Texas Instruments TC285SPD-30

Overview

TC285SPD-30 from Texas Instruments is a 1004 × 1002-pixel frame-transfer CCD image sensor with charge-domain multiplication (CCM), 30-frame/s readout, 8.0 µm square pixels, and integrated Peltier cooler. It delivers 1.0 e⁻ noise-equivalent signal with CCM gain and operates in progressive-scan mode for low-light biomedical and scientific imaging.

For engineers reviewing the TC285SPD-30 datasheet, TC285SPD-30 pinout, TC285SPD-30 application, or TC285SPD-30 equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions, confirmed optical/electrical specifications, real-world application constraints (e.g., external 2.2 kΩ load on VOUT), and two documented alternative sensors for high-sensitivity monochrome imaging systems.

Technical Context

The TC285SPD-30 uses TI's proprietary Split-Gate Virtual-Phase CCD (SGVPCCD) technology with dual-phase parallel transfer and a 400-stage serial charge multiplier. Its CCM gain (1–2000×) is controlled by CMG voltage (−3.8 V to +22 V) and temperature, enabling single-electron detection under cooled conditions.

It implements frame-transfer architecture with dedicated image-sensing and storage areas, advanced lateral overflow drain for blooming control without NIR penalty, and correlated double sampling (CDS)-compatible timing with SRG1/CMG overlap. The on-package bipolar output transistor requires an external 2.2 kΩ load to SUB for proper signal drive at 30 fps.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Dual-in-line ceramic package with 28 leads, hermetically sealed glass window, and integrated Peltier cooler (P+/P− terminals). Includes on-die bipolar output transistor.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-sensitivity CCD imaging applications.

Compared with KAI-2020M and ICX428AQ, the TC285SPD-30 uniquely delivers charge-domain gain, integrated thermoelectric cooling, and frame-transfer architecture-making it irreplaceable for applications demanding sub-electron noise, precise exposure control, and artifact-free low-light imaging where cooling stability and analog signal integrity are critical.

Availability

TC285SPD-30 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for low-light microscopy, bio-medical fluorescence imaging, astronomical survey instrumentation, and industrial machine vision inspection requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for TC285SPD-30 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, specializing in analog, embedded processing, and high-performance imaging technologies since 1930.

The TC285SPD-30 belongs to TI's IMPACTRON™ family of ultra-low-noise CCDs, engineered specifically for scientific and medical imaging systems requiring photon-limited detection, high dynamic range, and thermal stability under continuous operation.

FAQ

What is the required external load for the TC285SPD-30 VOUT pin?

The TC285SPD-30 integrates a bipolar output transistor inside its package. To establish correct DC bias and ensure proper high-speed signal drive, a 2.2 kΩ resistor must be connected externally between the VOUT pin (18) and the SUB terminal. Omitting this load will result in incorrect output amplitude, distortion, or amplifier saturation during 30 fps operation.

Does the TC285SPD-30 support true global shutter operation?

Yes-the TC285SPD-30 implements a true global electronic shutter via its frame-transfer architecture. All 1004 × 1002 pixels integrate light simultaneously, then transfer charge en masse to the shielded storage area in <300 µs. This eliminates rolling shutter distortion and enables precise synchronization with pulsed light sources, making TC285SPD-30 ideal for high-speed motion capture and fluorescence lifetime applications.

How does charge multiplication gain vary with temperature in the TC285SPD-30?

In the TC285SPD-30, charge multiplication gain is highly temperature-dependent: at fixed CMG voltage, gain increases as temperature decreases. For example, at 20 V CMG, typical gain is ~1000× at 25°C but rises to ~1600× at 0°C and ~1800× at −15°C. This behavior is documented in Figure 10 of the SOCS093 datasheet and must be calibrated per operating temperature to maintain consistent signal scaling in the TC285SPD-30.

Can the TC285SPD-30 operate without the Peltier cooler enabled?

Yes-the TC285SPD-30 can operate with P+/P− unpowered, but dark current increases exponentially with temperature (doubling every ~8°C). At 25°C, dark current is 0.005–0.02 nA/cm²; at 45°C it exceeds 0.16 nA/cm², degrading SNR and dynamic range. For quantitative low-light applications, Peltier cooling to ≤0°C is strongly recommended-and the dew point must remain below −20°C to prevent internal condensation per datasheet Note 2.

What is the purpose of the dark reference pixels in the TC285SPD-30 image array?

TC285SPD-30 includes 34 columns of optically shielded dark reference pixels (27 + 3 + 4) at both image edges. These pixels capture thermal and amplifier offset drift without photoresponse, enabling per-line black-level correction in downstream video processing. Using these references-rather than global offsets-compensates for column-wise nonuniformity and improves dynamic range by up to 6 dB in the TC285SPD-30's analog signal chain.