SBIG STC-428-M

Product Description

SBIG^® STC-428-M

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.

Sensor Specifications:

• SONY IMX428 CMOS imaging sensor
• 3208 x 2200 pixels / 7.1 megapixel
• 4.5 micron pixels
• 17.6 mm diagonal
• Peak QE 78%
• Typical QE:
  • Red (635-700 nm) ~ 63%
  • Green (520-560 nm) ~ 78%
  • Blue (450-490 nm) ~ 75%
• 12-bit A/D conversion with low-gain and high-gain modes
• Very low read noise ~ 2.5e-
• Very low dark current 0.1 e-/pixel/sec typical @ -5C
• 80 dB dynamic range

The STC-428-M supports several optional gain modes:

• Low Gain
  • 12-bit data
  • Gain 5.5 e-/ADU
  • Full Well ~ 22,500 e-
  • Read Noise ~5 e-
• Medium Gain
  • 12-bit data
  • Gain 2.45 e-/ADU
  • Full Well ~ 10,000 e-
  • Read Noise ~ 2.3 e-
• High Gain
  • 12-bit data
  • Gain 1.2 e-/ADU
  • Full Well ~ 5,000 e-
  • Read Noise ~ 1.9 e-

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!

Optional Mechanical Shutter

An optional internal mechanical shutter is available, to aid in acquiring calibration dark frames.

Certification

Our products are compliant with CE, FCC, and IC requirements. RoHS, REACH, and conflict mineral compliance documentation is available.

Diffraction Limited has been certified by British Standards Institution (BSI) to ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management under certificate number FM 719560.

STC-428-M Package Includes

• SBIG STC-428 monochrome imaging camera
• T-Thread lens mount
• 4-40 front panel screw mounts
• 1/4-20 tripod mount
• 2″ nosepiece adapter
• Universal power supply
• USB 3.0 cable
• MaxIm LT software (Windows)
• USB stick for software and manuals
• Carrying case