The SBIG STF-8050 camera comes in monochrome (STF-8050M) and two color models. The color models are available with either the standard Bayer Color FIlter Pattern (STF-8050C) or the higher sensitivity TRUESENSE Sparse Color Filter Pattern (STF-8050SC). The KAI-08050 Image Sensor is an 8-megapixel CCD in a 4/3‰Û_ (22 mm diagonal) optical format. Based on the TRUESENSE 5.5 micron Interline Transfer CCD Platform, the sensor features broad dynamic range, excellent imaging performance, and a flexible readout architecture. The TRUESENSE Sparse Color Filter Pattern provides a 2x improvement in light sensitivity compared to a standard color Bayer part.
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KAI-08050 CCD Key Features:
- Available in Monochrome, Bayer Color Pattern or TRUESENSE Sparse Color Filter Pattern
- Progressive scan readout
- Flexible readout architecture
- High frame rate
- High sensitivity
- Low noise architecture
- Excellent smear performance
- Package pin reserved for device identification
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Description of the TRUESENSE Sparse Color Filter Pattern.
The TRUESENSE Color Filter Pattern represents a new paradigm for obtaining full-color images from a single image sensor. By adding panchromatic (or ‰ÛÏclear‰Û) pixels to the standard red, green, and blue pixels traditionally used for color capture, image sensors can realize a significant increase in light sensitivity ‰ÛÒ between two and four times compared to standard designs ‰ÛÒ while retaining overall image quality and color fidelity. Image sensors using this design allow end users to capture better pictures and video under low-light conditions.
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In addition to the new color technology, the STF-8050 has been optimized for fast full frame download and maximum cooling in an STF sized package. A high resolution 8.3 megapixel 16-bit frame will download in about 1/2 second using the dual channel readout mode. Even at this rapid download rate, the read noise remains exceptionally low, about 9e-. The tables below show download times and frame rates for the STF-8050 camera measured using our high speed drivers:
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| STF-8050 Download time in seconds for single frame | åÊ | ||||
| åÊ | Full Frame | Half Frame | Qtr Frame | Planet | Focus |
| High Res | 0.59 | 0.41 | 0.27 | 0.06 | 4.3 fps |
| Med Res | 0.48 | 0.28 | 0.16 | 0.06 | åÊ |
| Low Res | 0.34 | 0.2 | 0.13 | 0.05 | åÊ |
| Ultra Low | 0.16 | 0.11 | 0.08 | åÊ | åÊ |
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| STF-8050 Frames per second saved to disk using high speed drivers | |||||
| åÊ | Full Frame | Half Frame | Qtr Frame | Planet | Focus |
| High Res | 2 | 3.4 | 5.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 |
| Med Res | 3.4 | 5.3 | 7.5 | åÊ | åÊ |
| Low Res | 4.5 | 6.6 | 8.6 | åÊ | åÊ |
| Ultra Low | 8.1 | 9.5 | 10 | åÊ | åÊ |
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The STF-8050 is very similar to the STF-8300M, except for the shutter, ability to perform very short exposures, and download speed.åÊ This camera is designed to operate well in microscopy applications, where extremely high speed is desirable.åÊ To reduce the necessity for dark frames, the STF-8050 is designed with exceptionally strong cooling, capable of a cooling delta greater than -50 degrees C. This means that the camera at room temperature can cool enough to reduce the dark current to 1/100th of an electron per pixel per second, or less.
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The short exposure capability makes the STF-8050 an excellent choice for solar/lunar/planetary imaging, while still being a very capable deep sky imager.åÊ For acquiring dark frames, mechanical shuttering can be achieved using an SBIG filter wheel with one slot blocked.
The combination of a large 8.1 megapixel CCD, high resolution 5.5 micron pixels, low noise 16-bit images and fast exposure times make the STF-8050 camera ideal for solar and lunar imaging.åÊ
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