SPI Infrared publishes few more details on its X27 4K color night vision sensor. Few statements from SPI Infrared site:
"Unlike other technologies, the x27 low light color security camera always images full 390-1200Nm without having to switch camera functions, the user always gets the full broadband.
The x27 low light color sensor has extremely large pixel pitch cells for high light gathering capabilities and is very sensitive in the IR spectra region. The high 5 Million equivalent ISO system has outstanding low lux capabilities with a whopping 85,000x luminance gain.
High definition 10 megapixel sensor works in the daytime and accepts a wide array of standard off the shelf commercially available lenses. The X27 low light sensor produces 4K high definition color imagery even at 1 millilux low light levels.
The x27 low light color security camera vastly outperforms any exsisting low light color technology like CMOS, Scmos, CCD, EMCCD, EBAPS and traditional military grade intensified technologies.
Current day CMOS extreme low light color sensors reach a peak maximum quantum detection limit, an inevitable quality to these sensors are RGB or color filters that must reside on the sensor to produce a nice color image, along with other filters that enhance color image quality. These filters cut down photons and sensitivity dramatically, but must be present to produce a nice color image. The Solid-state x27 color low light night vision sensor utilizes specialty video processing on chip and on the filters, as well as advanced electronic vis-nir image enhancement algorithms that allow it to collect an incredible amount of light, and retain full sensitivity without loss of a brilliant color image, furthermore the x27’s BSTFA (Broad Spectrum Thin Film Array) high fidelity, large pixel pitch sensor architecture achieves incredible bright as day, true color imagery at real time full tv frame rates, without image lag and minimal image noise or grain.
Another drawback to traditional sensors is the infrared cut filter, this filter sits in front of the sensor and cuts out all infrared wavelengths which is needed for a good color image. By cutting out the infrared spectrum from the sensor, the camera does not pick up infrared signals which have added benefits to a good night vision image and also cuts the ability to see infrared lasers, pointers, Illuminators and designators. The removal of the infrared cut filter from traditional sensors produce a pink/red image and displays a non optimal picture. The specialized x27 sensor sees well into the infrared region as well as produces a nice true brilliant color image allowing the user to see a full broadband extended dynamic range image that includes visible to infrared wavelengths. The x27 outperforms any low light technology in existence today within the visible to SWIR spectral region.
Back side illumination of chip technology is another area that allows the chip to output higher performance in low light, the x27’s color night vision detectors bsi backside illumination is yet another aspect that makes it desirable for Imaging at never before seen extreme low light conditions. The x27 ultra extreme low light color night vision complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) integrated circuit (IC) is a vital proven technology."
Preliminary Technical Specifications:
Here is one of the recent Youtube demos showing the sensor's night vision capabilities:
"Unlike other technologies, the x27 low light color security camera always images full 390-1200Nm without having to switch camera functions, the user always gets the full broadband.
The x27 low light color sensor has extremely large pixel pitch cells for high light gathering capabilities and is very sensitive in the IR spectra region. The high 5 Million equivalent ISO system has outstanding low lux capabilities with a whopping 85,000x luminance gain.
High definition 10 megapixel sensor works in the daytime and accepts a wide array of standard off the shelf commercially available lenses. The X27 low light sensor produces 4K high definition color imagery even at 1 millilux low light levels.
The x27 low light color security camera vastly outperforms any exsisting low light color technology like CMOS, Scmos, CCD, EMCCD, EBAPS and traditional military grade intensified technologies.
Current day CMOS extreme low light color sensors reach a peak maximum quantum detection limit, an inevitable quality to these sensors are RGB or color filters that must reside on the sensor to produce a nice color image, along with other filters that enhance color image quality. These filters cut down photons and sensitivity dramatically, but must be present to produce a nice color image. The Solid-state x27 color low light night vision sensor utilizes specialty video processing on chip and on the filters, as well as advanced electronic vis-nir image enhancement algorithms that allow it to collect an incredible amount of light, and retain full sensitivity without loss of a brilliant color image, furthermore the x27’s BSTFA (Broad Spectrum Thin Film Array) high fidelity, large pixel pitch sensor architecture achieves incredible bright as day, true color imagery at real time full tv frame rates, without image lag and minimal image noise or grain.
Another drawback to traditional sensors is the infrared cut filter, this filter sits in front of the sensor and cuts out all infrared wavelengths which is needed for a good color image. By cutting out the infrared spectrum from the sensor, the camera does not pick up infrared signals which have added benefits to a good night vision image and also cuts the ability to see infrared lasers, pointers, Illuminators and designators. The removal of the infrared cut filter from traditional sensors produce a pink/red image and displays a non optimal picture. The specialized x27 sensor sees well into the infrared region as well as produces a nice true brilliant color image allowing the user to see a full broadband extended dynamic range image that includes visible to infrared wavelengths. The x27 outperforms any low light technology in existence today within the visible to SWIR spectral region.
Back side illumination of chip technology is another area that allows the chip to output higher performance in low light, the x27’s color night vision detectors bsi backside illumination is yet another aspect that makes it desirable for Imaging at never before seen extreme low light conditions. The x27 ultra extreme low light color night vision complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) integrated circuit (IC) is a vital proven technology."
Preliminary Technical Specifications:
- Sensor & Parameters: Maintenance free, no moving parts, Solid State non intensified BSTFA Extreme low light color FPA w/column amplification
- Large Format, large pixel pitch architecture w/5,000,000 equivalent ISO
- Backside Illuminated for light utilization efficiency
- Extreme low SNR – High Dynamic Range, Photoconductive & photoresponse gain
- Very high ISO w/Extremely Low read Noise
- Auto Black Level Calibration
- Auto Exposure w/excellent color fidelity
- Excellent image uniformity
- Auto hot pixel correction
- Frame Rate: 60 FPS / optional 120 FPS
- Day Night Mode: Auto Imaging/Auto Switching
- Bright light/Blooming compensation: Automatic
- Photodetector Array Size: 10 Megapixel / HD 4320 x 2432
- Temperature Range: -30C to +80C
- Wavelength: 390-1200 Um broadband Extreme High Sensitivity
- IR Response: Yes
Here is one of the recent Youtube demos showing the sensor's night vision capabilities:
