state, no functions are available, but it is possible
to transition to the on state via the start-up sequence defined in Figure 6. The shutdown
sequence shown in Figure 6 is the recommended transition back to the shutdown state.
It is also possible to transition between shutdown and on states via software commands,
as further defined in the software IDD.
• Overtemp: The Overtemp state is automatically entered when the Lepton senses that its
temperature has exceeded approximately 80 °C. Upon entering the Overtemp state,
Lepton enables a “shutdown imminent” status bit in the telemetry line and starts a 10-
second counter. If the temperature of the Lepton falls below 80 °C before the counter
times out, the “shutdown imminent” bit is cleared and the system transitions back to the
on state. If the counter does time out, Lepton automatically transitions to the standby
state.

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

Power sequencing is as shown in Figure 6.

Figure 6 - Lepton Power Sequencing

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

3.2 FFC States

Lepton is factory calibrated to produce an output image that is highly uniform, such as shown in Figure
7 (a), when viewing a uniform-temperature scene. However, drift effects over long periods of time
degrade uniformity, resulting in imagery which appears grainier (Figure 7 (b)) and/or blotchy (Figure 7
(c)). Columns and other pixel combinations may drift as a group. These drift effects may occur even
while the camera is powered off. Operation over a wide temperature range (for example, powering on at
-10 °C and heating to 65 °C without performing an FFC) will also have a detrimental effect on image
quality and radiometric accuracy.
For scenarios in which there is ample scene movement, such as most handheld applications, Lepton is
capable of automatically compensating for drift effects using an internal algorithm called scene-based
non-uniformity correction (scene-based NUC or SBNUC). However, for use cases in which the scene is
essentially stationary, such as fixed-mount applications, scene-based NUC is less effective. In stationary
applications and those which need highest quality or quickly available video, it is recommended to
periodically perform a flat-field correction (FFC). FFC is a process whereby the NUC terms applied by
the camera's signal processing engine are automatically recalibrated to produce the most optimal image
quality. The sensor is briefly exposed to a uniform thermal scene, and the camera updates the NUC
terms to ensure uniform output. The entire FFC process takes less than a second.

Figure 7 - Examples of Good Uniformity, Graininess, and Blotchiness

Lepton provides three different FFC modes:

• External (default for shutterless configurations)

• Manual
• Automatic (default for configurations with shutter)
In external FFC mode, FFC is only executed upon command, and should only be commanded when the
camera is imaging an external uniform source of a known temperature. To ensure radiometric accuracy
in this mode, the user must explicitly update the radiometry shutter mode to "User" and input the
temperature of the scene during FFC via the CCI. If in imaging mode only and temperature
measurement is not required (radiometry disabled), any uniform source such as a uniform wall will
suffice.

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

Manual FFC mode is also executed only upon command, except that when FFC is commanded, Lepton
closes its integral shutter throughout the process. Note that it is not necessary to ensure a uniform
external scene of a known temperature before commanding FFC in manual FFC mode because the
shutter serves as the uniform source and includes a temperature sensor with automatic input for
radiometric measurements.
In automatic FFC, the Lepton camera will automatically perform FFC under the following conditions:

• At start-up
• After a specified period of time (default of 3 minutes) has elapsed since the last FFC
• If the camera temperature has changed by more than a specified value (default of 1.5 Celsius
degrees) since the last FFC
The time trigger and the temperature-change trigger described above are both adjustable parameters via
the CCI; however, the default values are recommended under most operating conditions. Decreasing the
temperature or time interval to FFC more often will provide better radiometric accuracy, but the tradeoff
is decrease in useful camera output and radiometry readings due to the increased occurrence of FFC.
The current FFC state is provided through the telemetry line. There are four FFC states, enumerated
below and illustrated in Figure 8:

1. FFC not commanded (default): In this state, Lepton applies by default a set of factory
generated FFC terms. In automatic FFC mode, this state is generally not seen because
Lepton performs automatic FFC at start-up.
2. FFC imminent: The camera only enters this state when it is operating in automatic FFC
mode. The camera enters “FFC imminent” state at a specified number of frames (default of
52 frames at 26Hz, or approximately 2 seconds) prior to initiating an automatic FFC. The
intent of this status is to warn the host that an FFC is about to occur.
3. FFC in progress: Lepton enters this state when FFC is commanded from the CCI or when
automatic FFC is initiated. The default FFC duration is nominally 23 frames at 26Hz, in which
case the camera integrates 8 frames of output as the basis for the correction (the additional
frames are overhead). It is possible to configure the FFC to integrate fewer or more frames
(from 1 to 128 in powers of 2). Utilizing fewer frames obviously decreases the FFC period
(with diminishing returns due to overhead) whereas utilizing more frames provides greater
reduction of spatial noise (also with diminishing returns due to 1/f noise). Figure 9 quantifies
the benefit. Radiometry readings are invalid during this state.
4. FFC complete: Lepton automatically enters this state whenever a commanded or automatic
FFC is completed.
Lepton also provides an “FFC desired” flag in the telemetry line. The “FFC desired” flag is asserted
under the same conditions that cause automatic FFC when in automatic FFC mode. That is, the “FFC
desired” flag is asserted at start-up, when a specified period (default = 3 minutes) has elapsed since the
last FFC, or when the sensor temperature has changed by a specified value (default = 1.5 Celsius
degrees) since the last FFC. In automatic mode, the camera immediately enters “FFC imminent” state
when “FFC desired” is true. In manual FFC mode and external FFC mode, the “FFC desired” flag is
intended to indicate to the host to command an FFC at the next possible opportunity.

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

Lepton automatically prohibits the shutter from operating when it detects the temperature to be outside
the range -10 °C to +80 °C. 5 For example, if the camera is operating at a temperature of -15 °C, no
automatic FFC will be performed, and the camera will ignore any commanded FFC if the FFC mode is
“automatic” or “manual.” Normal operation of the shutter will automatically resume when the temperature
is back within the valid range. A status flag is provided in the telemetry line indicating when shutter
lockout is in effect.

Figure 8 - FFC States

5
Lepton 2.0 and 3.0 have an upper shutter lockout temperature set to 65 °C.

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

Figure 9 - Relative Spatial Noise after FFC vs. Number of Integrated Frames (default is 8)

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

3.3 Gain States

Lepton 2.5 and 3.5 can be configured to operate in a high gain state (the only available state in other
versions of Lepton) or a low gain state. The high gain state provides lower NEDT and lower intra-scene
range and the low gain state provides higher NEDT but achieves higher intra-scene range. Lepton
provides three different gain-selection modes:

• High (default)
• Low
• Automatic
In high gain mode, the camera operates in the high gain state only. In low gain mode, the camera
operates in the low gain state only. In automatic gain mode, the camera software automatically selects
between high and low gain states based on the scene conditions and the following user-selectable
parameters:

• High-to-low temperature / high-to-low population: The camera transitions to low gain when a
percentage of the pixel population greater than the user-defined population threshold is imaging
a hotter scene temperature than the user-defined temperature threshold.
• Low-to-high temperature / low-to-high population: The camera transitions to high gain when a
percentage of the pixel population greater than the user-defined population threshold is imaging
a colder scene temperature than the user-defined temperature threshold.
• Gain mode ROI: The region of interest used for the calculations that determine whether the
scene conditions (temperature and population) meet the criteria for a gain switch.
Radiometry must be enabled to configure the camera software to automatic gain mode, as scene
temperature is used as the metric that determines the gain mode switching behaviour. Note that an FFC
is required upon gain switch for uniformity and radiometric accuracy updates; therefore, the
recommended FFC mode for automatic gain mode is automatic FFC. In automatic gain mode and
external manual FFC mode, the camera will transition to a different gain mode without an automatic FFC
occurring and the user must initiate the FFC utilizing a telemetry bit (e.g., effective gain state or FFC
desired) to determine when the switch occurred and an FFC is necessary.

3.4 Telemetry Modes

There are three telemetry modes that affect the video output signal:

• Telemetry disabled (default)

• Telemetry as header
• Telemetry as footer
Explicit commands over the CCI select each mode. The contents and encoding of the telemetry data are
shown in Table 2.

Table 3 shows the encoding of the status bits (Telemetry Row A, Words 3 and 4).

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

Table 2 - Telemetry Data Content and Encoding

Number
Telemetry Word Word
of 16-bit Name Notes
Row start End
Words

A 0 0 1 Telemetry Revision Format = major (byte 1), minor rev (byte 0).

Time Counter 32-bit counter in units of msec

A 1 2 2
elapsed since boot-up

A 3 4 2 Status Bits See Table 3

Module serial #
A 5 12 8
Software revision
A 13 16 4
3 Reserved
A 17 19
=
Frame Counter 32-bit counter of output frames
A 20 21 2
Frame Mean
A 22 22 1

A 23 23 1 FPA Temp In counts (prior to conversion to Kelvin)

A 24 24 1 FPA Temp In Kelvin x 100

In counts (prior to conversion to Kelvin)

Housing Temp
A 25 25 1 Lepton 2.5, 3.5

In Kelvin x 100
A 26 26 1 Housing Temp
Lepton 2.5, 3.5

A 27 28 2 Reserved

FPA Temp at last FFC Updated every FFC. Units are Kelvin x100
A 29 29 1

Time Counter at last

Updated every FFC. Units are msec
A 30 31 2 FFC

Housing temp at last Updated every FFC. Units are Kelvin

A 32 32 1 FFC x100.Lepton 2.5, 3.5

A 33 33 1 Reserved
A 34 37 4 AGC ROI (Top, left, bottom, right)

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

Number
Telemetry Word Word
of 16-bit Name Notes
Row start End
Words

AGC Clip-Limit High

A 38 38 1

AGC Clip-Limit Low See AGC

A 39 39 1

A 40 71 32 Reserved

Video Output
A 72 73 2 Format See Video Output Format Modes

Log2 of FFC
A 74 74 1 frames See FFC States

A 75 79 5 Reserved
B 0 18 19 Reserved
B 19 19 1 Emissivity Scaled by 8192
Background
Temperature in Kelvin x 100
B 20 20 1 Temperature

Atmospheric
Scaled by 8192
B 21 21 1 Transmission

Atmospheric
Temperature in Kelvin x 100
B 22 22 1 Temperature

Window Transmission Scaled by 8192

B 23 23 1

Window Reflection Scaled by 8192

B 24 24 1

Window Temperature Temperature in Kelvin x 100

B 25 25 1

Window Reflected
Temperature in Kelvin x 100
B 26 26 1 Temperature

B 27 79 53 Reserved

C 0 4 5 Reserved

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

Number
Telemetry Word Word
of 16-bit Name Notes
Row start End
Words
C 5 5 1 Gain Mode6 0 = High, 1 = Low, 2 = Auto

C 6 6 1 Effective Gain Mode In Auto mode, 0 = High, 1 = Low

C 7 7 1 Gain Mode Desired 0 = current gain mode is desired, 1 = gain

Flag mode switch desired

C 8 8 1 Temperature Gain Temperature threshold in °C used to

Mode Threshold High determine when an Auto switch to Low
to Low (°C) gain mode (while in High gain mode)
should occur in Radiometry
enabled/TLinear disabled mode
C 9 9 1 Temperature Gain Temperature threshold in °C used to
Mode Threshold Low determine when an Auto switch to High
to High (°C) gain mode (while in Low gain mode)
should occur in Radiometry
enabled/TLinear disabled mode
C 10 10 1 Temperature Gain Temperature threshold in Kelvin used to
Mode Threshold High determine when an Auto switch to Low
to Low (K) gain mode (while in High gain mode)
should occur in TLinear mode

C 11 11 1 Temperature Gain Temperature threshold in Kelvin used to

Mode Threshold Low determine when an Auto switch to High
to High (K) gain mode (while in Low gain mode)
should occur in TLinear mode

C 12 13 2 Reserved

C 14 14 1 Population Gain Mode Population threshold in percent of the Gain

Threshold High to Low Mode ROI used to determine when an
Auto switch to Low gain mode (while in
High gain mode) should occur

C 15 15 1 Population Gain Mode Population threshold in percent of the Gain

Threshold Low to High Mode ROI used to determine when an
Auto switch to High gain mode (while in
Low gain mode) should occur

C 16 21 6 Reserved

C 22 25 4 Gain Mode ROI (startRow, startCol, endRow, endCol)

6
See Gain States.

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

Number
Telemetry Word Word
of 16-bit Name Notes
Row start End
Words
C 26 47 22 Reserved
C 48 48 1 TLinear Enable State True if enabled

C 49 49 1 TLinear Resolution T-Linear resolution (0 = 0.1, 1 = 0.01)

C 50 50 1 Spotmeter Mean Spotmeter mean value in Kelvin within
ROI
C 51 51 1 Spotmeter Maximum Spotmeter max value in Kelvin within ROI

C 52 52 1 Spotmeter Spotmeter min value in Kelvin within ROI

Minimum

C 53 53 1 Spotmeter Population Number of pixels in Spotmeter ROI

C 54 54 1 Spotmeter ROI Start Spotmeter ROI starting row coordinate

Row

C 55 55 1 Spotmeter ROI Start Spotmeter ROI starting column coordinate

Col

C 56 56 1 Spotmeter ROI End Spotmeter ROI ending row coordinate

Row

C 57 57 1 Spotmeter ROI End Spotmeter ROI ending column coordinate

Col

C 58 79 22 Reserved

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

Table 3 - Status Bit Encoding (Telemetry Row A, words 3 and 4)

Number of
Bit start Bit end Name Notes
Bits
0 2 3 Reserved
3 3 1 FFC Desired7 0 = FFC not
desired 1 = FFC
desired
4 5 2 FFC State7 00 = FFC never commanded
01 = FFC imminent
10 = FFC in
progress 11 = FFC
complete
6 11 6 Reserved
12 12 1 AGC State 0=Disabled
1=Enabled
13 14 2 Reserved
15 15 1 Shutter lockout7 0 = Shutter not locked out
1 = Shutter locked out
(outside of valid temperature
range, -10°C to 80°C) 8

16 19 4 Reserved
20 20 1 Overtemp shut down imminent Goes true 10 seconds before
shutdown (see Power
States,)

21 31 11 Reserved

7
See FFC States.
8
Lepton 2.0 have an upper shutter lockout temperature set to 65 °C.

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

3.5 Radiometry Modes

The Lepton with Radiometry (2.5, 3.1R, and 3.5) includes multiple options for radiometry modes that
affect the video output signal:

• Radiometry enabled, TLinear enabled (default for Lepton 2.5, 3.1R, and 3.5)
• Radiometry enabled, TLinear disabled
• Radiometry disabled

3.5.1 Radiometry Enabled - TLinear

The radiometry enabled mode affects the transfer function between incident flux (scene temperature)
and pixel output. From an image-quality standpoint, both radiometry modes produce nearly identical
performance (no change in NEDT), and either mode is appropriate for strict imaging applications.
However, for applications in which temperature measurement is required, radiometry must be enabled to
access the related calibration and software features, such as TLinear and Spotmeter, which support
these measurements. In radiometry enabled mode, enabling the corresponding TLinear mode changes
the pixel output from representing scene flux in 14-bit digital counts to representing scene temperature
values in Kelvin (multiplied by a scale factor to include decimals). For example, with TLinear mode
enabled with a resolution of 0.01, a pixel value of 30000 signifies that the pixel is measuring 26.85°C
(300.00K – 273.15K). The Lepton with Radiometry configuration is intended as a fully radiometric
camera; therefore, the factory defaults are defined to have both radiometry and TLinear modes enabled.
With radiometry mode enabled (independent of TLinear state), the Spotmeter feature can be utilized.
The Spotmeter returns the mean, maximum, and minimum temperature readings in Kelvin for a given
frame and ROI via the CCI and/or telemetry. The ROI coordinates are user selectable via CCI to allow
for readings confined to any arbitrary size or location within the array.
The radiometric accuracy over the operational temperature range is typically within ±5°C or 5%.
Integration into an end-system and environment and/or scene differences can affect the radiometric
performance. To address these factors, user-configurable parameters are available in the software to
account for the difference between calibration method at the factory and the final system and application.
The parameters include scene emissivity, atmospheric temperature and transmission, background
temperature, and parameters to account for the recommended window included on a fully integrated
system (transmission, reflection, temperature, and reflected temperature). For a more detailed
discussion on radiometry principles, accuracy, and calibration, reference the Radiometry Application
Note.

Note that the following discussion assumes AGC is disabled (see AGC Modes, page 36). If AGC is
enabled, the differences between the two radiometry modes are completely obscured by the AGC
algorithm. In other words, with AGC enabled, any differences in signal output between radiometry-
disabled and radiometry-enabled modes are negligible.

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

Radiometry Enabled – Flux Linear

With radiometry enabled, Lepton performs internal adjustments to the signal level such that, in principle,
the output is independent of the camera's own temperature. The resulting output for three different scene
temperatures is illustrated hypothetically in Figure 10. Notice in Figure 10 that the output is only a
function of scene temperature, not camera temperature. Again, the figure is for illustration purposes only
and not perfectly representative. In practice, there is slight output variation as camera temperature
changes, particularly when the temperature change is rapid. Also notice that responsivity is independent
of camera temperature; that is, the difference in output between two different scene temperatures is a
constant, as opposed to in Figure 11, where it decreases with increasing camera temperature.

Figure 10 - Hypothetical Illustration of Camera Output in Counts vs. Camera Temperature

in Radiometry-enabled Mode

3.5.2 Radiometry Disabled

With radiometry disabled, the output of a given pixel is intended to be in the lower quarter of the 14-bit
range (~4096) when viewing a scene with a temperature equal to the temperature of the camera.9
Furthermore, the responsivity, which is defined as the change in pixel output value for a change in scene
temperature, varies over the camera's operating temperature range. The resulting output for three
different scene temperatures is illustrated hypothetically in Figure 11 (note that the figure is for
illustration purposes and not perfectly representative).

9
With Lepton 1.5, 1.6, 2.0, and 3.0, the output was intended to be in the middle of the 14-bit range (~8192) but was updated
to provide more scene dynamic range at the hotter end of the spectrum for the radiometric release.

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

Figure 11 - Hypothetical Illustration of Camera Output vs. Camera Temperature in

Radiometry-disabled Mode

3.5.3 Radiometric Accuracy – Module

Lepton camera module radiometric accuracy in high gain mode is ±5°C @ 25°C against a 35°C
blackbody for a Lepton camera module (using a simple test board with no significant heat sources) at
equilibrium and 1” blackbody at 25cm, corrected for emissivity, and in a normal room environment. In
high gain mode, the intra-scene temperature range is typically -10°C to 140°C.
Lepton camera module radiometric accuracy in low gain mode is ±10°C @ 25°C against a 35°C
blackbody for a Lepton camera module (using a simple test board with no significant heat sources) at
equilibrium and 1” blackbody at 25cm, corrected for emissivity, and in a normal room environment. In
low gain mode, the intra-scene temperature range is typically -10°C to 450°C (or 400 °C for Lepton 3.5).
3.5.4 Radiometric Accuracy – System Considerations
The radiometric accuracy of the Lepton camera module depends primarily on the ambient and scene
temperature. The size, distance, and emissivity of the target are also factors. Extreme humidity, high
concentrations of certain gases such as CO2, and nearby extremely hot or cold objects may also affect
measurements and should be avoided during module tests. When measured against a 1” blackbody at
25cm, corrected for target emissivity, and at thermal equilibrium under typical room conditions, the
typical accuracy of the Lepton module in high gain mode is per

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

Table 4. Radiometric Accuracy over Conditions, High Gain

T Ambient

0 °C 30 °C 60 °C

T Scene 10°C ±7 °C ±7 °C ±8 °C

50°C ±6 °C ±5 °C ±5 °C

100°C ±6 °C ±5 °C ±4 °C

When the Lepton module is integrated into a system, there are additional error sources that must be
considered. Heat from nearby components such as electronic devices, motors and solenoids, and even
heat from an operator’s hand, may directly or indirectly increase the radiation falling on the sensor.
Variable heat sources should be avoided. It is important that the heat presented to the Lepton module
from surrounding electronics and other sources be consistent and symmetric about the Lepton module to
make compensation effective. The correction parameters are scalar values and cannot accommodate
dynamic or gradient effects. In addition, when a protective window is required, reductions of the amount
of scene radiation from the window, as well as direct emissions and reflections from it, will alter the
received radiation. The Lepton module provides methods to correct for these effects.
When the Lepton camera module is used in a device with a protective window and surrounding heat
sources, the radiometric temperature reading can be improved by performing a gain and offset
correction for best accuracy. The gain and offset values are input as window transmission and window
temperature parameters though the CCI interface. After performing a recalibration at room temperature
against two reference blackbodies and programming these two parameters, the typical accuracy in high
gain mode can be according to

Table 5. Typical Radiometric Accuracy after Per Unit Calibration.

T Ambient

0 °C 30 °C 60 °C

T Scene 10°C ±5 °C ±5 °C ±6 °C

50°C ±5 °C ±3 °C ±3 °C

100°C ±5 °C ±4 °C ±3 °C

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

A protective window will also affect intra-scene temperature range. Any environmental or system factors
that reduce the flux received by the sensor will lower the lower limit and raise the upper limit of the
range. Such factors will also decrease sensitivity and possibly even accuracy, so should normally be
kept to a minimum.

3.6 AGC Modes

There are two AGC modes:

• AGC disabled (default)

• AGC enabled (see AGC HEQ Output Scale Factor and AGC Calculation Enable State in the
Software IDD for additional, related options)
AGC is a process whereby the large dynamic range of the infrared sensor is collapsed to a range more
appropriate for a display system. For Lepton, this is a 14-bit to 8-bit conversion. In its most simplistic
form, AGC can be a linear mapping from 14-bit to 8-bit; however, a simple linear AGC is generally
incapable of providing pleasing imagery in all imaging conditions. When a scene includes both cold and
hot regions (for example, a hot object in front of a cold background as illustrated in Figure 13), linear
AGC can produce an output image in which most pixels are mapped to either full black or full white with
very little use of the gray-shades (8-bit values) in between. Because of this limitation of linear AGC, a
more sophisticated algorithm is preferred.
Similar to most AGC algorithms that optimize the use of gray-shades, Lepton's is histogram-based.
Essentially, a histogram counts the number of pixels in each frame that has a given 14-bit value. Figure
12 illustrates the concept for a 3x3 pixel area.
Figure 12 - Illustration of a Histogram for a 3x3 Pixel Area

Classic histogram equalization uses the cumulative histogram as a mapping function between 14-bit and
8-bit. The intent is to devote the most gray-shades to those portions of the input range occupied by the
most pixels. For example, an image consisting of 60% sky devotes 60% of the available gray-shades to
the sky, leaving only 40% for the remainder of the image. By comparison, linear AGC “wastes” gray-
shades when there are gaps in the histogram, whereas classic histogram equalization allocates no gray-
shades to the gaps. This behavior is, in principle, an efficient use of the available gray-shades, but there
are a few drawbacks:

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• The resulting contrast between an object and a much colder (or hotter) background can be
rendered poor by the fact the algorithm “collapses” the separation between such that the object is
only one gray-shade above the background. This phenomenon is illustrated in Figure 13.
• Too much emphasis can be placed on background clutter, particularly when a mostly isothermal
background comprises a large fraction of the total image area. This is also illustrated in Figure
15
• For scenes with low dynamic range or less content, both the Linear AGC and Classic HEQ
algorithms allow the application of a high amount of gain to the histogram, resulting in more
contrast but increasing noise.
The Lepton AGC algorithm is a modified version of classic histogram equalization that mitigates these
shortcomings. One such modification is a parameter called “clip limit high.” It clips the maximum
population of any single bin, limiting the influence of heavily populated bins on the mapping function.
Another parameter utilized by the Lepton algorithm is called “clip limit low.” It adds a constant value to
every non-zero bin in the histogram, resulting in additional contrast between portions of the histogram
separated by gaps. Figure 13 is an example showing the benefit of the Lepton clip parameters.

Figure 13 - Comparison of Linear AGC and Classic/Lepton Variant of Histogram

Equalization

A high value of clip limit high results in mapping more like classic histogram equalization, whereas a low
value results in mapping more like linear AGC. For clip limit low, the opposite is true: a high value results
in a mapping more like linear AGC, whereas a low value results in a mapping more like classic
histogram equalization. There may be some overlap between the two parameters, but the difference
between the two is that lowering the clip limit high linearizes the brightness levels of the objects in the
scene, while raising the clip limit low makes the brightness of objects in the scene more representative of
their temperature differences. The default values of both parameters produce a good compromise
between the two; however, because optimum AGC is highly subjective and often application dependent,
customers are encouraged to experiment to find settings most appropriate for the target application.
By default, the histogram used to generate Lepton's 14-bit to 8-bit mapping function is collected from the
full array. In some applications, it is desirable to have the AGC algorithm ignore a portion of the scene
when collecting the histogram. For example, in some applications it may be beneficial to optimize the

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

display to a region of interest (ROI) in the central portion of the image. When the AGC ROI is set to a
subset of the full image, any scene content located outside of the ROI is not included in the histogram
and therefore does not affect the mapping function. Note: this does not mean the portion outside of the
ROI is not displayed or that AGC is not applied there, only that those portions outside the AGC ROI do
not influence the mapping function.

3.7 Video Output Format Modes

There are two video-output format modes:

• Raw14 (default)10
• RGB888
The first mode is appropriate for viewing 14-bit data (AGC disabled),16-bit TLinear data (AGC
disabled, TLinear enabled), or 8-bit data (AGC enabled) without colorization. The second mode is
for viewing data after application of the colorization look-up table (LUT) to generate 24-bit RGB
data. This capability is further described below. Note that the two output format modes result in
different packet sizes for the VoSPI output data (see VoSPI Protocol). To properly view RGB888
data, the following order of operations should be followed:
1. Disable telemetry if required (telemetry is not valid in RGB888 mode)
2. Enable AGC (colorization without AGC is not a valid permutation)
3. Select RGB888 mode
4. Synchronize or re-synchronize the VoSPI channel (see Establishing/Re-Establishing Sync,
page 51)
5. Optional: Select a desired built-in LUT or upload a custom LUT
The purpose of RGB888 mode is to generate a “false color” RGB image in which each gray-scale value
is converted by means of a user specified look-up table (typically called a color palette) to a particular
color. Figure 14 shows the 8 built-in color palettes provided in the current release of Lepton, and
Figure 15 shows an example image with a color palette applied. The built-in color palettes are
selectable by means of the command and control interface (see the Lepton Software Interface
Description Document for more information on the palette format). Additionally, a user-specified palette
can be uploaded through the command and control interface.

10Raw14 is a mode with 16 bits per pixel of which the two most significant bits are zero, except in TLinear mode when
available.

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

Figure 14 - Built-in Color Palette

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

Figure 15 - Comparison of an Identical Image with Gray-scale and a False-color Palette

3.8 GPIO Modes

There are two supported GPIO modes:

• Disabled (default)
• VSYNC enabled
In disabled mode, no signals are provided as input or output on the GPIO pins. In VSYNC mode, a
video sync signal is provided as an output on GPIO3. The purpose of this signal is more fully
described in Frame Synchronization.

NOTE: GPIO0, GPIO1, and GPIO2 should not be connected, regardless of the
selected GPIO mode.

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

4 INTERFACE DESCRIPTIONS

4.1 Command and Control Interface

Lepton provides a command and control interface (CCI) via a two-wire interface similar to I2C. (The only
difference relative to the true I2C standard is that all Lepton registers are 16 bits wide and, consequently,
only 16-bit transfers are allowed.) The CCI address is 0x2A. The interface is described in detail in a
separate document, the Lepton Software Interface Description Document (IDD), FLIR document #110-
0144-04. Generally speaking, all commands issued through the CCI take the form of a “get” (reading
data), a “set” (writing data), or a “run” (executing a function). Table 6 shows a partial list of parameters /
features controllable through the CCI. Note that the “Power-On Default” field in the table is not always
equivalent to the software default described in the Software IDD, as some of the parameters are
explicitly configured at the factory for the applicable end use-case. For example, Lepton 2.5 and 3.5 are
radiometric cameras, and therefore the power-on defaults include Radiometry state enabled, TLinear
state enabled, and TLinear resolution of 0.01.

Table 4 - Partial List of Parameters Controllable through the CCI

Power- Telemetry
Parameter Section in this Document
On Line
AGC Mode Disabled AGC Modes A3-4
AGC ROI12 (0,0,79,59) or AGC Modes A34-A37
(0,0,159,119)

AGC Dampening Factor 64 AGC Modes A42

AGC Clip Limit High12 4800, 19200 AGC Modes A38
AGC Clip Limit Low 512 AGC Modes A39
SYS Telemetry Mode Disabled Telemetry Modes n/a
SYS Telemetry Location Footer Telemetry Modes n/a
SYS Number of 8 FFC States A74
Frames to Average
SYS Gain Mode High Gain States B5

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

Power- Telemetry
Parameter Section in this Document
On Line
SYS Gain Mode (0,0,59,79) or Gain States B8-26
Object12,11 (0,0,119,169):
GainROI
(startRow, startCol, endRow,
endCol)
25: P_hi_to_lo
90: P_lo_to_hi
115: C_hi_to_lo
85: C_lo_to_hi
388: T_hi_to_lo
VID Color LUT Select Fusion Video Output Format Modes n/a

VID User Color LUT n/a Video Output Format Modes n/a
Upload / Download

OEM FFC n/a FFC States A3-4

OEM Video Output Raw14 Video Output Format Modes A3-4
Format
OEM GPIO Mode Disabled GPIO Modes n/a
OEM GPIO VSYNC 0 lines Frame Synchronization n/a
Phase
Delay
RAD Radiometry Control Enabled n/a
Radiometry Modes
RAD TLlinear Enable Enabled C48
State Radiometry Modes
RAD Tlinear Resolution 0.01 C49
Radiometry Modes
RAD Spotmeter ROI (29,30,39,40) C54-57
Radiometry Modes
RAD Spotmeter Value N/A C50-53
Radiometry Modes
RAD Flux Linear (8192, 29515, 8192, B19-26
Parameters 29515, 8192, Radiometry Modes
29515, 0, 29515)

11 Note different order of row/col compared to other ROI.

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

4.1.1 User Defaults Feature

The user defaults feature allows the user to write desired operational defaults (such as those described
in the CCI above) to OTP such that an initialization sequence is not necessary at start-up. The “OEM
User Defaults” command is described in the Software IDD. The list of parameters that are included in the
user defaults memory location are described in Table 7.

Table 5 - Parameters Stored in the User Defaults OTP Memory Location

Power-On
Parameter Section in this Document
Default

AGC Mode Disabled AGC Modes

AGC ROI 12 (0,0,79,59) or AGC Modes
(startCol, startRow, endCol, (0,0,159,119)
endRow)
AGC Dampening Factor 6 AGC Modes
4
AGC Clip Limit High12 4800, 19200 AGC Modes
AGC Clip Limit Low 512 AGC Modes
SYS Telemetry Mode Disabled Telemetry Modes
SYS Telemetry Location Footer Telemetry Modes
SYS Number of Frames 8 FFC States
to Average
SYS Scene Stats ROI12 (0,0,79,59) or
(startCol, startRow, endCol, (0,0,159,119)
endRow)
SYS FFC Mode Auto FFC States
SYS FFC Period 180000 FFC States
SYS FFC Temp Delta 150 FFC States
SYS Gain Mode High Gain States
VID Color LUT Select Fusion Video Output Format Modes

OEM Video Output Format Raw14 Video Output Format Modes

OEM GPIO Mode Disabled GPIO Modes
OEM GPIO VSYNC Phase 0 lines Frame Synchronization
Delay
RAD Radiometry Control Enabled
Radiometry Modes

12 First set of coordinates refer to Lepton 2.5. The second set refers to Lepton FS1,3.1R,3.5, and UWFOV.

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

Power-On
Parameter Section in this Document
Default

RAD TLinear Enable State Enabled

Radiometry Modes
RAD TLinear Resolution 0.01
Radiometry Modes
RAD Spotmeter ROI (29,39,30,40)
(startCol, startRow, endCol, or Radiometry Modes
endRow)
RAD Flux Linear (8192, 29515,
Parameters 8192, 29515, Radiometry Modes
8192, 29515, 0,
29515)

This feature is intended to be performed at the OEM’s factory because it requires an additional voltage
supply and pin connection that should not be connected in run-time operation. The Lepton module pin
connection for the programming voltage is described in Table 8 below, and the electrical specifications
for the supply are defined in Table 9 below.

Table 6 - Lepton Camera Module Pin Description for VPROG

Signal
Pin # Pin Name Type Signal Level Description
17 VPROG Power 5.9V Supply for Programming to OTP (5.9V +/-
2%).

Table 7 - Electrical Specifications for VPROG

Symbol Parameter Min Typ Max Units

VPROG Programming Voltage (power for 5.79 5.9 6.01 Volts

programming OTP)

4.2 VoSPI Channel

The Lepton VoSPI protocol allows efficient and verifiable transfer of video over an SPI channel. The
protocol is packet-based with no embedded timing signals and no requirement for flow control. The host
(master) initiates all transactions and controls the clock speed. Data can be pulled from the Lepton (the
slave) at a flexible rate. This flexibility is depicted in Figure 16, which shows the use of a relatively slow
clock utilizing most of the available frame period, as well as the use of a fast clock that bursts frame
data. Once all data for a given frame is read, the master has the option to stop the clock and/or de-
assert the chip select until the next available frame. Alternatively, the master can simply leave the clock

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

and chip select enabled, in which case Lepton transmits discard packets until the next valid video data is
available.

Figure 16 - VoSPI Flexible Clock Rate

4.2.1 VoSPI Physical Interface

As illustrated in Figure 17, VoSPI utilizes 3 of the 4 lines of a typical SPI channel:

• SCK (Serial Clock)

• /CS (Chip Select, active low),
• MISO (Master In/Slave Out).

Figure 17 - VoSPI I/O

The MOSI (Master Out/Slave In) signal is not currently employed and should be grounded or set low.
Implementations are restricted to a single master and single slave. The Lepton uses SPI Mode 3
(CPOL=1, CPHA=1); SCK is HIGH when idle. Data is set up by the Lepton on the falling edge of SCK
and should be sampled by the host controller on the rising edge. See Figure 18. Data is transferred

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

most-significant-byte first and in big-endian order. Figure 19 provides an example of the transmission of
the value 0x8C08.

Figure 18 - SPI Mode 3 (CPOL=1, CPHA=1)

Figure 19 - SPI Bit Order (transmission of 0x8C08)

The maximum clock rate is 20 MHz. The minimum clock rate is a function of the number of bits of data
per frame that need to be retrieved. As described in the sections that follow, the number of bits of data
varies depending upon user settings (video format mode, telemetry mode). As an example, in Raw14
mode and telemetry disabled there are 60 video packets per frame for an 80x60 array, each 1312 bits
long, at approximately 26 frames per second. Therefore, the minimum rate is on the order of 2 MHz.

4.2.2 VoSPI Protocol – Lepton 2.5

VoSPI is built on a collection of object types as defined hierarchically below.

• VoSPI Packet: The Lepton VoSPI protocol is based on a single standardized VoSPI packet, the
minimum “transaction” between master and slave. Each video packet contains data for a single
video line or telemetry line. In addition to video packets, the VoSPI protocol includes discard
packets that are provided when no video packets are available.
• VoSPI Frame: A VoSPI frame is defined as a continuous sequence of VoSPI packets consisting
of a full frame's worth of pixel data.
• VoSPI Stream: A VoSPI stream is defined as a continuous sequence of VoSPI frames.

As summarized in Table 10, the packet length and number of packets per frame vary depending upon
two runtime user selections: telemetry mode and bit resolution.
Telemetry mode:

• Telemetry disabled (default)

• Telemetry enabled

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

Video Format mode:

• Raw14 (default)
• RGB888

Table 8 - Packet Length and Number of Video Packets per Frame as a Function of User
Settings

Video Format Mode Telemetry Mode

Telemetry Disabled Telemetry Enabled
Raw14 Packet length: 164 bytes Packet length: 164 bytes
Video packets per frame: Video packets per frame:
RGB888 Packet length: 244 bytes N/A
Video packets per frame:
60

4.2.2.1 VoSPI Packets

As depicted in Figure 20, each packet contains a 4-byte header followed by either a 160-byte or 240-
byte payload. Note: because the payload size differs between video formats, the setting should be
selected before VoSPI synchronization is established. If the setting is changed while VoSPI is active, it is
necessary to re-synchronize (see VoSPI Stream).

Figure 20 - Generic VoSPI Packet

ID CRC Payload
4 bytes 160 or 240 bytes (depending upon bit resolution setting)

For video packets, the header includes a 2-byte ID and a 2-byte CRC. The ID field is a 12-bit packet
number as shown in Figure 21 (the leading 4 bits of the ID field are reserved and are not part of the
packet number). Note: packet numbering restarts at zero on each new frame. The CRC portion of the
packet header contains a 16-bit cyclic redundancy check (CRC) that is computed using the following
polynomial:
16 12 5 0
x +x +x +x
The CRC is calculated over the entire packet, including the ID and CRC fields. However, the four most-
significant bits of the ID and all sixteen bits of the CRC are set to zero for calculation of the CRC. There is
no requirement for the host to verify the CRC. However, if the host does find a CRC mismatch, it is
recommended to re-synchronize the VoSPI stream to prevent potential misalignment.

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

Figure 21 - Video Packet

ID CRC Payload
xNNN CRC Video pixels for one video line
(16 bits) (16 bits)

From the beginning of SPI video transmission until synchronization is achieved (see VoSPI Stream), and
in the idle period between frames, Lepton transmits discard packets until it has a new frame from its
imaging pipeline. As shown in Figure 22, the 2-byte ID field for discard packets is always xFxx (where
'x' signifies a “don't care” condition). Note that VoSPI-enabled cameras do not have vertical resolution
approaching 3840 lines (0xF00), and therefore it is never possible for the ID field in a discard packet to
be mistaken for a video line.

Figure 22 - Discard Packet

ID CRC Payload
xFxx xxxx Discard data (same number of bytes as video packets)

For video packets, the payload contents depend upon the selected bit resolution.

• For Raw14 mode (the default case), the payload is 160 bytes long. Excluding telemetry lines,
each packet contains pixel data for all 80 pixels in a single video line.
o With AGC disabled:
 With 14-bit raw data, the first two bits of each pixel's two-byte word are set to 0.
 With TLinear output, all 16 bits are used.
o With AGC enabled:
 The first eight bits are set to 0.
• For RGB888 mode, the payload is 240 bytes long. Excluding telemetry lines (which are invalid in
RGB mode), each packet consists of pixel data for a single video line (3 bytes per pixel).
Each case is illustrated in the following payload encoding figures.

Figure 23 - Raw14 Mode: 1 video line per 160-byte payload

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

Figure 24 - RGB888 Mode: 1 video line per 240-byte payload

4.2.2.2 VoSPI Frames

A single Lepton frame contains data from all 60 or 120 rows of the sensor. However, the total number of
video packets is not necessarily 60 or 120; the exact number depends upon user settings, specifically
the telemetry mode (disabled, as header, or as footer). Table 11 shows the number of packets per
frame and the contents of each packet for all the various combinations.

Table 9 - Video Packet Contents Per Frame as a Function of Video Format and Telemetry-
mode Settings

Configuration

Telemetry As header As footer Disabled

Mode
Packet 0 Telemetry line A FPA Row 0 FPA Row 0
Packet 1 Telemetry line B FPA Row 1 FPA Row 1
Packet 2 Telemetry line C FPA Row 2 FPA Row 2
Packet 3 FPA Row 0 FPA Row 3 FPA Row 3
… … … …
Packet 29 FPA Row 26 FPA Row 29 FPA Row 29
Packet 30 FPA Row 27 FPA Row 30 FPA Row 30
Packet 31 FPA Row 28 FPA Row 31 FPA Row 31
Packet 32 FPA Row 29 FPA Row 32 FPA Row 32
... … … …
Packet 59 FPA Row 56 FPA Row 59 FPA Row 59
Packet 60 FPA Row 57 Telemetry line A n/a
Packet 61 FPA Row 58 Telemetry line B n/a
Packet 62 FPA Row 59 Telemetry line C n/a

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

4.2.2.3 VoSPI Stream

A VoSPI stream is simply a continuous sequence of VoSPI frames following a synchronization event.
Provided that synchronization is maintained, a VoSPI stream can continue indefinitely. Note that the
frame rate of the stream of packets is nominally just below 27 Hz, allowing easy interface to a display
system without the need for host-side frame buffering. However, the rate of unique frames is just below 9
Hz to comply with U.S. export restrictions. For each unique 80x60 frame, two duplicates follow in the
VoSPI stream. This pattern is illustrated in Figure 25, with unique frames shown in blue and duplicates
shown in gray. In some applications, it might be beneficial to identify the first of the three identical frames
(the frame with the least latency). The 32-bit frame counter provided in the telemetry lines (see
Telemetry Modes, page 26) can be used for this purpose. It only increments on new frames, which is
also illustrated in Figure 25.

For 160x120 stream details, see Section 4.2.3 below, and 110-0144-50 Lepton 3.x VoSPI Developers
Guide.

Figure 25 - Frame Counter for Successive 80x60 Frames

NOTE: Blue frames are different from the previous frames, gray frames are identical to the previous
blue frame.

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

4.2.2.3.1 Establishing/Re-Establishing Sync

The basic process for establishing synchronization is listed below:

• Deassert /CS and idle SCK for at least 5 frame periods (>185 msec). This step ensures a timeout
of the VoSPI interface, which puts the Lepton in the proper state to establish (or re-establish)
synchronization.
• Assert /CS and enable SCLK. This action causes the Lepton to start transmission of a first
packet.
• Examine the ID field of the packet, identifying a discard packet. Read out the entire packet.
• Continue reading packets. When a new frame is available (should be less than 39 msec after
asserting /CS and reading the first packet), the first video packet will be transmitted. The master
and slave are now synchronized.
4.2.2.3.2 Maintaining Sync
There are three main violations that can result in a loss of synchronization:

• Intra-packet timeout. Once a packet starts, it must be completely clocked out within 3 line
periods.
• Provided that VoSPI clock rate is appropriately selected and that /CS is not de-asserted (or
SCLK disrupted) during the packet transfer, an intra-packet timeout is an unexpected event.
• Failing to read out all packets for a given frame before the next frame is available. Two examples
of this violation are shown in Figure 27 and Figure 28. Note that the vertical blue line shown in
the illustrations represents an internal frame-sync signal that indicates a new frame is ready for
read-out.
• Failing to read out all available frames. This violation is depicted in Figure 29. Note that the
requirement to read out all frames applies to both the unique and the duplicate frames.
A CRC error does not result in an automatic loss of synchronization. However, as mentioned previously,
it is recommended to intentionally re-synchronize (de-assert /CS for >185 msec) following a CRC error.
The following figures are examples of violations that result in a loss of synchronization.

Figure 26 - Valid Frame Timing (no loss of synchronization)

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

Figure 27 - Clock Too Slow - Failure to Read an Entire Frame Within the Frame Period

Figure 28 - Intra-Frame Delay Too Long - Failure to Read Out an Entire Frame Before the
Next Is Available

Figure 29 - Failure to Read Out an Available Frame

4.2.2.3.3 Frame Synchronization

The VoSPI protocol is designed such that embedded timing signals are not required. However, the Lepton
does provide an optional frame-timing output pulse that can aid in optimizing host timing. For example,
the host can burst-read data at a high clock rate and then idle until the next frame-timing pulse is
received. The pulse is enabled by selecting the VSYNC GPIO mode via the CCI; when enabled, it is
provided on the GPIO3 pin (see GPIO Modes). The signal can be configured (also via the CCI) to lead
or lag the actual internal start-of-frame (that is, the time at which the next frame is ready to be read) by -3
to +3 line periods (approximately -1.5 msec to +1.5 msec). By default, the pulse does not lead or lag.

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

4.2.3 VoSPI Protocol – Lepton FS1, 3.1R, 3.5, and UWFOV

The Lepton 3 VoSPI is built on a collection of object types as defined hierarchically below.
 VoSPI Packet: The Lepton 3 VoSPI protocol is based on a single standardized VoSPI packet,
the minimum “transaction” between master and slave. Each video packet contains data for a
single video line or telemetry line. In addition to video packets, the VoSPI protocol includes
discard packets that are provided when no video packets are available.
 VoSPI Segment: A VoSPI segment is defined as a continuous sequence of VoSPI packets
consisting of one quarter of a frame of pixel data. To maintain synchronization, it is
necessary to read out each VoSPI segment before the next is available.
 VoSPI Stream: A VoSPI stream is defined as a continuous sequence of VoSPI segments.

As summarized in Table 10, the packet length and number of packets per frame vary depending upon
two runtime user selections; telemetry mode and bit resolution.
 Telemetry mode:
 Telemetry disabled (default)
 Telemetry enabled
 Video Format mode:
 Raw14 (default)
 RGB888

Table 10 - Packet Length and Number of Video Packets per Frame as a Function of User
Settings

Video Format Mode Telemetry Mode

Telemetry Disabled Telemetry Enabled
Raw14 Packet length: 164 bytes Packet length: 164 bytes
Video packets per frame: Video packets per
RGB888 Packet length: 244 bytes N/A
Video packets per frame:
60

4.2.3.1 VoSPI Packets

As depicted in Figure 20, each packet contains a 4-byte header followed by either a 160-byte or 240-
byte payload. Note that because the payload size differs between video formats, the setting should be
selected before VoSPI synchronization is established. If the setting is changed while VoSPI is active, it is
necessary to re-synchronize (see VoSPI Stream).

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

Figure 30 - Generic VoSPI Packet

ID CRC Payload

4 bytes 160 or 240 bytes (depending upon bit resolution setting)

For video packets, the header includes a 2-byte ID and a 2-byte CRC. The ID field encodes the
segment number (1, 2, 3, or 4) and the packet number required to determine where the packet belongs
in relation to the final 160 x 120 image (or 160x122 if telemetry is enabled). The segment and packet
location in each frame is exemplified in Figure 31. Recall that with telemetry disabled, each segment is
comprised of 60 packets, each containing pixel data for half of a video line. With telemetry enabled,
each segment is comprised of 61 packets.

Figure 31 - Segment and Packet Relationship to the 160x120 video image

(a) Frame contents with telemetry disabled

(b) Frame contents with telemetry enabled

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

As shown in Figure 32, the first bit of the ID field is always a zero. The next three bits are referred to as the
TTT bits, and the following 12 are the packet number. Note that packet numbers restart at 0 on each new
segment. For all but packet number 20, the TTT bits can be ignored. On packet 20, the TTT bits encode the
segment number (1, 2, 3, or 4). The encoded segment number can also have a value of zero. In this case the
entire segment is invalid data and should be discarded. Figure 32 also shows an example of Packet 20 of
Segment 3.

Figure 32 - Packet Header Encoding and an Example

(a) Generic Encoding of the packet header

(b) Example showing the packet header for line 20 of segment 3

The CRC portion of the packet header contains a 16-bit cyclic redundancy check (CRC), computed
using the following polynomial:
16 12 5 0
x +x +x +x
The CRC is calculated over the entire packet, including the ID and CRC fields. However, the four most-
significant bits of the ID and all sixteen bits of the CRC are set to zero for calculation of the CRC. There is
no requirement for the host to verify the CRC. However, if the host does find a CRC mismatch, re-
synchronizing the VoSPI stream is recommended to to prevent potential misalignment.

From the beginning of SPI video transmission until synchronization is achieved (see VoSPI Stream)
and in the idle period between frames, Lepton transmits discard packets until it has a new frame from its
imaging pipeline. As shown in Figure 22, the 2-byte ID field for discard packets is always xFxx (where
'x' signifies a “don't care” condition). Note that VoSPI-enabled cameras do not have vertical resolution
approaching 3840 lines (0xF00), and therefore it is never possible for the ID field in a discard packet to
be mistaken for a video line.

Figure 33 - Discard Packet

ID CRC Payload

xFxx xxxx Discard data (same number of bytes as video packets)

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

For video packets, the payload contents depend upon the selected bit resolution:
 For Raw14 mode (the default case), the payload is 160 bytes long. Excluding telemetry lines 1,
each packet contains pixel data for all 80 pixels in a single video line (with AGC disabled, the first
two bits of each pixel's two-byte word are always set to 0; if AGC is enabled, the first eight bits
are set to 0).
 For RGB888 mode, the payload is 240 bytes long. Excluding telemetry lines (which are invalid in
RGB mode), each packet consists of pixel data for a single video line (3 bytes per pixel).
Each case is illustrated in the following payload encoding figures.

Figure 34 - Raw14 Mode: 1 video line per 160-byte payload

Byte 0 Byte 1 Byte 2 Byte 3 ... Byte 158 Byte 159
Line m Line m ... Line m
Pixel 0 Pixel 1 Pixel 79
Figure 35 - RGB888 Mode: 1 video line per 240-byte payload
Byte 0 Byte 1 Byte 2 Byte 3 Byte 4 Byte 5 ... Byte 237 Byte 238 Byte 239
Line m Line m Line m Line m Line m Line m Line m Line m Line m
Pixel 0 Pixel 0 Pixel 0 Pixel 1 Pixel 1 Pixel 1 Pixel 79 Pixel 79 Pixel 79
R G B R G B R G B
Note(s)
1. See Telemetry Modes for payload contents of the telemetry lines

4.2.3.2 VoSPI Segments

Each valid Lepton 3 segment contains data for one quarter of a complete frame. With telemetry disabled,
each segment includes 60 packets comprised of 30 video rows. When telemetry is enabled, each segment
includes 61 packets comprised of 30.5 rows. Note that with telemetry enabled, two rows (4 packets) of pixel
data are replaced by the telemetry lines; pixel data is either shifted down, in which case the bottom two rows
are excluded (header mode), or up, in which case the top two rows are excluded (footer mode). With
telemetry enabled as a header, packets 0 -3 of segment 1 provide the telemetry data, and the remaining 57
packets of segment 1 provide data for the first 28.5 rows of pixel data. Segments 2, 3, and 4 each provide
data for 30.5 rows of pixel data. When telemetry is enabled as a footer, segments 1, 2, and 3 each provide
data for 3.05 rows of pixel data whereas packets 0 – 56 of segment 4 contain 28.5 rows of pixel data, and
packets 57 – 60 provide the telemetry data. The location of the telemetry lines is illustrated in

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

Figure 36. Location of Telemetry Lines

a) Telemetry as header

b) Telemetry as footer

4.2.3.3 VoSPI Stream

A VoSPI stream is simply a continuous sequence of VoSPI segments following a synchronization event.
Provided that synchronization is maintained, a VoSPI stream can continue indefinitely. The segment rate is
approximately 106 Hz, which equates to a frame rate of ~ 26.5 Hz. However, the rate of unique and valid
frames is just below 9 Hz to comply with U.S. export restrictions. For each unique frame, two partial and
invalid frames follow in the VoSPI stream. This pattern is illustrated in Figure 37, with unique frames
shown in blue and invalid frames shown in gray. The 32-bit frame counter provided in the telemetry lines
(see Telemetry Modes) only increments on new frames, which is also illustrated in Figure 37. The
segment numbers will follow accordingly: 1, 2, 3, 4, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, etc., where unique

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

frames are comprised of segment numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 and invalid frames are comprised of zeros for each
segment number.

Figure 36 - Frame Counter for Successive Frames

NOTE: Blue frames are different from the previous frames, gray frames are invalid.

4.2.3.3.1 Establishing/Re-Establishing Sync

The basic process for establishing synchronization is listed below:
• Deassert /CS and idle SCK for at least 5 frame periods (>185 msec). This step ensures a timeout
of the VoSPI interface, which puts the Lepton 3 in the proper state to establish (or re-establish)
synchronization.
• Assert /CS and enable SCLK. This action causes the Lepton 3 to start transmission of a first
packet.
• Examine the ID field of the packet, identifying a discard packet. Read out the entire packet.
• Continue reading packets. When a new segment is available (should be less than 10 msec after
asserting /CS and reading the first packet), the first video packet will be transmitted. The master
and slave are now synchronized.
4.2.3.3.2 Maintaining Sync
There are three main violations that can result in a loss of synchronization:
 Intra-packet timeout. Once a packet starts, it must be completely clocked out within 3 line
periods.
 Provided that VoSPI clock rate is appropriately selected and that /CS is not de-asserted (or
SCLK disrupted) in the midst of the packet transfer, an intra-packet timeout is an unexpected
event.

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

 Failing to read out all packets for a given frame before the next frame is available. Two examples
of this violation are shown in Figure 27 and Figure 28. Note that the vertical blue line shown in
the illustrations represents an internal frame-sync signal that indicates a new frame is ready for
read-out.
 Failing to read out all available frames. This violation is depicted in Figure 29. Note that the
requirement to read out all frames applies to both the unique and the duplicate frames.
A CRC error does not result in an automatic loss of synchronization. However, as mentioned previously,
it is recommended to intentionally re-synchronize (de-assert /CS for >185 msec) following a CRC error.
The following figures are examples of violations that result in a loss of synchronization.

Figure 37 - Valid Frame Timing (no loss of synchronization)

Figure 38 - Clock Too Slow - Failure to Read an Entire Frame Within the Frame Period

Figure 39 - Intraframe Delay Too Long - Failure to Read Out an Entire Frame Before the
Next Is Available

Figure 40 - Failure to Read Out an Available Frame

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

4.2.3.3.3 Frame Synchronization

The VoSPI protocol is designed such that embedded timing signals are not required. However, Lepton 3
does provide an optional frame-timing output pulse that can aid in optimizing host timing. For example,
the host can burst-read data at a high clock rate and then idle until the next frame-timing pulse is
received. The pulse is enabled by selecting the VSYNC GPIO mode via the CCI; when enabled, it is
provided on the GPIO3 pin (see GPIO Modes). The signal can be configured (also via the CCI) to lead
or lag the actual internal start-of-frame (that is, the time at which the next frame is ready to be read) by -3
to +3 line periods (approximately -1.5 msec to +1.5 msec). By default, the pulse does not lead or lag.

4.2.4 VoSPI Protocol – Lepton 2 vs. Lepton 3

This section is provided for customers already familiar with the Lepton VoSPI protocol. It concisely
summarizes the difference between Lepton (80x60 resolution) and Lepton 3 (160x120 resolution). Much
of the protocol is identical, including the following:
1) The physical layer is identical, including the SPI mode and timing.
2) The minimum VoSPI transaction is a packet, consisting of 164 bytes of data when in Raw14
video mode or 244 bytes of data when in RGB888 mode. The packet protocol, including the
packet header and payload, are unchanged. However, it is worth noting a single packet
represented a single 80-pixel video line for Lepton whereas it represents half of a 160-pixel video
line in Lepton 3.
3) The synchronization requirements are identical with one exception. To maintain synchronization,
Lepton requires each video frame to be read out prior to the next available frame. In contrast,
Lepton 3 requires each segment to be read out prior to the next available segment where a
segment represents one-quarter of a video frame. Lepton 3 sync pulse cannot be used to
synchronize external circuitry to frames.
4) For both Lepton and Lepton 3, each unique video frame is followed by two non-unique frames
which must be read out to maintain synchronization. For Lepton, each unique video frame is
duplicated twice. For Lepton 3, each unique frame is followed by two partial, invalid frames.
The four most significant differences between the Lepton VoSPI interface and that of Lepton 3 are:
1) For Lepton, reconstructing a video frame from the individual packets requires the host to decode
the packet number from each packet header. For Lepton 3, the host must decode both the
packet number and the segment number.
2) There is 4X more data to be read per frame on Lepton 3 compared to Lepton. Therefore, the
minimum SPI clock rate to read a frame of data is 4X higher.
3) If the sync pulse is enabled (see section 9.2.3), its frequency is 4X higher on Lepton 3 than on
Lepton. For Lepton 3, the sync pulse represents when the next available segment is available,
whereas for Lepton it indicates when the next available frame is available.
When telemetry is enabled in Lepton, it results in three extra video lines (63 total packets per frame).
When telemetry is enabled in Lepton 3, it results in 1 additional packet per segment for a total of 2 extra
video lines.

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

5 THERMAL CAMERA BASICS

It is noteworthy that the integration period for a thermal detector does not have the same impact on image
formation as it does for a photon detector such as a typical CMOS array. While a photon detector converts
incoming photons to electrons with near-instantaneous response, a microbolometer such as the Lepton is
always integrating incident radiation. It is always “active,” regardless of whether it is being actively
integrated. The ability to detect high-speed phenomena is more a function of the detector's thermal time
constant, which governs the rate of temperature change. For Lepton, the detector time constant is on the
order of 12 msec, which means that an instantaneous irradiance change will result in a temperature
change of the detector as shown in Figure 42.

Figure 41 - Illustration of Lepton Detector Time Constant

In addition to integrating signal current, the ROIC also digitizes and multiplexes the signal from each
detector into a serial stream. The Lepton ROIC digitizes data from an on-chip temperature sensor as
well as a thermistor attached to the camera housing. An anti-reflection (AR) coated window is bonded
above the sensor array via a wafer-level packaging (WLP) process, encapsulating the array in a
vacuum. The purpose of the vacuum is to provide high thermal resistance between the microbolometer
elements and the ROIC substrate, allowing for maximum temperature change in response to incident
radiation.

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

6 MOUNTING SPECIFICATIONS
The Lepton camera mechanical interface is defined in the drawings in section References on page 10. An
example with socket is shown in Figure 43.

Figure 42 - Lepton 2.5, 3.1R, 3.5 and FS1 with Molex socket 1050281001 (left) and Lepton
UWFOV with Molex socket 1050281001

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

6.1 Socket Information

The Lepton module is compatible with two commercially available sockets, Molex 105028-1001 and
Molex 105028-2031, illustrated in Figure 44 below. The former makes electrical contact on the upper
surface of a printed circuit board, the latter to the lower surface (with a cutout in the board that the socket
fits into). In both cases, solder connections are made to the top or “component” side of the board.
Figure 45 depicts both socket configurations mounted on a PCB.
To order sockets, visit www.arrow.com.

Figure 43 - Two Commercially Available Sockets (both from Molex) Compatible with
Lepton

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

Figure 44 - Both Sockets Mounted on a PCB

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

6.2 Mechanical Considerations

The socket described in Socket Information is not intended to retain the Lepton assembly under high-
shock conditions. It is recommended to incorporate front-side retention such as illustrated in Figure 46.
Note that a maximum uniform load of 1kgF can be applied to the shutter face without causing failures in
shutter actuation. When designing the foam thickness and compression, the tolerances must be such
that the maximum force of 1kgF at the same time as enough force is exerted to keep the Lepton in the
socket.

Figure 45 - Recommended Approach to Retaining Lepton in the End Application

The Lepton camera is not a sealed assembly, so for most applications, locating the assembly behind a
sealed protective window is recommended. Common materials for LWIR windows include silicon,
germanium, and zinc selenide. (LWIR absorption in silicon is on the order of 15%/mm, which means
NEDT is adversely affected using a silicon window. Bulk absorption in germanium and zinc selenide is
negligible, and performance is essentially unchanged provided both surfaces of the window are anti-
reflection (AR) coated.) Note that the window should be sized so that it is large enough to avoid
encroaching upon the optical keep-out zone (see Optical Considerations).

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

6.3 Thermal Considerations

It is important to minimize any temperature gradient across the camera. The sensor should be mounted in
such a fashion as to isolate it from heat loads such as electronics, heaters, and non-symmetric external
heating. The surrounding area must be able to support and withstand the dissipation of up to 160 mW of
heat by the camera.

6.4 Optical Considerations

The optical keep-out zone is described by the three-dimensional field of view cone within the Lepton with
Radiometry STEP file. To avoid mechanical vignetting, do not impinge upon the keep-out zone defined
by this cone.

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

7 IMAGE CHARACTERISTICS

The information given in Table 13 applies across the full operating temperature range.

Table 11 - Image Characteristics

Parameter Description Lepton 2.5, 3.1R ,3.5, and Lepton 3.0 FS Values
UWFOV Values

NETD Noise Equivalent <50 mK, radiometry < 75 mK

Temperature Difference mode
(random temporal noise)
(35 mK typical)

Intra-scene Minimum and High Gain Mode: -10°C High Gain Mode: -10°C to
Range maximum scene to 140°C, typical1 140°C, typical1
temperature
Low Gain Mode: -10°C Low Gain Mode: -10°C to
to 350°C, typical
450°C, typical1

Operability Number of non- >99.0% > 97.0%

defective pixels

Clusters Number of adjacent No clusters allowed No clusters allowed.

defective pixels

“Adjacent” means any of the Adjacent defective pixels

8 nearest neighbors (or are allowed.
nearest 5 for an edge pixel,
nearest 3 for a corner).

Note(s)
1. Scene dynamic range is a function of sensor characteristics and ambient temperature. Range values reported are
typical values at room temperature ambient. See
2. Table 1- Key Specifications for details.

The nominal minimum on-axis modulation transfer function (MTF) at Nyquist/2 for the Lepton lens
assembly is 63% for Lepton 2.5,51% for Lepton FS1, 3.1R and 3.5, and 40% for the Lepton UWFOV.

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

8 SPECTRAL RESPONSE

For reference, Figure 47 depicts the typical spectral response of the Lepton camera.

Figure 46 - Normalized Response as a Function of Signal Wavelength for Lepton 2.5

Figure 47 - Normalized Response as a Function of Signal Wavelength for Lepton 3.5

Normalized Response
100%
90%
80%
Normalized Response

70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0 11.0 12.0 13.0 14.0 15.0
Wavelength (micron)

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

9 ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS

9.1 Camera Module Pinout

Figure 48 - Pinout Diagram (viewed from bottom of camera module)

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

Table 12 - Lepton Camera Module Pin Descriptions

Signal
Pin # Pin Name Signal Level Description
Type

1, 6, 8, GND Power GND Common Ground

9, 10,
15, 18,
20, 25,
27, 30
2 GPIO3/VSYNC IN/OUT VDDIO Video output synchronization (see GPIO
Modes)
3 GPIO2 IN/OUT VDDIO Reserved

4 GPIO1 IN/OUT VDDIO Reserved

5 GPIO0 IN/OUT VDDIO Reserved

7 VDDC Power 1.2V Supply for MIPI Core, PLL, ASIC Core
(1.2V
+/- 5%)
11 SPI_MOSI IN VDDIO Video Over SPI Slave Data In (see VoSPI
Channel)
12 SPI_MISO OUT VDDIO Video Over SPI Slave Data Out (see
VoSPI Channel)
13 SPI_CLK IN VDDIO Video Over SPI Slave Clock (see VoSPI
Channel)
14 SPI_CS_L IN VDDIO Video Over SPI Slave Chip Select, active
low (see VoSPI Channel)

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

Table 13 - Lepton Camera Module Pin Descriptions (cont.)

Signal
Pin # Pin Name Signal Level Description
Type

16 VDDIO Power 2.8 V — 3.1 V Supply used for System IO

17 VPROG — — See section 4.1.

19 VDD Power 2.8V Supply for Sensor (2.8V +/- 3%).

21 SCL IN VDDIO Camera Control Interface Clock,

I2C compatible
(see Command and Control
Interface)
22 SDA IN/OUT VDDIO Camera Control Interface Data,
I2C compatible
(see Command and Control
Interface)
23 PWR_DWN_L IN VDDIO This active low signal shuts down the
camera
24 RESET_L IN VDDIO This active low signal resets the camera
26 MASTER_CLK IN VDDIO ASIC Master Clock Input (see
Master Clock)
28 RESERVED
29 RESERVED
31 RESERVED
32 RESERVED

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9.2 DC and Logic Level Specifications

Table 14 - DC and Logic Levels

Symbol Parameter Min Typ Max Units

VDDC Core Voltage (primary power for 1.14 1.20 1.26 Volts
the Lepton internal ASIC)
VDDCpp VDDC, peak-to-peak ripple — — 50 mV
voltage
VDD Sensor Voltage (primary power 2.72 2.80 2.88 Volts
for the Lepton internal sensor
chip)
VDDpp VDD, peak-to-peak ripple — — 30 mV
voltage
VDDIO3 I/O Voltage (primary power for 2.8 — 3.1 Volts
the Lepton I/O ring)
VDDIOpp VDDIO, peak-to-peak ripple — — 50 mV
voltage
I_DDC Supply current for core (VDDC) 76 84 110 mA
I_DD Supply current for sensor (VDD) 12 14 16
1 mA
I_DDIO Supply current for I/O ring 1 235 mA 310 mA2 mA
and shutter assembly (during (during
(VDDIO) FFC) FFC)

Note(s)

1. Maximum measured at 65 °C
2. Maximum at -10 °C
3. FLIR recommends utilizing two separate power supplies rather than a common supply for VDD and VDDIO due to noise
considerations.

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

9.3 AC Electrical Characteristics

Table 15 - AC Electrical Characteristics

Parameter Min Typ Max Units

MASTER_CLK, Fclk 24.975 MHz 25 MHz 25.025 MHz Master clock

See note 1 See note 1, rate
MASTER_CLK, Fclk duty 45% 50% 2
55% Master clock
duty cycle
MASTER_CLK, tr -- -- 3.4ns Clock rise time
(10% to 90%)
MASTER_CLK, tf -- -- 3.4ns Clock fall time
(90% to 10%)
SPI_CLK, Fclk See note 3 20 MHz VoSPI clock rate

SPI_CLK, Fclk duty 45% 50% 55% SPI-clock duty

cycle
SPI_CLK, tr -- -- TBD SPI clock rise
time (10% to
SPI_CLK, tf -- -- TBD SPI clock fall
time (90% to
SCL, Fclk 1 MHz I2C clock rate

SCL, Fclk duty 45% 50% 55% I2C-clock duty

cycle
SCL_CLK, tr -- -- TBD I2C clock rise
time (10% to
SCL_CLK, tf -- -- TBD I2C clock fall
time (90% to
Note(s)

1. Master clock frequencies significantly more or less than 25MHz may cause image degradation.
2. Master clock frequencies significantly above 25.5MHz will cause the camera to stop displaying live sensor data and display an
overclock test pattern.
3. As described in VoSPI Protocol, the minimum VoSPI clock frequency is dependent upon the requirement to read out all video
packets for a given frame within the frame period. The size and number of video packets vary with user settings.

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

9.4 Absolute Maximum Ratings

Electrical stresses beyond those listed in Table 18 may cause permanent damage to the device. These
are stress ratings only, and functional operation of the device at these or any other conditions beyond
those indicated under the recommended operating conditions listed in Table 19 is not implied.
Exposure to absolute-maximum-rated conditions for extended periods of time may affect device
reliability.

Table 16 - Absolute Maximum Ratings

Parameter Absolute Maximum Rating

Core Voltage (VDDC) 1.5 V
Sensor Voltage (VDD) 4.8 V
I/O Voltage (VDDIO) 4.8 V
Voltage on any I/O pin Lesser of (VDDIO + 0.6V) or 4.8V

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

9.5 Electronic integration considerations

A typical example of integrating a Lepton on a PCB is shown in Figure 50. Matching Cadence design
files can be found in References, page 10. The MOSI signal is not used and can be grounded.

Figure 49 - Example of Lepton Schematic

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

10 ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS

Environmental stresses beyond those listed may cause permanent damage to the device. Exposure to
absolute-maximum-rated conditions for extended periods of time may affect device reliability.

Table 17 - Environmental Specifications

Stress Maximum Rating

Operating Temperature Range -10 °C to 80 °C
(-20 °C to 80 °C with some possible performance degradation)
Maximum Operating Temperature 80 °C1
Shutter Operating Temperature -10 °C to 80 °C2
Storage Temperature -40 °C to 80 °C
Altitude (pressure) 12 km altitude equivalent
Relative Humidity 95%
Thermal Shock Air-to-air across operating temp. extremes (-10 °C to
65 °C, 65 °C to -10 °C)
Mechanical Shock 1500 g, 0.4 msec
Vibration Transportation profile, 4.3 grms
ESD Human Body Model (HBM), 2kV
Charged Device Model (CDM), 500V
Note(s)

1. Lepton contains an automatic shutdown feature when its internal temperature exceeds the maximum safe operating value. See
Power States.
2. Lepton contains an automatic shutter lockout feature that prevents the shutter from operating when its internal temperature is
outside the range of -10°C to 80°C for Lepton 2.5 and 3.5. See FFC States.

10.1 Compliance with Environmental Directives

Lepton complies with the following directives and regulations:

• Directive 2002/95/EC, “Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances in electrical and
electronic equipment (RoHS)”.
• Directive 2002/96/ EC, “Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)”.
• Regulation (EC) 1907/2006, “Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals
(REACH)”.

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

11 ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

Abbreviation Description
AGC Automatic Gain Control
AR Anti-reflection
CCI Command and Control Interface
CRC Cyclic Redundancy Check
DSP Digital Signal Processor
EMC Electromagnetic Compatibility
FFC Flat Field Correction
FOV Field of View
FPA Focal Plane Array
FPN Fixed Pattern Noise
GPIO General Purpose IO
HFOV Horizontal Field of View
I2C Inter-Integrated Circuit
IDD Interface Description Document
LWIR Long Wave Infrared
MISO Maser In/Slave Out
MOSI Master Out/Slave In
NEDT Noise Equivalent Differential Temperature
NUC Non-Uniformity Correction
OTP One-Time Programmable
PLL Phase-Lock Loop
REACH Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

RoHS Reduction of Hazardous Substances

ROIC Readout Integrated Circuit
SBNUC Scene-based Non-uniformity Correction
SNR Signal to Noise Ratio
SoC System on a Chip
SPI Serial Peripheral Interface
SVP Software-based Video Processing
TCR Temperature Coefficient of Resistance
TWI Two-wire Interface
VoSPI Video Over SPI
VOx Vanadium-oxide
WEEE Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
WLP Wafer-level Packaging

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 FLIR Lepton Product Datasheet

© FLIR Commercial Systems, 2023. All rights reserved worldwide. No parts of this manual, in whole or in part, may be copied,
photocopied, translated, or transmitted to any electronic medium or machine-readable form without the prior written permission
of FLIR Commercial Systems

Names and marks appearing on the products herein are either registered trademarks or trademarks of FLIR Commercial
Systems and/or its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, trade names or company names referenced herein are used for
identification only and a r e the property of their respective owners.

This product is protected by patents, design patents, patents pending, or design patents pending.

If you have questions that are not covered in this manual, or need service, contact FLIR Commercial Systems Customer
Support at 805.964.9797 for additional information prior to returning a camera.

This documentation and the requirements specified herein are subject to change without notice.

This equipment must be disposed of as electronic waste.

Contact your nearest FLIR Commercial Systems, Inc. representative for instructions on how to return the product
to FLIR for proper disposal.

FCC Notice. This device is a subassembly designed for incorporation into other products in order to provide an infrared camera function.
It is not an end-product fit fo1r consumer use. When incorporated into a host device, the end-product will generate, use, and radiate radio
frequency energy that may cause radio interference. As such, the end-product incorporating this subassembly must be tested and approved
under the rules of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) before the end-product may be offered for sale or lease, advertised,
imported, sold, or leased in the United States. The FCC regulations are designed to provide reasonable protection against interference to
radio communications. See 47 C.F.R. §§ 2.803 and 15.1 et seq.

Industry Canada Notice. This device is a subassembly designed for incorporation into other products in order to provide an infrared
camera function. It is not an end-product fit for consumer use. When incorporated into a host device, the end-product will generate, use,
and radiate radio frequency energy that may cause radio interference. As such, the end-product incorporating this subassembly must be
tested for compliance with the Interference-Causing Equipment Standard, Digital Apparatus, ICES-003, of Industry Canada before the
product incorporating this device may be: manufactured or offered for sale or lease, imported, distributed, sold, or leased in Canada.

Avis d’Industrie Canada. Cet appareil est un sous-ensemble conçu pour être intégré à un autre produit afin de fournir une fonction de
caméra infrarouge. Ce n’est pas un produit final destiné aux consommateurs. Une fois intégré à un dispositif hôte, le produit final va
générer, utiliser et émettre de l’énergie radiofréquence qui pourrait provoquer de l’interférence radio. En tant que tel, le produit final intégrant
ce sous-ensemble doit être testé pour en vérifier la conformité avec la Norme sur le matériel brouilleur pour les appareils numériques
(NMB-003) d’Industrie Canada avant que le produit intégrant ce dispositif puisse être fabriqué, mis en vente ou en location, importé,
distribué, vendu ou loué au Canada.

EU Notice. This device is a subassembly or component intended only for product evaluation, development or incorporation into other
products in order to provide an infrared camera function. It is not a finished end-product fit for general consumer use. Persons handling
this device must have appropriate electronics training and observe good engineering practice standards. As such, this product does not
fall within the scope of the European Union (EU) directives regarding electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). Any end-product intended
for general consumer use that incorporates this device must be tested in accordance and comply with all applicable EU EMC and other
relevant directives.

Information on this page is subject to change without notice. Approved for public release: Teledyne FLIR approved [FLIRGTC-SBA-014].
Teledyne FLIR Proprietary - Copyright 2023. Document Number: 500-0771-01-09, Lepton Engineering Datasheet, Rev: 300