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Space Imaging

Proven Partnership

Working with a sensor designer who understands the harsh environment and strict requirements of space imaging is critical to success. Knowing what is required and how to deliver it through a flexible supply chain makes us your premier partner to ensure high performance and high quality.

Technology Readiness Level 9

For decades, our Scientific Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (sCMOS) and Charged Coupled Device (CCD) sensors have been used in numerous space imaging applications and missions.
  • Applications: Earth observation and living planet sciences, outer space telescopes, star trackers, planetary exploration, and aerospace security such as Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR).
  • Missions: Mars Rover Pathfinder, Asteria, Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program (ENMAP), Deep Impact, Cassini, Hubble Telescope, Argentina Earth Resource Satellite, Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Earth Resource Satellite, Triana, and aerospace systems.

+   Radiation Tolerance of HWK4123 for Space Applications

+   CIS2521 Radiation Test Report

+   Space Imaging Product Brief

+   HWK4123 Radiation Data Brief 

22.5.1.1.26 CMOS_07B

A storied history of sensors in flight.

We have a long history of providing commercial image sensors that have been space qualified and used in flight and orbital missions.

Custom Designs & Services

The key to the Fairchild Imaging support approach is understanding the requirements, maintaining access to a continuous supply of qualified products, and conducting strict testing. Our quality assurance process can include up-screening Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) to characterization, custom testing, radiation-hardened designs, bond pull tests, same batch processing, and other custom services.

Features
  • Options ranging from 5.5 MP - 12 MP sensors 
  • Radiation-hardened designs
  • Custom up-screening
  • User definable image operation modes
  • Extremely low read noise performance down to 0.25e-
  • Extremely low dark current
  • Deep full well capacities up to 40,000e-
Benefits
  • Wide range of options to meet specific needs
  • Proven for the space imaging environment
  • Continuous reliability for missions
  • Sensor performance tuned to specific needs
  • Photon counting capability
  • Enables long exposure modes
  • Capture bright object data over long exposures

sCMOS Sensors Overview

 

Sensor HWK4123  LTN4323 LTN4625 CIS2521
Resolution

9.4MP

10.5MP

12MP

5.5 MP

Optical Format

4/3”

4/3”

APS-C

4/3”

Active Array Size

4100 x 2300

4432 x 2368

4608 (H) x 2592 (V)

2560 (H) x 2160 (V)

Maximum Frame Rate

120 fps @ full frame rate
1000 fps @ 276 rows (ROI)

120 fps @ full frame rate
1000 fps @ 290 rows

240 fps at 12MP (RS/GR)
120 fps at 12MP (GS)

100 fps (RS), 50 fps (GS)

ADC Resolution

12 bits @ ≤ 60 fps
11 bits @ 120 fps

12 bits @ ≤ 60 fps
11 bits @ 120 fps

22 bits (2 x 11-bit) 

22 bits (2 x 11-bit)

Pixel  
Pixel Size

4.6 µm x 4.6 µm

4.6 µm x 4.6 µm

5.5 µm x 5.5 µm

6.5 µm x 6.5 µm

Shutter Type

Rolling w/ global reset; Global

Rolling w/ global reset; Global

Rolling Shutter (RS), Global Reset (GR),
Global Shutter (GS)

Rolling Shutter and Global Shutter

RMS Read Noise

0.25e- RMS @ 5 fps

0.50e- RMS @ 120 fps

0.5e- RMS @ 5 fps

0.9e- RMS @ 120 fps

<1.5 e- RMS @ 240 fps (RS/GR)
<5 e- RMS @ 120 fps (GS)

<2 e- RMS (RS)
<5 e- RMS (GS)

Dynamic Range

89 dB

92 dB

>88 dB Single Frame (RS/GR)
>77 dB Single Frame (GS)

>83.5 dB

Peak Quantum Efficiency

90%

91%

>60%

>60%

 

Product Brief

Product Brief

Product Brief

Product Brief

CIS2521 Rediation Test Report 

 

See what you've been missing.

Request a call back from our experts to talk through your project and discover how our sensors integrate with your project.