CTR3CMOS45000KMA Low Light Imaging/Semiconductor Cooled Camera

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.

Key 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.

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Product Details

Key Parameters
Model	CTR3CMOS45000KMA
Sensor	Sony IMX492LLJ-C
Effective Pixels / Resolution	45MP (8176×5616)
Frame Rate (Full Resolution and Key Resolution Modes)	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
Shutter Type	Rolling Shutter
Color Type	Monochrome
Imaging Performance
Pixel Size	2.315 µm × 2.315 µm
Sensor Size	18.93 mm × 13.00 mm
Diagonal	1.44" (22.96 mm)
Dynamic Range	72 dB
Bit Depth	8-bit/12-bit
Sensitivity	175 mV
Interface & Mechanical
Data Interface	USB3.0
GPIO	1x optically isolated input, 1x optically isolated output, 2x non-isolated I/O ports
Lens Mount	C-mount
Dimensions	80 mm × 80 mm × 45.5 mm
Weight	396.6 g
Power Supply	USB3.0 interface power/DC12V power
Environment & Certification
Operating Temperature / Humidity	-10 °C ~ +50 °C / 20%-80% non-condensing
Storage Temperature / Humidity	-30 °C ~ +70 °C / TBD
OS Support	Windows/Linux/macOS/Android multi-platform SDK (native C/C++, C#/VB.NET, Python, Java, DirectShow, TWAIN, etc.)
Certification	CE/FCC

Product Overview

CTR3CMOS45000KMA is a scientific-grade cooled camera designed for low-light imaging and long exposure applications. It features the high-performance Sony IMX492LLJ-C image sensor with the following characteristics:

High Sensitivity Imaging: 45MP (8176×5616) resolution with 2.315 µm × 2.315 µm pixel size and 18.93 mm × 13.00 mm sensor size, ensuring effective capture of weak signals.

Deep Cooling Technology: Dual-stage semiconductor deep cooling, 42 °C below ambient temperature , effectively reducing dark current and thermal noise with typical dark current of 0.07 mV @ -20 °C .

Ultra-Long Exposure Time: Maximum exposure time up to 1 hour , supporting long integration imaging for extremely weak signal detection.

Anti-Condensation Design: Features sealed chamber and anti-condensation window design to ensure no moisture formation on sensor surface during low-temperature operation, maintaining stable image quality.

Precise Temperature Control: Adjustable cooling temperature allows users to balance low noise with quantum efficiency according to requirements, optimizing imaging performance.

High-Speed Data Transmission: Utilizes USB3.0 interface with hardware buffer to ensure smooth and stable transmission of large data volumes.

High Bit Depth Output: Supports 8-bit/12-bit bit depth output with 72 dB dynamic range, preserving more image details.

Dual Power Supply Design: USB3.0 interface power/DC12V power ensures stable operation of the cooling system.

Core Performance Indicators

Cooling Capability

20 °C below ambient temperature

Maximum Exposure Time

Up to 1 hour

Typical Dark Current

0.07 mV @ -20 °C

Resolution

45MP (8176×5616)

Scientific Application Features

Astronomical Observation

Ultra-low noise and long exposure capability suitable for capturing dim targets such as deep-sky objects, comets, and nebulae.

Spectral Analysis

High dynamic range and linear response for precise spectral information recording, suitable for Raman spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy applications.

Bioluminescence Imaging

Extremely high sensitivity for capturing weak signals from bioluminescence and chemiluminescence, supporting in vivo imaging research.

Long-Term Monitoring

Stable cooling system and anti-condensation design support long-term unattended scientific observation.

Recommendation

The CTR3CMOS45000KMA cooled camera, with its exceptional low-light detection capability, ultra-long exposure time, and scientific-grade image quality, is the ideal choice for astronomical observation, spectral analysis, bioluminescence imaging, and other low-light applications. Deep cooling technology effectively suppresses noise, while anti-condensation design ensures long-term stable operation, providing reliable imaging solutions for scientific research.

CTR3CMOS45000KMA Product Manual

PDF format with detailed technical specifications and dimensional drawings

Download

SDK Development Kit

Supports Windows, Linux, macOS and other platforms

Get SDK

3D Model Files

STEP format for mechanical design integration

Download 3D

Package List #

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

Recommended kit

Camera body - CTR3CMOS series
Power adapter - Input: AC 100~240 V 50 Hz/60 Hz, Output: DC 12 V 3 A
I/O cable - 7-pin cable or extension
USB 3.0 cable - Micro USB 3.0 cable
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

Camera body - CTR3CMOS series
Power adapter - Input: AC 100~240 V 50 Hz/60 Hz, Output: DC 12 V 3 A
I/O cable - 7-pin cable or extension
Cable - GigE cable
Lens (optional) - C-mount lens

Note: The GigE interface supports long-distance transmission for distributed vision systems. Lenses are sold separately.

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Product Dimensions #

CTR3CMOS cooled machine vision camera dimensional reference

CTR3CMOS USB3 version

USB3.0 Outline drawing

USB 3.0 interface, -10 °C cooling

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, research-grade semiconductor cooled camera that pairs Sony back-illuminated CMOS sensors with dual-stage thermoelectric cooling (TEC) and a low-noise readout architecture. It is purpose-built for long exposures, ultra-low dark current, and high-sensitivity scientific imaging. The series delivers high quantum efficiency (QE), wide dynamic range, and 16-bit output, making it ideal for astronomy, spectroscopy, and other low-light experiments.

Key Features

Dual-stage TEC cooling

40 °C delta, ultra-low dark current

Back-illuminated CMOS

Sony sensor with high quantum efficiency

16-bit depth

Research-grade data precision

Anti-condensation design

Stable operation in all conditions

Performance Highlights

Cooling capacity

-40 °C

Relative to ambient

Dark current

<0.002

e⁻/pixel/sec @ -20 °C

Dynamic range

75 dB

High-contrast imaging

Resolution

2–26 MP

Multiple configuration options

In-depth Product Overview

Research-grade dual-stage TEC cooling

Dual-stage thermoelectric cooling lowers the sensor temperature by approximately 40 °C below ambient to effectively suppress dark current. At an operating temperature of -20 °C, the dark current remains below 0.002 e⁻/pixel/sec, enabling multi-hour exposures without noticeable thermal noise. A precise temperature control system combined with an anti-condensation design keeps the camera stable across diverse environments, making it especially reliable for unattended scientific observation.

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, 12-bit, and 16-bit output, with the 16-bit mode delivering precision data for scientific analysis. With up to 75 dB dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratios above 50 dB, 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. A USB 3.0 interface and 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.