Heat generation from camera

• MartyX Grover

  • April 15, 2022 17:27
  • Edited

  Hi Lisetk  Pages 65-67 of the current edition of the data sheet document for the 400 Series cameras provide thermal guidance, discussing subjects such as recommended maximum operating temperatures, heat dissipation and passive / active cooling solutions.

  https://dev.intelrealsense.com/docs/intel-realsense-d400-series-product-family-datasheet

   

  Given that the camera will be sealed in a custom enclosure where it is difficult to exhaust heat, the factor that may be of most significance will be the temperature of the camera's outer casing.  The quoted pages recommend a maximum internal operating temperature of 35 degrees C and a maximum outer casing temperature of 50 degrees C.  Whilst 35 degees C is the official recommended operating temperature maximum, it may be able to go as high as 42 degrees before problems with the image begin manifesting above that temperature.

   

  There is a relationship between outer casing temperature and inner operating temperature.  Intel lab tests found that as long as the outer casing temperature did not exceed 44 degrees C then the camera's internal operating temperature should not exceed 60 degrees C.  At 60 degrees, if the camera's Projector temperature is detected to be above 60 for several seconds then a laser safety mechanism in the camera firmware driver will first halve the projector's laser power to try to bring the temperature down.  If the temperature continues to exceed 60 after that then the laser safety mechanism shuts the laser off.  This does not prevent the camera from continuing to operate but depth image quality may be reduced whilst the laser is off.

   

  In a previous case involving dealing with heat in an underwater housing, I suggested implementing a check valve into the design of the custom housing.  This is a one-way valve that can let fluids and gases out but does not allow return in the opposite direction.  Such a valve may help to meet IP68 by allowing exhausting outward from within but not permitting liquid or particles to enter the housing from the outside.

   

  In regard to the heat generated by the camera: as mentioned above, the internal operating temperature could reach as high as 60 degrees in theory before the laser safety mechanism kicks in, but this would be very exceptional circumstances.  In circumstances where the camera is running hot, 42 to 45 degrees is more typical of the highest temperature values seen in real-world cases.

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• Lisetk

  • April 15, 2022 17:25

  Thanks for the answer. I will have to see what I can figure out based on the information you supplied me.

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