Overview
With the advantage of low noise and high-speeds, CMOS technology has revolutionized astronomical imaging. The
QHY533M/C is a new generation of back-illuminated CMOS cameras with 3.76um pixels in the the same family as
the sensors used in the flagship models QHY600 and QHY268, featuring zero amplifier glow, low noise and high
sensitivity. The IMX533 is a 9-megapixel, 15.97 mm diagonal (11.29 mm square) CMOS image sensor with 3003 x
3003 pixels at 3.76um, 14-bit A/D and is available in both monochrome and color. QHYCCD is now accepting
orders. Production of the QHY533M begins this month.

Back-Illumination
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 the embeded 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
Like the larger QHY600 and QHY268 cameras, the QHY533 models exhibit zero amplifier glow, no matter how long
the exposure.

Large Image Buffer
The QHY533 has a large 1 GB image buffer for reliable image transfer at high rates using USB 3.0. The camera
produces 27 FPS in 8-bit mode or 18 FPS in 16-bit mode.

True Raw Data
Some consumer digital cameras have 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
Image comprised of the original signal only, thereby maintaining the
maximum flexibility for post-acquisition astronomical image processing programs and other scientific
imaging applications.

Solid Build Quality
Although the QHY533 has a 1-inch optical format sensor, like the QHY183, it nevertheless uses a similar body size,
style and build quality as the larger APS-C sized QHY268 camera.
Dual-Stage TE Cooling

In addition to dual stage TE cooling, QHYCCD implements proprietary technology in hardware to reduce dark
current to its lowest possible value, less than 1/1000th of an electron at -20C.

Anti-Dew / Anti-Frost Technology
Based on almost 20 years of cooled camera design experience, QHY has implemented full frost and dew control
solutions. The optical window has built-in dew heaters and the chamber is protected from internal humidity
condensation. An electric heating board for the chamber window helps prevent the formation of dew on the
external surface of the window and the sensor itself is kept dry with our desiccant tube socket design for control
of humidity within the sensor chamber.

Mechanical Interface

The QHY533C color camera will include a free Adapter Kit E that provides 55mm back-focus and M48 thread
interface and/or direct connection to a Nikon or Canon lens adapter (sold separately). At the same time, the
QHY533C has female C-Mount threads allowing direct mounting of C-Mount lenses.

The QHY533M monochrome camera has a threaded interface that can be directly connected to the small filter
wheel. Concurrent with the release of the QHY533M, QHYCCD will offer a special version of the CFW3 filter wheel
that can be assembled directly to the camera by the user without opening the filter wheel cover or removing the
carousel. Due to the short back focus design, when the QHY533M is connected to the CFW3 filter wheel, a Nikon
or Canon lens adapter may be added to connect a camera lens to the filter wheel and achieve infinity focus.

The QHY533M uses threads to connect to the QHYCFW3S. Since the sensor has a square aspect ratio, its
orientation may not matter to the user. However, if the user wants to change the orientation of the camera so
that the x and y axis of the sensor align with the telescope's RA and Dec, for example, the user can adjust the front
plate of the 533M to rotate the orientation of the camera to his/her liking.

New Adapter Kit
The new E1 Adapter Kit will allow direct connection via M48 threads and provides 55mm of backfocal distance.
In the alternative, a Nikon or Canon DSLR lens adapter may be attached (lens adapters sold separately).

QHY533M with CFW + OAG or Camera Lens QHY533C w/ 55mm adapter or Camera Lens

LIGHT SPEED VISION (BEIJING) CO., LTD., 503, BLOCK A, SINGULARITY CENTER SHAHE TOWN, CHANGPING DISTRICT, BEIJING, 102206, CHINA

SPECIFICATIONS
Model QHY533M / QHY533C
CMOS Sony IMX533M / IMX533C
Mono / Color Both available
Illumination Back Illuminated
Pixel Size 3.76 um
Pixel Array 3008 x 3028 (Incl. black and overscan)
Total Pixels 9 million
Optical Format Typical 1-inch
A/D 14-bit

Ful Well Capacity 58ke-
Frame Rate 27 FPS @ 8-bit, 18 FPS @ 16-bit

Read Noise 1.3e- to 3.4e-
Dark Current 0.0005e-/pixel/sec at -20C

Exposure time 30us to 3600s
Unity Gain 68

Amp Glow Suppression Zero Amp Glow
Shutter Electronic rolling shutter
Computer Interface USB 3.0
Image Buffer 1 GB DDR3
Cooling Dual Stage TE
Temperature Delta -30C in continuous mode w/exp <1 sec
Temperature Delta -35C in continuous mode w/exp > 1sec or in single frame mode
Coatings AR+AR
Anti-frost Sealed cavity with desiccant drying tube connector
Anti-dew Chamber window heating elements
Back Focus 17.5mm ( +/- 0.5 mm)
Weight 845 g
Dimensions 90 mm Diameter x 107 mm