ATR992M Scientific-Grade SWIR Astronomical Camera
The ATR992M is a scientific-grade SWIR (short-wave infrared) cooled camera designed for deep-sky imaging. Featuring high sensitivity, efficient cooling, low noise, and zero amp-glow, it excels in deep-sky and lunar photography. Built on the Sony IMX992 SenSWIR InGaAs sensor with a 400-1700 nm spectral range and 5 MP resolution, it records exposure start/stop timing and related metadata with microsecond precision via its GPS module, producing globally synchronized timestamps and geolocation data while supporting ODM customization.
Function Description
ATR992M covers both the visible and short-wave infrared spectrum, capturing faint targets with high sensitivity and calibrated timing. It is built for deep-sky and lunar imaging as well as laboratory SWIR experiments that demand clean data, low read noise, zero amp-glow, and precise metadata for scientific analysis.
Seven Key Advantages
- SONY SenSWIR InGaAs sensor: 400-1700 nm broad spectrum
- 1/1.4-inch image area with 5 MP resolution
- GPS module for precise timestamp and geolocation data recording
- Dual-stage TEC cooling
- Anti-dew technology for the sensor chamber window
- Zero amp-glow imaging for long exposures
- 512 MB DDR3 memory buffer
Key Specifications at a Glance
400-1700 nm
Broad Spectrum
Visible + SWIR imaging
5 MP
Pixels
2560 × 2048
3.45 µm
Pixel Size
1/1.4" optical format
> 90%
QE Peak
High response across SWIR
70.3 ke-
Full Well
LCG mode typical
68-80 e-
Read Noise
Low-noise design
36 FPS
Full-Res Rate
12-bit, 2560 × 2048, USB 3.0
512 MB
DDR3 Buffer
Stable data transfer
ΔT ≈ 30 °C
Cooling Delta
Short exposure, below ambient
µs
GPS Module
Timestamp + geolocation
Technology Highlights
400-1700 nm Broad-Spectrum Imaging
ATR992M expands observational targets across both visible and short-wave infrared wavelengths. High quantum efficiency and SenSWIR sensitivity maintain strong response through haze, smoke, and fine particles, capturing faint SWIR signals with research-grade fidelity.
Broader Spectrum: One Camera, Two Uses
Designed for both visible light and SWIR imaging, ATR992M meets dual-use needs in astronomy and laboratory scenarios. It delivers clear, high-sensitivity results across the band so one camera can support diverse observation and testing tasks.
Core Assurance
ATR992M employs the SONY SenSWIR InGaAs sensor. Its expanded effective area and enhanced light transmittance deliver a significant leap in pixel uniformity and usable full-well capacity, achieving high quantum efficiency in both the visible and SWIR ranges for superior imaging in varied lighting conditions.
ATR992M Spectral Sensitivity Curve
The SenSWIR IMX992 sensor covers 400-1700 nm. Relative response refers to the quantum efficiency normalized to 100% at the peak across the full spectrum, showing how consistently the camera converts photons across visible and SWIR bands.
Native 12-bit ADC & Hardware ROI
ATR992M outputs native 12-bit data, supports hardware pixel binning, and offers hardware ROI (low-resolution mode not supported for ROI). Smaller ROI selections raise frame rate, and hardware binning provides lower-resolution 12-bit images directly for faster readout and quantitative workflows.
Flexible Pixel Binning
Digital binning from 1×1 up to 8×8 (stacking or averaging) and hardware binning from 1×1 up to 2×2 (averaging) are supported. Hardware binning boosts signal-to-noise ratio while reducing resolution for faster previews and weak-signal observations.
512 MB DDR3 Memory
The built-in 512 MB (4 Gb) DDR3 cache buffers image data, easing the burden on the computer transmission system and maintaining stable, fast transfer over USB 3.0/2.0. The cache also helps suppress amp-glow by smoothing power draw during bursts.
Zero Amp-Glow Technology
ATR992M captures more light in low-light conditions with outstanding sensitivity and rapid response. Its zero amp-glow design keeps frames clean during long exposures and high gain settings, simplifying dark calibration for scientific SWIR imaging.
Cooling System
Precise Temperature Control & Efficient Cooling
The ATR992M cooling system is a two-stage thermoelectric cooler (TEC) assisted by a controllable fan. A PID algorithm holds the sensor at the target temperature with about ±0.1 °C deviation. Under short exposures, it can reach roughly 30 °C below ambient to suppress dark current and thermal noise for stable SWIR imaging.
Dual-Stage TEC Architecture
The first TEC stage cools the sensor directly while the second stage drives heat toward the external heat dissipation path. ATR992M requires a dedicated DC 12 V / 3 A supply for the cooling system and fan to maintain long, stable exposures.
Anti-Dew Technology
The sealed sensor chamber includes a software-controlled heater with four adjustment levels (up to 6 W). Coupled with the heated protective window and guided airflow, it resists condensation even in high humidity and large temperature differentials.
GPS Module
ATR992M integrates a GPS module. Its FPGA receives PPS pulses from the GPS output and calibrates the local clock to achieve nanosecond-level global time synchronization. Exposure start/stop times and related timing information are logged with microsecond precision alongside latitude, longitude, and altitude to support multi-site collaborative observations and other high-precision scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Camera Specifications
| Sensor | Sony IMX992 SenSWIR InGaAs front-illuminated mono CMOS |
|---|---|
| Image Resolution | 5 MP (2560 × 2048) |
| Pixel Size | 3.45 µm × 3.45 µm |
| Image Area | 9.2 mm × 7.6 mm (diagonal 11.4 mm, approx. 1/1.4") |
| Shutter Type | Global shutter |
| ADC Bit Depth | 12-bit |
| QE Peak | > 90% |
| Spectral Range | 400-1700 nm (long-pass window) |
| Full Well | 70.3 ke- (typical, LCG mode) |
| Read Noise | About 68.34-80.16 e- (mode dependent) |
| SNR (max) | 44.9 dB |
| Dynamic Range | Approx. 8.5 stops (about 50 dB) |
Frame Rate & Exposure
| Max FPS (USB 3.0, 12-bit) |
36 FPS @ 2560 × 2048 139 FPS @ 1280 × 1024 |
|---|---|
| Max FPS (USB 3.0, 8-bit) |
64 FPS @ 2560 × 2048 139 FPS @ 1280 × 1024 |
| Max FPS (USB 2.0, 12-bit) |
4.2 FPS @ 2560 × 2048 15.4 FPS @ 1280 × 1024 |
| Max FPS (USB 2.0, 8-bit) |
7.4 FPS @ 2560 × 2048 15.4 FPS @ 1280 × 1024 |
| Exposure Time Range | 0.015 ms to 60 s |
| Gain Range | 1× to 150× |
| Supported Modes | Full resolution, hardware ROI, digital and hardware binning, HCG / LCG |
Interfaces & Mechanics
| Camera Mount | M42 × 0.75 female thread |
|---|---|
| Back Focal Distance | 17.5 mm (flange thickness) |
| Camera Dimensions | Diameter 80 mm × length 107.1 mm |
| Camera Weight | Approx. 0.59 kg |
| Protective Window | Long-pass filter window, AR coated |
| Data Interface | USB 3.0 / USB 2.0 |
| Extra Ports | USB 2.0 hub × 1 for accessories; GPS port × 1 |
| Power Input | DC 12 V / 3 A, 5.5 × 2.1 mm connector |
Cooling & Software
| Cooling Method | Dual-stage TEC with PID temperature control |
|---|---|
| Effective Cooling | Up to about 30 °C below ambient under short exposure |
| Supported OS | Windows XP / Vista / 7 / 8 / 10 / 11 (32 & 64 bit); macOS; Linux |
| SDK Support | Windows / Linux / macOS / Android SDK (C/C++, C#/VB.NET, Python, Java, DirectShow, Twain) |
| Software Compatibility | ToupSky; ASCOM platform; N.I.N.A; INDI; PHD Guiding; MaxIm DL; Nebulosity; SharpCap; FireCapture and more |
Operating Modes: HCG / LCG
ATR992M supports High Conversion Gain (HCG) and Low Conversion Gain (LCG) modes. HCG focuses on lowering read noise, while LCG provides larger full-well capacity. Choose based on target brightness and dynamic range needs.
HCG Mode (Low Noise)
Full resolution, RAW 12-bit, ambient temperature about 28 °C.
In HCG mode, gain 100-1500 yields roughly 11.21 to 0.36 e-/ADU, read noise about 125.87-47.89 e-, full-well from about 45.19 ke- down to 1.43 ke-, and dynamic range around 8.5-4.9 stops. Use this for faint deep-sky targets and precision photometry where low noise is critical.
LCG Mode (High Full-Well)
Full resolution, RAW 12-bit, ambient temperature about 28 °C.
In LCG mode, e-/ADU ranges from about 17.44 to 0.38, read noise about 192.17-42.51 e-, and full-well from 70.39 ke- down to roughly 1.55 ke-, giving about 8.4-6.11 stops of dynamic range. This mode suits bright stars, lunar and planetary imaging, and other high-signal scenes that benefit from greater full-well capacity.
Dimensions & Interfaces
Standard Interface Design
The camera front uses an M42 × 0.75 female thread with a 17.5 mm flange thickness, matching common telescope focusers. It can connect directly or via M42M-1.25" / M42M-2" adapters to fit 1.25" or 2" drawtubes.
Outline & Ports
Rear connections include a DC 12 V / 3 A power port, USB 3.0/USB 2.0 data port, USB 2.0 hub for accessories, and GPS interface. The hub simplifies connections for filter wheels or guide cameras to reduce cabling.
Package Contents
Standard package includes:
ATR992M camera body
Power adapter: AC 100-240 V 50/60 Hz input, DC 12 V 3.3 A output
Power cable
High-speed USB 3.0 A-to-B gold-plated cable (1.5 m)
M48M to M42F 0 mm adapter
M42M-M42F 21 mm extension tube
M42M-M48F 16.5 mm extension tube
M42M 12.5 mm adapter
Camera front cap
Note: Actual package contents may vary slightly. ToupTek reserves the right to adjust or upgrade the package without affecting product performance.
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