QHYCCD QHY268PRO M User Manual

Overview
QHY268 Pro M has SONY IMX571 APS-C format CMOS sensor inside. 26mega pixels, Back-illuminated, native 16BIT ADC. QE
is up to 91% and readout noise is as low as 1.1e Even with a 3.76um pixel size, it has a big full-well up to 75ke. It has extremely
low thermal noise 0.0005e/pixel/sec @ -20C, ZERO amplifier-glow performance, It has a maximum frame rate of
6.8FPS@16bit full resolution.
QHY268PRO-M has only monochrome version. QHYCCD also supplies its liquid-cooling version, which is a customized type
and needs to be pre-ordered).
Native 16 bit A/D: The new Sony sensor has native 16-bit A/D on-chip. The output is real 16-bits with 65536 levels.
Compared to 12-bit and 14-bit A/D, a 16-bit A/D yields higher sample resolution and the system gain will be less than 1e-
/ADU with no sample error noise and very low read noise.
BSI: One benefit of the back-illuminated CMOS structure is improved full well capacity. This is particularly helpful for sensors
with small pixels. In a typical front-illuminated sensor, photons from the target entering the photosensitive layer of the
sensor must first pass through the metal wiring that is embedded just above the photosensitive layer. The wiring structure
reflects some of the photons and reduces the efficiency of the sensor. In the back- illuminated sensor the light is allowed to
enter the photosensitive surface from the reverse side. In this case the sensor’s embedded wiring structure is below the
photosensitive layer. As a result, more incoming photons strike the photosensitive layer and more electrons are generated
and captured in the pixel well. This ratio of photon to electron production is called quantum efficiency. The higher the
quantum efficiency the more efficient the sensor is at converting photons to electrons and hence the more sensitive the
sensor is to capturing an image of something dim.
Zero Amplify Glow: This is also a zero amplifer glow camera.
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.
Interfaces
2*10g

QHYCCD QHY268PRO M Specifications

General

Brand	QHYCCD
Model	QHY268PRO M
Category	Digital Camera
Language	English

Summary

Overview

Key Camera Features

Details on native 16-bit A/D, BSI technology, zero amplifier glow, TRUE RAW data, anti-dew, and advanced cooling.

Camera Connectivity and Interfaces

Fiber Interface Benefits

Highlights advantages like higher data rates (10Gbps) and significantly longer transfer distances compared to USB3.0.

USB3.0 and GPIO Ports

Describes the user-friendly USB3.0 interface and the versatile GPIO socket for custom configurations.

Cooling and Readout Modes

Cooling System Performance

Details on air and water cooling performance, specifying typical temperature reductions below ambient.

Readout Mode Descriptions

Explains Photographic, High Gain, and Extended Fullwell modes and their characteristics.

Sensor Performance Analysis

Dark Current and QE Curves

Presents dark current vs. temperature data and quantum efficiency curves for monochrome and color sensors.

User Guide: Getting Started

All-In-One Pack Installation

Details the installation process for the driver, SDK, and software package for Windows.

Input Voltage Requirements

Specifies the required input voltage range (11V-13.8V) and considerations for power cables.

Initial Camera Connection

Guides users on connecting the camera to the computer via USB3.0 after power connection.

Software Operation: EZCAP_QT and SharpCap

EZCAP_QT Features

Covers overview, camera connection, and temperature control functionalities.

SharpCap Basic Usage

Instructions for launching SharpCap and initial camera connection.

SharpCap Software Usage

SharpCap Configuration and Features

Covers camera connection, offset adjustment, RAW16 mode, and thermal controls within SharpCap.

ASCOM Software Integration

ASCOM Software Integration

Explains using ASCOM drivers with compatible astronomy software packages for seamless operation.

Astronomy Software Integration

N.I.N.A. Connection Guide

Instructions for connecting N.I.N.A. software via ASCOM for astronomical imaging.

ASCOM Setup Example

Step-by-step guide for configuring ASCOM drivers and connecting to astronomy software like Maxim DL.

Software Configuration and Drivers

TE Cooler Temperature Setting

Instructions on how to use the TE cooler to set the desired camera temperature.

Broadcast WDM Driver Function

Describes the QHYCCD Broadcast WDM Camera driver for video streaming to other applications.

WDM Driver Installation

Steps for installing the Broadcast WDM Camera driver through the AllInOne package.

Software Installation and Setup

Additional Installation Tasks

Selecting optional components like drivers and SDKs during the AllInOne installation.

Enabling Live Broadcast

Activating the broadcast function, typically using SharpCap as the terminal software.

Third-Party Software Testing

Software Rendering Effects

Displays test results and rendering effects for common supporting software like AMcap, HANDYAVI, and UFOCAPTURE.

UFOCaptureHD2 and Tools

UFOCaptureHD2 Precautions

Notes on system requirements (Windows only) and SDK limitations (no 16-bit support).

Advanced Control Tools Download

Provides links to download Debug TOOL and Release TOOL for advanced control.

ERIS FRAMEWORK and GPIO Configuration

BD/GPS Mode and GPIO Settings

Details on configuring BD/GPS mode and GPIO port functions, including TrigOut and specific port assignments.

GPIO Port Modes Explained

MODE0: Generic GPIO Output

Configures all four GPIO ports for generic output, controllable via API.

MODE1: 6PIN QHY-GPSBOX

Sets GPIO ports for GPSBOX communication, including clock, data, and shutter measure signals.

MODE2: 5PIN TrigOut/TrigIn

Configures GPIOs for TrigOut, ShutterMeasure, TrigIn, and LinePeriod, with specific input/output assignments.

Advanced GPIO and Maintenance Procedures

GPIO Modes and Maintenance

Covers MODE3 GPIO configuration, overview of MODE4-6, and procedures for CMOS chamber drying and cleaning.

Chamber Care and UVLO Functionality

Fogging Prevention and TE Cooler Care

Tips to prevent CMOS chamber fogging and advice on TE cooler thermal shock avoidance.

Understanding UVLO Protection

Explains Under Voltage Locking, its warning execution, and its purpose in device protection.

Power Supply and UVLO Troubleshooting

Power Supply and UVLO Issues

Covers power supply improvement, clearing UVLO protection, and investigating UVLO warnings due to voltage drop.

UVLO Detection and Burst Mode Introduction

UVLO Detection and Burst Mode Details

Explains UVLO detection methods, Burst Mode functionality, and key usage notes.

Burst Mode API Functions

Burst Mode Control APIs

API functions for enabling Burst Mode, setting start/end frames, and managing IDLE status.

Burst Mode Data Handling APIs

APIs for DDR patching, frame counter reset, and image data display (OSD).

Sample Code Example

Burst Mode Sample Code

Demonstrates the sequence of API calls for Burst Mode operation, including DDR setup and frame capture.