CTR3CMOS Series

Product Introduction

The CTR3CMOS series is designed for low-light and long-exposure scenarios, featuring Sony Exmor and other high-performance CMOS sensors with resolution coverage from 0.39–20 MP and sensor formats from 1/2.9″–4/3″. Built-in thermoelectric cooling (TEC) and closed-loop temperature control reduce sensor operating temperature by approximately 5–10 °C below ambient temperature. Combined with anti-fogging structure, it effectively suppresses dark current and condensation, ensuring imaging stability and consistency during low-temperature, long-duration acquisition.

Data links support USB3.0 (5 Gbit/s) and GigE (1 Gbit/s, model dependent), maintaining stable throughput under high-speed/long-distance transmission. Supports 8/12/16-bit data output (model dependent), ROI/windowing and multi-gain modes. Cameras provide free-running, software/hardware triggering and multi-camera synchronization, with industrial-grade I/O for integration with external light sources, motion platforms or production line signals. Maximum exposure can reach approximately 300 s, suitable for chemiluminescence, fluorescence, spectroscopy and other weak signal applications.

Includes ToupView software and provides cross-platform SDK (Windows / Linux / macOS) for secondary development and system integration, meeting diverse requirements for scientific research, industrial inspection and general scientific imaging.

Product Features

  • High-sensitivity low-noise CMOS (Sony Exmor and others, model dependent), covering visible/NIR applications
  • Thermoelectric TEC cooling: typical ΔT ≈ 5–10 °C (below ambient), significantly reducing dark current
  • Closed-loop temperature control and temperature setting/locking, balancing low noise with quantum efficiency (QE) maintenance
  • Anti-fogging optical structure, suppressing window/sensor condensation during low-temperature and long-exposure conditions
  • Resolution coverage 0.39–20 MP, sensor formats 1/2.9″–4/3″ (model dependent)
  • Bit depth output: 8 / 12 / 16-bit (model dependent), enhancing weak signal gradation and dynamic range
  • Maximum exposure approximately 300 s (model dependent), suitable for extremely low-light/low illumination imaging
  • Data interfaces: USB3.0 (5 Gbit/s) / GigE (1 Gbit/s, model dependent), stable long-distance transmission
  • Acquisition modes: free-running, software trigger, external hardware trigger; supports multi-camera synchronization and strobe control
  • Image functions: ROI/windowing, digital binning, mirroring, Gamma/LUT, multi-gain modes (model dependent)
  • Industrial-grade I/O: optically isolated trigger input/strobe output and programmable GPIO (model dependent)
  • Optional optical windows: IR-CUT / dual AR coating (model and application dependent)
  • Metal (aluminum alloy) CNC housing with electromagnetic shielding and heat dissipation optimization, suitable for long-term stable operation
  • Software and ecosystem: includes ToupView; provides Windows / Linux / macOS SDK, compatible with common third-party interfaces
  • Typical applications: chemiluminescence/fluorescence microscopy, spectroscopy/low-light detection, materials/semiconductor analysis, etc.

Product Models

Select the CTR3CMOS Series that fits your application requirements

Product Model Effective Pixels Sensor Size Shutter Type Frame Rate (FPS) Sensor Type Data Interface Color Actions
CTR3CMOS00390KMA 0.39MP (720×540)
4.97 mm × 3.73 mm 0.39" (6.21 mm)
Global Shutter
20 fps@720×540
Sony IMX287LLR USB3.0 Monochrome View Details
CTR3CMOS00503KMA 0.5MP (800×620)
7.2 mm × 5.58 mm 0.57" (9.11 mm)
Global Shutter
20 fps@800×620
Sony IMX426LLJ USB3.0 Monochrome View Details
CTR3CMOS01700KPA 1.7MP (1600×1100)
14.4 mm × 9.9 mm 1.09" (17.47 mm)
Global Shutter
98.6 fps@1600×1100
Sony IMX432LQJ USB3.0 Color View Details
CTR3CMOS01700KPA-G 1.7MP (1600×1100)
14.4 mm × 9.9 mm 1.09" (17.47 mm)
Global Shutter
66 fps@1600×1100
Sony IMX432LQJ GigE Color View Details
CTR3CMOS01700KMA 1.7MP (1600×1100)
14.4 mm × 9.9 mm 1.09" (17.47 mm)
Global Shutter
98.6 fps@1600×1100
Sony IMX432LLJ USB3.0 Monochrome View Details
CTR3CMOS01700KMA-G 1.7MP (1600×1100)
14.4 mm × 9.9 mm 1.09" (17.47 mm)
Global Shutter
66 fps@1600×1100
Sony IMX432LLJ GigE Monochrome View Details
CTR3CMOS07100KPA 7.1MP (3200×2200)
14.4 mm × 9.9 mm 1.09" (17.47 mm)
Global Shutter
51.3 fps@3200×2200 133.8 fps@1584×1100
Sony IMX428LQJ USB3.0 Color View Details
CTR3CMOS07100KPA-G 7.1MP (3200×2200)
14.4 mm × 9.9 mm 1.09" (17.47 mm)
Global Shutter
16.4 fps@3200×2200 66 fps@1600×1100
Sony IMX428LQJ GigE Color View Details
CTR3CMOS07100KMA 7.1MP (3200×2200)
14.4 mm × 9.9 mm 1.09" (17.47 mm)
Global Shutter
51.3 fps@3200×2200 133.8 fps@1584×1100
Sony IMX428LLJ USB3.0 Monochrome View Details
CTR3CMOS07100KMA-G 7.1MP (3200×2200)
14.4 mm × 9.9 mm 1.09" (17.47 mm)
Global Shutter
16.4 fps@3200×2200 66 fps@1600×1100
Sony IMX428LLJ GigE Monochrome View Details
CTR3CMOS20000KPA 20MP (5440×3648)
13.056 mm × 8.755 mm 0.98" (15.72 mm)
Rolling Shutter
19.0 fps@5440×3648 48.8 fps@2736×1824 59.4 fps@1824×1216
Sony IMX183CQK USB3.0 Color View Details
CTR3CMOS20000KPA-G 20MP (5440×3648)
13.056 mm × 8.755 mm 0.98" (15.72 mm)
Rolling Shutter
4.5 fps@5440×3648 18.5 fps@2736×1824 41.7 fps@1824×1216
Sony IMX183CQK GigE Color View Details
CTR3CMOS20000KMA 20MP (5440×3648)
13.056 mm × 8.755 mm 0.98" (15.72 mm)
Rolling Shutter
19.0 fps@5440×3648 48.8 fps@2736×1824 59.5 fps@1824×1216
Sony IMX183CLK USB3.0 Monochrome View Details
CTR3CMOS20000KMA-G 20MP (5440×3648)
13.056 mm × 8.755 mm 0.98" (15.72 mm)
Rolling Shutter
4.5 fps@5440×3648 18.5 fps@2736×1824 41.7 fps@1824×1216
Sony IMX183CLK GigE Monochrome View Details
CTR3CMOS45000KMA 45MP (8176×5616)
18.93 mm × 13.00 mm 1.44" (22.96 mm)
Rolling Shutter
8.1 fps@8176×5616 30.0 fps@4080×2808 8.1 fps@7408×5556 33.0 fps@3696×2778 10.4 fps@8176×4320 34.7 fps@4096×2160 62.5 fps@2048×1080 86.5 fps@1360×720
Sony IMX492LLJ-C USB3.0 Monochrome View Details

Package List #

Standard configuration and packing information for CTR3CMOS cooled machine vision cameras (USB3 / GigE · -10 °C cooling)

Recommended kit
  1. Camera body - CTR3CMOS series
  2. Power adapter - Input: AC 100~240 V 50 Hz/60 Hz, Output: DC 12 V 3 A
  3. I/O cable - 7-pin cable or extension
  4. USB 3.0 cable - Micro USB 3.0 cable
  5. Lens (optional) - C-mount lens
Note: The CTR3CMOS series integrates TEC cooling to reach temperatures 10 °C below ambient, making it ideal for applications that require moderate cooling. Lenses are sold separately.
Recommended kit
  1. Camera body - CTR3CMOS series
  2. Power adapter - Input: AC 100~240 V 50 Hz/60 Hz, Output: DC 12 V 3 A
  3. I/O cable - 7-pin cable or extension
  4. Cable - GigE cable
  5. Lens (optional) - C-mount lens
Note: The GigE interface supports long-distance transmission for distributed vision systems. Lenses are sold separately.
Click the interface buttons above to switch between lists

Product Dimensions #

CTR3CMOS cooled machine vision camera dimensional reference

CTR3CMOS USB3 dimensions
CTR3CMOS USB3 version
USB3.0 Outline drawing
USB 3.0 interface, -10 °C cooling
CTR3CMOS GigE dimensions
CTR3CMOS GigE version
GigE Outline drawing
GigE interface, -10 °C cooling
Click the images to view the full-size files

The CTR3CMOS series by Topvision Optoelectronics is a high-performance semiconductor cooled camera that pairs Sony back-illuminated CMOS sensors with single-stage thermoelectric cooling (TEC) and a low-noise readout architecture. It is purpose-built for long exposures, reduced dark current, and high-sensitivity scientific imaging. The series delivers high quantum efficiency (QE), wide dynamic range, and 12-bit output, making it ideal for astronomy, spectroscopy, and other low-light experiments.

Key Features

TEC cooling (ΔT≈5–10 °C)

Single-stage cooling lowers dark current

Back-illuminated CMOS

Sony sensor with high quantum efficiency

12-bit depth

High-precision gradation for weak signals

Anti-condensation design

Stable operation in all conditions

Performance Highlights

Cooling capacity

≈5–10 °C

Below ambient (single-stage TEC)
Dark current

Low

Suppressed dark current for long exposure
Dynamic range

72 dB

High-contrast imaging (model dependent)
Resolution

0.39–45 MP

Multiple configuration options

In-depth Product Overview

Stable single-stage TEC cooling

Single-stage thermoelectric cooling lowers the sensor temperature by approximately 5–10 °C below ambient to effectively suppress dark current in typical indoor environments. Closed-loop temperature control maintains a steady operating point, while the anti-condensation design keeps the camera stable across diverse environments—suitable for long exposures without frosting or image drift.

High-performance back-illuminated sensor design

Featuring Sony back-illuminated CMOS sensors, the platform delivers exceptional quantum efficiency and minimal read noise. Dual gain modes and an optimized electronic architecture reduce read noise to as low as 1 e⁻, ensuring high image quality in low light or long-exposure scenarios. Pixel sizes range from 2.4 µm to 4.63 µm to balance high resolution with high sensitivity, providing the ideal foundation for faint signal detection.

Professional-grade imaging assurance

The camera supports 8-bit and 12-bit output to match typical workflows for scientific analysis. With up to 72 dB dynamic range (model dependent) and carefully tuned readout noise, it meets demanding high-contrast imaging requirements. Flexible exposure control spans from 50 µs to several hours, enabling both fast event capture and long-duration deep-sky observation. USB 3.0/GigE interfaces and a large onboard buffer ensure reliable delivery of high-resolution frames.

High-reliability industrial design

A CNC-machined metal housing integrates an efficient thermal design to maintain temperature stability during extended operation. The anti-condensation window prevents frosting at low temperatures, while the all-metal body provides excellent electromagnetic shielding to keep images free from interference. With an operating temperature range of -10 to 50 °C, the camera is built for long-term, all-weather scientific observation.

Comprehensive software ecosystem

SDKs are available for Windows, Linux, and macOS, with support for mainstream development languages such as C/C++ and Python to streamline integration into existing scientific platforms. Standardized interfaces and comprehensive documentation make it easy to embed the camera into telescopes, spectrometers, microscopes, and other research instruments. USB 3.0 single-cable power simplifies deployment, and an optional 12 V auxiliary supply provides even more stable cooling performance.

Applications

Applications of the CTR3CMOS series in scientific research and astronomy

Core advantages of the CTR3CMOS series

Deep cooling

≈5–10 °C below ambient

Ultra-low dark current

Optimized for long exposure

12-bit output

High data precision

Ultra-low noise

Low read noise architecture

Back-illuminated

High-QE design

Anti-condensation

All-weather operation

Wide dynamic range

72 dB (model dependent)

Research grade

Professional imaging