STC-428-M provides extremely high sensitivity, low noise 7-megapixel imaging in a compact package.

The STC-428-M features:

• High sensitivity, low noise 7 megapixel IMX428 imaging sensor
• Electronic global shutter for fast exposure times (0.001 to 3600 sec.)
• High-speed USB 3.0 interface (USB 2.0 compatible)
• Downloads in under 50 milliseconds (depending on computer speed)
• Stack Pro™ automatic in-camera sub-exposure stacking
• Regulated two-stage cooling with delta ~ -30C
• SmartCooling™ active temperature regulation to 0.1 degrees C for high calibration stability

For years mature CCD sensor technology, embodied in our venerable STF-83ooM camera, set the standard for high sensitivity, low noise, high dynamic range, and images free of pattern noise.

The new STC-428-M scientific CMOS camera represents a major improvement over CCD technology.  Compared with previous CCD models, the STC-428-M features higher sensitivity (78% QE versus 56%), significantly lower read noise (2.5 e- versus 9.3 e-), and 20X faster readout.

While a single exposure on the IMX428 sensor can equal CCD dynamic range, the combination of fast readout and very low read noise allows for stacking many shorter to produce a greater dynamic range than previously possible.  The built-in StackPro™ capability can automatically divide your exposure into up to 16 shorter sub-exposures, and stack them inside the camera prior to download.  This increases dynamic range without imposing greater processing requirements on the host computer.

Our SmartCooling™ active regulation maintains the sensor temperature to within 0.1ºC, and minimizes fan speed based on heat sink temperature for longer life and quieter operation.

StackPro™

The STC-428-M scientific CMOS camera features StackPro™, a revolutionary feature that performs image stacking inside the camera.

While the IMX428 sensor has a dynamic range on a par with its CCD predecessor, it is limited to 12-bit data (0-4095).  At the same time, it also has far lower read noise, which means you can stack many more shorter exposures without degrading signal-to-noise ratio.  As great as this sounds it does result in a lot of extra disk usage and post-processing.

StackPro™ performs the stacking automatically, inside the camera.  It automatically subdivides your exposure into up to 16 individual sub-exposures and stacks them inside the camera prior to download.  This eliminates the excessive amounts of data cluttering up your hard drive.

As an example, by stacking 16 sub-exposures inside the camera you can get:

• Low Gain 16X Stacking
  • 16-bit data
  • Gain 5.5 e-/ADU
  • Effective Full Well ~ 880,000 e-
  • Read Noise ~20 e-
• Medium Gain 16X Stacking
  • 16-bit data
  • Gain 2.45 e-/ADU
  • Effective Full Well ~ 160,000 e-
  • Read Noise ~ 9.2 e-
• High Gain 16X Stacking
  • 16-bit data
  • Gain 1.2 e-/ADU
  • Effective Full Well ~ 80,000 e-
  • Read Noise ~ 7.6 e-

For comparison, our STF-8300M CCD camera sports typical read noise of 9.3 e-, with a full well depth of 25,000 e-.  In the medium gain 16X stack mode, the STC-428-M has similar read noise and yet has over six times the dynamic range!

Datasheet

SPECIFICATIONS