Ultra Low Light MIPI Camera
0.0004 lx min. illumination (B/W), 8 mm long-range lens, 4-Lane MIPI CSI-2, ≤ 30 g night vision module.
Long-Range Ultra Low Light MIPI Camera Module
What It Is
The XHC1602-L20M816 is an ultra low light MIPI CSI-2 camera module based on a back-side illuminated CMOS sensor with an 8 mm focal-length M16 lens, designed as a bare embedded OEM module for direct SoC and FPGA integration in drone payloads and tactical surveillance systems requiring long-range passive night imaging.
Performance
The module achieves a minimum illumination of 0.0004 lux (B/W, 15fps) and 0.001 lux (colour, 30fps) with a default dynamic range of 72 dB. Power consumption is 1.2 W at 25fps at normal temperature and module weight is ≤ 30 g. The 8 mm focal length provides a narrower FOV than the 4 mm and 5 mm variants, optimised for long-range detection scenarios.
Key Technical Features
- 4-Lane MIPI CSI-2 output in YUV422 8-bit format with internal and two external synchronisation modes for multi-camera system integration.
- UART control at 115200 bps for full runtime access to exposure, gain, 3D noise reduction, WDR, and image flip parameters.
- BSI CMOS architecture with F1.0 aperture and rolling shutter rated to 0.0004 lux sensitivity in monochrome mode.
- M16 lens interface with interchangeable 4 mm, 5 mm, and 8 mm focal length options across the series.
Platform Compatibility
The XHC1602-L20M816 integrates with MIPI CSI-2 D-PHY capable SoC and FPGA platforms in long-range drone observation systems, fixed-mount border and perimeter surveillance installations, loitering munition payloads, and multi-sensor fusion hosts; all deployments require impedance-controlled PCB routing and external environmental housing provided by the integrator.
Long-Range Night Vision Optic
The 8 mm M16 lens provides a narrower field of view than shorter focal length variants in the series, concentrating sensitivity on a smaller angular area to support long-range passive detection from airborne and fixed-mount platforms. The F1.0 aperture maximises light throughput to the BSI CMOS sensor.
Sub-Millilux BSI CMOS Sensitivity
Back-side illumination moves interconnect layers away from the photon-capture surface, significantly improving quantum efficiency and enabling 0.0004 lux minimum illumination in monochrome mode. This allows full-frame imaging under starlight with no active illuminator required.
MIPI CSI-2 Synchronised Multi-Camera
Two external sync modes complement the default internal sync, allowing the 816 module to participate in synchronised multi-camera arrays alongside 416 and 516 variants. This enables mixed-FOV sensor fusion architectures from a single host MIPI controller.
Compact and Lightweight OEM Form Factor
At ≤ 30 g and designed as a bare module without external housing, the XHC1602-L20M816 minimises payload penalty on weight-critical UAV and embedded platforms. Integrators provide external housing, meeting the module's environmental protection requirement for operating temperatures from −40 °C to +60 °C.
Our technical team provides pre-sales support for system integration planning, field testing, and deployment assessment.
Contact Technical TeamFull Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| GENERAL | |
| Model Number | XHC1602-L20M816C/B |
| Product Series | XHC1602-L20M Series |
| Product Type | Ultra Low Light MIPI Camera Module |
| OPTICAL | |
| Sensor Type | CMOS (EO/Ultra Low Light) — XHI1302C/B BSI |
| Resolution | 1280 × 1024 |
| Colour Mode | Colour / Monochrome (switchable) |
| Focal Length | 8 mm |
| Aperture (F-number) | F1.0 |
| PERFORMANCE | |
| Min. Illumination (B/W) | 0.0004 lx B/W @ 15fps |
| Frame Rate | 15 / 25 / 30 / 50 / 60 / 90 fps |
| Dynamic Range | 72 dB (WDR upgradeable) |
| Shutter Type | Rolling Shutter |
| MECHANICAL | |
| Weight | ≤ 30 g |
| Lens Interface | M16 Lens Interface |
| ELECTRICAL | |
| Operating Voltage | DC 5V (4.8–5.2V) |
| Power Consumption | 1.2 W @ 25fps |
| ENVIRONMENTAL | |
| Operating Temperature | −40 °C to +60 °C |
| Storage Temperature | −50 °C to +70 °C |
| FEATURES | |
| Wide Dynamic Range | Default 72 dB; multi-mode WDR upgradeable |
| Noise Reduction | 3D Noise Reduction |
| Image Flip / Mirror | Image Flip / Mirror supported |
| DRI PERFORMANCE | |
| DRI Test Standard | Clear weather, visibility ≥ 10 km, US military NVESD standard |
| DRI Target Basis (Person) | 1.7 m × 0.5 m |
| DRI Target Basis (Vehicle/Tank) | 3 m × 9 m |
| Detection Range (Vehicle/Tank) | ≥ 4250 m |
| Recognition Range (Vehicle/Tank) | ≥ 1060 m |
| Identification Range (Vehicle/Tank) | ≥ 660 m |
| Detection Range (Person) | ≥ 800 m |
| Recognition Range (Person) | ≥ 200 m |
| Identification Range (Person) | ≥ 125 m |
| INTERFACE | |
| Output Format | 4-Lane MIPI CSI-2 YUV422 8-bit |
| Control Interface | UART 115200 bps |
| Synchronisation | Internal sync; 2 external sync modes |
Designed for the Field
Long-Range Drone and UAV Observation
The 8 mm focal length is optimised for airborne platforms requiring long-range passive night detection at greater standoff distances than shorter-focal-length variants.
Fixed-Mount Perimeter and Border Surveillance
Narrow-FOV passive night imaging for fixed mast or tower installations covering specific corridors and chokepoints.
Long-Range Embedded Vision OEM Integration
SoC and FPGA hosts integrating the 816 variant for long-range autonomous navigation, target tracking, and multi-camera sensor fusion.
Long-Range Drone and UAV Payloads
The 8 mm focal length positions the XHC1602-L20M816 as the long-range variant in the series, suited to drone and loitering munition platforms that operate at higher altitude or greater standoff distance where wider-FOV modules would not resolve targets at the required range. The 0.0004 lux B/W sensitivity and 1.2 W consumption maintain the same payload weight and power envelope as shorter-focal-length variants, enabling range-specific sensor swapping without platform redesign.
- Min. Illumination: 0.0004 lx B/W @ 15fps
- Focal Length: 8 mm
- Power Consumption: 1.2 W @ 25fps
- Weight: ≤ 30 g
Fixed-Mount Border and Perimeter Surveillance
The narrow FOV of the 8 mm lens is suited to fixed mast, tower, and wall-mount surveillance nodes monitoring specific access corridors, fence lines, and infrastructure chokepoints requiring passive night observation at distance. The −40 °C operating floor and ≤ 30 g module weight allow installation in compact weatherproof enclosures on remote or exposed sites with minimal structural load.
- Operating Temperature: −40 °C to +60 °C
- Storage Temperature: −50 °C to +70 °C
- Weight: ≤ 30 g
- Aperture: F1.0
Long-Range Embedded Vision OEM
System integrators building long-range autonomous navigation, target tracking, and multi-camera fusion platforms use the 816 module where application geometry requires a narrower angular coverage from the imaging sensor. External sync modes allow the 816 module to operate alongside 416 or 516 variants in multi-FOV arrays under a single MIPI host controller, with UART ISP tuning supporting per-module sensitivity adaptation.
- Output Format: 4-Lane MIPI CSI-2 YUV422 8-bit
- Sync Modes: Internal + 2 external sync modes
- Control: UART 115200 bps
- Resolution: 1280 × 1024 default
System Integration
Interface Architecture
The XHC1602-L20M816 exposes a 4-Lane MIPI CSI-2 primary video bus and a UART ISP control interface, supporting both single-camera and synchronised multi-camera array configurations.
Full D-PHY electrical specification, connector pinout, and ISP register map are available to registered corporate integrators on request.
MIPI CSI-2 Interface
The module outputs 4-Lane MIPI CSI-2 YUV422 8-bit video to the host platform, with internal and external sync mode support enabling it to operate as part of multi-camera arrays using the same host MIPI controller as 416 and 516 variants. Host platforms must support MIPI CSI-2 D-PHY 4-lane operation; impedance-controlled PCB routing is required for reliable signal integrity.
Documentation & Downloads
Public documents are available below. Additional corporate-restricted documents require a verified account. Export-controlled items require end-user certification.
3 Documents Restricted to Corporate Customers
Firmware packages, SDK archives, CAD drawings, and classified technical manuals require a verified corporate account. Apply for access and an account manager will review your registration within 1–2 business days.
Request a Quote or Demo Unit
Our technical sales team can arrange a field demonstration, provide deployment planning, and prepare a formal quotation for your procurement requirements.
Contact Sales TeamSign In to Your Account
Access restricted integration resources and downloadable documentation for verified corporate customers.
Don't have an account? Apply for corporate access →
Apply for Corporate Access
Complete the form below. Your application will be reviewed within 1–2 business days. A corporate email address is required — free webmail addresses are not accepted.
Already have an account? Sign in here →