DIY Thermal Camera: Build your Own Infrared Imaging Device with ESP32 and MLX90640 Sensor

This handheld thermal imaging device is powered by an ESP32 Wrover Module, which serves as the central processing unit and manages data acquisition, display rendering, and system logic. Temperature data is captured using the MLX90640 Far Infrared Thermal Sensor, an array that measures surface temperatures without physical contact. The ESP32 communicates with this sensor and reads thermal frames, which are then processed and displayed in real-time onto a 2.4-inch TFT Display using the ILI9341 driver. For storage, an integrated SD Card Reader allows users to save thermal images or logs directly to removable memory. Power management is handled by a Type C USB Connector that feeds into a TP4056 Li-ion Charger IC for safely recharging the onboard lithium-ion battery. A MIC5219-3.3YM5 LDO voltage regulator steps down the power to a stable 3.3V required by the digital logic, while discrete components like the AO3401 P-MOSFET, 2n7002DW N-MOSFET, S8050 transistor, and SS34 diode handle power switching, protection, and signal conditioning across the custom PCB. The CH340K USB-UART Controller enables serial communication for programming and debugging the ESP32 through the Arduino IDE. Users interact with the device via tactile switches, navigating menus and capturing data, while the entire electronics assembly is housed within a custom 3D printed enclosure.