QHY168C uses an APS-C format, 16 Megapixel, 14-bit CMOS sensor, the Sony IMX071. The SONY Exmor IMX071 sensor has 4.8um pixels and has 3.2e- read noise at lowest gain and 2.3e- read noise at unity gain (system gain = 1e/ADU), and zero amplifier glow. This sensor was used in the Nikon D5100 DSLR camera. It. The QHY168C also has a nice dynamic range close to 14 stops. With read noise this low, it is easier to detect a dim target against of the background noise.
Features
TRUE RAW Data
In the DSLR implementation there is a RAW image output, but typically it is not completely RAW. Some evidence of noise reduction and hot pixel removal is still visible on close inspection. This can have a negative effect on the image for astronomy such as the “star eater” effect. However, QHY Cameras offer TRUE RAW IMAGE OUTPUT and produces an image comprised of the original signal only, thereby maintaining the maximum flexibility for post-acquisition astronomical image processing programs and other scientific imaging applications.
Anti-Dew Technology
Based on almost 20-year cooled camera design experience, The QHY cooled camera has implemented the fully dew control solutions. The optic window has built-in dew heater and the chamber is protected from internal humidity condensation. An electric heating board for the chamber window can prevent the formation of dew and the sensor itself is kept dry with our silicon gel tube socket design for control of humidity within the sensor chamber.
Cooling
In addition to dual stage TE cooling, QHYCCD implements proprietary technology in hardware to control the dark current noise.
Specifications
| CMOS Sensor |
Sony IMX071 |
| Mono/Color |
Color |
| FSI/BSI |
FSI |
| Pixel Size |
4.8um*4.8um |
| Effective Pixel Area |
4952*3288 |
| Effective Pixels |
16MP |
| Sensor Size |
APS-C |
| Fullwell |
46ke- |
| AD Sample Depth |
14bit |
| Full Frame Rate |
10FPS |
| Readout Noise |
2.3e- to 3.2e- |
| Dark Current |
0.0007e/pixel/sec @ -15C |
| Exposure Time Range |
30us-3600sec |
| Unity Gain |
10 |
| Amp Glow |
Zero Amp |
| Shutter Type |
Electric Rolling Shutter |
| Computer Interface |
USB3.0 |
| Built-in Image Buffer |
128MB DDR2 Memory |
| Cooling System |
Dual Stage TEC cooler (about -40 below ambient)
Note: Test temperature +20°
|
| Optic Window Type |
AR+AR High Quality Multi-Layer Anti-Reflection Coating (For color camera user need to add a UV/IR filter in the light path) |
| Anti-Dew Heater |
Yes |
| Telescope Interface |
M54/0.75 |
| Back Focal Length |
17.5mm |
| Weight |
700g |
