The Goobuy UC-541 is a 21×21 mm, 22 g ultra-light CVBS thermal imaging camera module designed for FPV drones, UAV inspection, robotics and embedded systems requiring real-time low-latency thermal vision with strict SWaP (Size, Weight, Power) constraints.

Engineered for FPV drones and UAVs, the Goobuy UC-541 thermal camera combines a miniature 21×21 mm footprint, ultra-light 22 g weight and analog CVBS output to deliver real-time thermal video with virtually zero latency. Offering multiple resolution options—256×192, 384×288, 640×512 and 1280×1024—it supports LWIR (8–14 µm) thermal imaging for night flight, smoke penetration, energy inspection and robotic navigation where visible-light cameras fail.
Its CVBS PAL/NTSC analog interface ensures seamless integration with FPV flight controllers, OSD boards and analog VTX systems, while OEM/ODM options include customizable lenses (4 mm / 9.x mm), housing, and cabling for professional UAV, robotics and industrial thermal-vision solutions.

 

Product Overview

The Goobuy UC-541 Thermal Imaging Camera Module is a 21×21 mm, 22g ultra-light solution that delivers low-latency analog CVBS output (PAL/NTSC), making it an excellent fit for FPV drones, autonomous robots, and energy monitoring systems.

Unlike digital modules, its analog CVBS video ensures near-zero delay, ideal for real-time FPV navigation and inspection flights. With support for multiple color palettes, robust thermal sensitivity, and flexible integration, it provides engineers with an affordable and practical tool for embedded thermal vision.

21*21mm Mini CVBS thermal camera modules (256*192, 384*288, 640*512, 1280*1024, analog output) are ideal for drones, UAVs, and FPV systems where low latency, analog transmission is preferred over digital for real-time monitoring.The core advantages of the 22g ultra-light CVBS thermal imaging module (4 resolutions) are its extreme weight and high integration, making it a revolutionary solution for scenarios where weight and space are critical

 

Thermal Imaging (Uncooled Microbolometer): This core technology detects infrared radiation (heat) rather than visible light.

Solves: The inability to see in complete darkness, through smoke, fog, light dust, or certain thin materials. It also detects invisible temperature anomalies (hot/cold spots) and enables non-contact temperature measurement.

Meets Demand: Enhanced situational awareness in challenging visual conditions; predictive maintenance (identifying overheating components); security in absolute darkness; process control based on temperature; fire detection.

 

Product Features
✔ Various Resolution Thermal Imaging: Detect minute temperature differences
✔ 21*21mm Module Size: Suitable for tight embedded integration and FPV drone
✔ Real-Time IR Output: For immediate monitoring and AI analysis
✔ Customizable Interface: USB, CVBS, AV options
✔ OEM Ready: 4mm and 9mm lens available

 

Engineering Advantage: Why Choose Analog (CVBS) in 2025?

While digital interfaces (USB/MIPI) are popular, Analog CVBS remains the superior choice for specific engineering challenges:

• Long-Range Transmission: Transmit video over 100+ meters of low-cost coaxial cable (vs. 3m limit for USB).

• Zero Latency: No digital encoding/decoding delay. What happens now, you see now. Crucial for driving/piloting.

• Simplicity: No drivers, no OS compatibility issues (Linux/Windows/Android). It works like a TV—plug it in, and the image appears.

• Low Power: Consumes significantly less power than digital processing boards, extending battery life in portable devices.

Sensor vs Output

• Thermal core: LWIR 8–14 µm band, [resolution: 256×192 / 384×288 / 640×512], [pixel pitch 12 µm/17 µm], typical NETD ≤ [xx mK], lens options for narrow/medium/wide FOV.
• Module output: CVBS PAL/NTSC @ 25/30 fps, analog video stream for FPV goggles/DVR/VTX, supports multiple color palettes and OSD overlays.

Note: This version is non-radiometric (video-only, no temperature measurement)

Integration & Compatibility

• Plug directly into VTX/DVR/OSD modules for FPV or recording
• PAL/NTSC selectable for global use
• Multiple lens FOV options for UAV gimbals and industrial enclosures
• Compact size fits into small gimbals, robots, and monitoring cabinets

 

compare real video screenshot between 640*512 EFL 9.1mm lens thermal camera and 256*192 EFL 3.1mm lens thermal camera

( picture had been compressed much)

 

Output Type	CVBS Thermal Camera	HDMI Thermal Camera	USB Thermal Camera
Latency	Ultra-low (near-zero)	Low	Medium
Image Quality	Low–Mid	High–Very High	High
Resolution Range	256×192 → 640×512	256×192 → 1280×1024+	256×192 → 1280×1024+
Interface	Analog PAL/NTSC	Digital HDMI	Digital USB/UVC
Best For	FPV drones, real-time piloting	Display/monitor systems	Robotics, embedded vision
Integration Difficulty	Very low	Medium	Medium–High
Weight Impact	Lowest (simple circuitry)	Medium	Medium
Processing Required	None / minimal	Minimal	Higher (software needed)
Cable Length	Long, low sensitivity	Short–Medium	Short
Use Case	Real-time flight, low latency navigation	Thermal monitors, surveillance	AI edge devices, robotics, analysis

 

Application Scenarios
A. FPV Drones & UAV Night Flight
Ultra-low latency CVBS thermal feed for pilots; ideal for night flying, smoke conditions, fog penetration and thermal-signature tracking.

B. Industrial UAV Inspection
Detect thermal anomalies on solar panels, power lines, substations, wind turbines, especially under low-visibility or harsh environments.

C. Robotics & Autonomous Navigation
Embedded thermal vision for robots operating in dark rooms, tunnels, firefighting scenarios and low-visibility environments.

D. Energy & Infrastructure Monitoring
Detect overheating components, electrical faults, insulation failures, and heat leaks that standard visible cameras cannot detect.

E. Search & Rescue
Identify human heat signatures in darkness, smoke, debris, forests, and disaster zones.

F. DIY Handheld Night Vision & Thermal Monoculars

• Scenario: Outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and makers building their own portable thermal scopes or upgrading existing optical sights.

• Why this module? The CVBS output connects directly to miniature viewfinder screens (LCOS/OLED micro-displays) without complex processors. The 21mm size fits perfectly inside 3D-printed housings or rifle scope attachments.

G  Industrial Pipe Crawlers & Sewer Robots

• Scenario: Inspecting sewage pipes, HVAC ducts, or oil pipelines where lighting is impossible and cables must be long.

• Why this module? USB signals fail after 3-5 meters. CVBS analog signals can travel hundreds of meters over coaxial cable without latency, making this module ideal for tethered inspection robots operating in dark, narrow tubes.

H.  Covert Security & Mini-CCTV

• Scenario: Hidden surveillance in ATMs, smart doorbells, or border monitoring sensors.

• Why this module? The tiny lens (pinhole-like size available) and board allow it to be disguised easily. It detects body heat even in absolute darkness where hidden visual cameras fail.

 

Your Target Customers
- Industrial Automation Integrators
- Robotics and Drone OEMs
- Smart Building & HVAC Solution Providers
- Security Camera and Surveillance Developers
- Medical Device Manufacturers
- AI & Embedded Vision Startups

 

what troubling problems it can solve in Drone / FPV / UAV application? 

This micro CVBS thermal camera module is a game-changer for drone, FPV (First Person View), and UAV applications, particularly where minimal weight, real-time video, and all-conditions visibility are essential.

Problems Solved:

1. All-Weather / All-Light Aerial Surveillance & Inspection:
   • Problem: Traditional drone cameras are blind at night, in heavy fog, or when smoke obscures targets (e.g., search & rescue, wildlife monitoring, security patrols, infrastructure inspection).
   • Solution: Provides clear thermal imagery regardless of ambient light or minor atmospheric obstructions. This enables 24/7 drone operations for security, finding missing persons/animals, or inspecting infrastructure (e.g., solar farms, power lines) at any time.
   •  
2. Extended Flight Time for Thermal Imaging:
   • Problem: Integrating bulky and heavy thermal cameras significantly reduces drone flight time due to payload limitations.
   • Solution: At just 18 grams, this module is revolutionary, allowing even small consumer-grade or FPV drones to carry thermal capabilities with minimal impact on endurance, opening up new mission possibilities.
   •  
3. Real-Time FPV for Navigation & Targeting:
   • Problem: Latency in digital video feeds can be disorienting and dangerous for FPV drone piloting, especially for fast-moving or precision operations.
   • Solution: CVBS output provides an ultra-low latency, direct analog video feed to the FPV goggles or ground station monitor, enabling precise real-time navigation and targeting in environments where visible light is insufficient (e.g., flying through dense smoke, searching in darkness).
   •  
4. Search & Rescue (SAR) and Firefighting:
   • Problem: Locating heat signatures of survivors in dark, smoky, or debris-strewn environments; identifying hot spots in burning buildings or wildfires from above.
   • Solution: Equips drones with critical life-saving capability, quickly detecting heat from people or smoldering materials, significantly speeding up SAR efforts and providing vital intelligence for firefighters.
   •  
5. Precision Agriculture & Environmental Monitoring:
   • Problem: Detecting stressed crops (e.g., due to disease, water stress), identifying wildlife, or monitoring environmental changes (e.g., thermal pollution) that are invisible in visible light but manifest as temperature variations.
   • Solution: Drones equipped with this module can efficiently map thermal signatures over large areas, providing data for targeted irrigation, early disease detection, or environmental assessments.
   •  
6. Discreet & Covert Surveillance:
   • Problem: Needing to conduct surveillance missions without revealing the drone's presence via visible light, or when targets are hidden by foliage.
   • Solution: Operates entirely on heat signatures, making it effective in darkness and less detectable than visible light cameras, ideal for discreet security or wildlife observation.

 

Special Demands Met:

• Minimal Payload Impact: Crucial for maximizing drone flight time and agility.
• Zero-Latency FPV: Essential for safe and effective real-time piloting and control in challenging conditions.
• All-Weather / All-Light Operation: Ensures mission success regardless of time of day or light atmospheric conditions.
• Cost-Effective Thermal Drone Solution: Makes thermal capabilities accessible to a wider range of drone operators and applications by reducing weight and potentially system complexity.
• Robust Analog Link: Less prone to digital signal dropouts in crowded RF environments common in drone operations.

 

Engineer-Focused FAQ
Q1. Why does this Goobuy UC-541 thermal module use analog CVBS instead of digital?
Because CVBS provides near-zero latency, making it ideal for FPV and UAV piloting where delay can be dangerous or unusable.

 

Q2. What makes the Goobuy UC-541 suitable for drones?
Its ultra-light 22 g weight, compact 21×21 mm size, low power, and real-time analog output make it perfect for lightweight airframes.

 

Q3. Does this Goobuy UC-541 thermal camera work in complete darkness?
Yes. It uses an 8–14 µm LWIR sensor that detects thermal radiation, not visible light. It works in total darkness, fog, smoke and dust.

 

Q4. What thermal imaging resolutions of Goobuy UC-541 model are available?
You can choose from: 256×192, 384×288, 640×512 or 1280×1024, depending on detail and budget requirements.

 

Q5. Can this Goobuy UC-541 module be integrated into robotics systems?
Absolutely. It supports embedded integrations where compact size and low latency thermal vision are required.

 

Q6: Can I use this UC-541 to build a thermal hunting scope?

A: Yes. The module can drive a micro-display directly via the AV input. You just need a battery, a lens, a screen, and a housing.

 

Q7: Does it work with Raspberry Pi or Arduino? 
A: For Raspberry Pi, you will need a USB Video Grabber (AV to USB). However, for direct display on screens, no microcontroller is needed.

 

Q8: Can this camera see through walls? 
A: No thermal camera can see through walls. However, it can detect heat leaks or insulation gaps on the wall surface, which is useful for home inspection.

 

Q9: What is the pinout for connection? 
A: Standard 3-pin or 4-pin: Power (VCC), Ground (GND), Video (Signal), and optional OSD Control.

 

Feedback and comment from our customers

 

Relative blogs and product application articles

1,  Thermal Cameras Boost ROI in Maintenance

 

2,  Thermal Imaging Success Stories in U.S., Germany, UK

 

3,  Micro Thermal Camera: SWaP Solutions for U.S. & Europe

 

4,  Low Latency & SWaP: UAV Thermal Payload Guide