2025-05-01

Noise equivalent temperature difference (NETD)

Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD) is a measurement for how well a thermal imaging detector is able to distinguish between very small differences in thermal radiation in the image. NETD is typically being expressed in milli-Kelvin (mK), example: NETD @ 30C : 60 Mk. It is also sometimes referred to as “Thermal Contrast” or “thermal sensitivity”. When the noise is equivalent to the smallest measurable temperature difference, the detector has reached its limit of its ability to resolve a useful thermal signal. The more noise there is, the higher the NETD value of the detector is. A higher NETD value means that there is more noise. The higher NETD is, the lower ability to distinguish temperature difference, the lower NETD is the higher ability to distinguish temperature difference.

In conclusion, the lower NETD, the better the thermal imager is.

Typical values for uncooled, micro-bolometer detector thermal cameras are on the order of 50 mK. Cooled thermal imaging detectors can achieve NETD values of about 18 mK.

For uncooled, micro-bolometer detector thermal cameras, below values for your reference:

*NETD<40 mK（Outstanding）

*NETD<50 mK（Good）

*NETD<60 mK（Normal）

*NETD<80 mK（Not good）

(MH’s thermal core could be NETD<30 mK,click here to see)

Choose The Best Device For Your Thermal Needs

Do you have any  more questions on thermal cameras? Are you working on an application that  benefits from thermal imaging cameras? Let us know! Chat with an engineers !

Email:  jacky@mh-elec.com

WhatsApp: +86-18792456795