SBIG Model ST-10XE and ST-10XME
3.2 Megapixel High Resolution Self-Guiding CCD Camera

The Model ST-10XE and ST-10XME are the latest large array, high resolution CCD cameras from SBIG.  The body is identical to that of the Models ST-7XE, ST-8XE and ST-9XE with some slight modifications to accommodate the larger detector array.  The ST-10XE contains an enhanced KAF-3200E imaging detector from Kodak.  The ST-10XME contains an enhanced KAF-3200ME imaging detector from Kodak.  The only difference between the CCDs is the addition of a micro lens layer over the pixels of the KAF-3200ME CCD for increased sensitivity. 

Right: SBIG Model ST-10 CCD Camera Head with provided 1.25" diameter Nose Piece attached.

Overview These 3.2 megapixel CCD cameras provide a Full Frame Resolution of 2184 x 1472 pixels at 6.8 microns. This makes these the ultimate cameras for use with relatively fast, wide field apochromatic refractors.  Because of their binning capabilites (described below) however, the atrray can be used with a variety of other focal length systems as well. The active imaging area is 17% greater than that provided with the Model ST-8E, while the arrays contain approximately twice as many pixels. 

This imaging camera Head incorporates an electro-mechanical shutter, 16 bit analog to digital (A/D) converter, regulated temperature control with all of the electronics integrated into the CCD head, and a parallel second Guiding CCD array. Communications to the controlling computer are through the USB port at up to 425,000 pixels per second. Click here to learn more about recent improvements in camera design and the High Speed USB Interface

Left: Multi-megapixel Kodak KAF-3200E CCD array.

The KODAK DIGITAL SCIENCE ^TM KAF-3200E Image Sensor is a high density, 3.2 million pixel, full-frame Blue Plus image sensor. It joins the family of Kodak Blue Plus sensors with improved quantum efficiency across the visible spectrum. Ultra-low dark current of less than 1e-/pixel/second at 0^o C (typical) allows moderate cooling for applications involving extended exposures.  With an improved liquid cooling design, the ST-10XE/XME cameras will reach approximately 45^o C below ambient temperature for best performance even in hot climates.

KAF-3200E or KAF-3200ME? The KAF-3200ME shares the same basic CCD with the KAF-3200E however, the KAF-3200ME incorporates micro lenses over the pixel array.  The micro lenses have the effect of increasing the effective quantum efficiency of the CCD.   There is a minor blooming effect similar to diffraction spikes that is sometimes seen when imaging with the micro lens version and short relatively fast optical systems.  For this reason SBIG continues to offer our customers the choice of either type of CCD.

Although the ST-10XE/XME camera is a perfect match to high quality refractors in high resolution mode, with 3.2 million pixels the ST-10XE/XME is easily adapted to a variety of focal lengths.  The various binning modes of 6.8, 13.6 and 20.4 micron pixels allow you to match the focal length of a wide range of telescopes and lenses to this imaging camera.  There are also half-frame and quarter-frame modes available for each resolution setting.  Moreover, even when binned 2x2 or 3x3 the number of pixels is still comparable to the ST-7XE, ST-8XE and ST-9XE as the table below illustrates.  For example, in addition to 2184 x 1472 at 6.8 microns, the user can elect to image at 1092 x 736 with 6.8 micron pixels or 1092 x 736 with 13.6 micron pixels.  In "low" resolution, full frame mode, the ST-10EXE/XME still operates much like a ST-9XE with 36% more pixels and 43% larger field of view!  The various combinations of useable frame and pixel sizes makes this an extremely versatile camera

The file size of high resolution images can be reduced by about half by saving the images in SBIG compressed file format.  The benefit of this format is that the compression is lossless, unlike JPEG and other compression techniques.  The original file size and amount of compression varies somewhat depending on the content of the image and the resolution mode selected, but the information contained in the table below is typical.

USB Interface The ST-10XE and ST-10XME cameras utilize SBIG's newest high speed analog and digital electronics with a USB interface to the PC.  This new interface is up to 14 times faster than our older parallel interface.  The full frame download rate for the ST-10XE/XME is approximately 8.7 seconds.  For finding and centering objects and for focusing, various binning or partial frame modes may be selected to significantly shorten the download time.  For instance, in focus mode with a 20 x 20 pixel box the download time is about 0.5 seconds per frame.  CCDOPS software also has an Auto Resolution feature that makes using this type of large array easier. The Model ST-10XE/XME camera maintains similar performance, low noise and high QE as the ST-8XE camera.  In fact, the ST-10XE/XME has slightly less dark current and lower read noise than the ST-8XE.  The dual CCD structure also allows the full range of existing accessories to work with the ST-10XE/XME:   The AO-7 Adaptive Optics System, CFW8 color filter wheel, camera lens adapters, etc., are all the same for the ST-10XE/XME as the ST-8XE.

The Multi-Megapixel KAF-3200E enhanced CCD installed in the ST-10XE Camera.

ST-10XE/XME
System Typical Specifications:

CCD Array Specifications

Readout Specifications

Optical Specifications

System Specifications

Physical Dimensions

Price and specifications are subject to change without notice.