U3CCD Series

Product Introduction

The U3CCD series features C-mount USB3.0 CCD microscopy cameras equipped with Sony ExView HAD CCD sensors (model-dependent), delivering higher quantum efficiency and lower readout noise across visible to near-infrared wavelengths, particularly suited for low-light/fluorescence and other high-sensitivity applications. All models utilize 5 Gbit/s USB3.0 high-speed links for stable and smooth image transmission. FPGA-level timing control supports long exposures (typically up to 3600 s, model-dependent), enabling capture of extremely weak signals. The aluminum alloy CNC housing includes ToupView software and provides cross-platform SDK support (Windows/Linux/macOS/Android) to meet system integration and secondary development requirements for scientific research and industrial applications.

Product Features

  • Sensor: Sony ExView HAD CCD (model-dependent), enhanced near-infrared response and high low-light sensitivity
  • Resolution coverage approximately 2.8–12 MP (model-dependent), compatible with various microscopy/imaging tasks
  • CCD global exposure imaging (Global Exposure), suppressing motion distortion and rolling shutter effects
  • Long exposure capability: FPGA precision timing control, maximum typical duration up to 3600 s (model-dependent)
  • Data interface: USB3.0 (5 Gbit/s) high-speed transmission, stable preview and acquisition
  • Low-noise imaging chain: Low readout noise, optimized dark current suppression (model-dependent)
  • Trigger and synchronization: Free-running, software trigger, external hardware trigger; flash/IO linkage (model-dependent)
  • Image functions: ROI/windowing, digital binning, mirror flip, Gamma/LUT (model-dependent)
  • Bit depth and data: Support 8/12/16-bit output (model-dependent), enhancing weak signal layers and dynamic range
  • Structure: Integrated aluminum alloy CNC housing, C-mount standard lens interface, durable and easy to integrate
  • Software and ecosystem: Includes ToupView; provides Windows / Linux / macOS / Android SDK (compatible with DirectShow / TWAIN)
  • Typical applications: Brightfield/darkfield, low-light and fluorescence microscopy, materials/semiconductor inspection, general scientific recording, etc.

Product Models

Select the U3CCD Series that fits your application requirements

Product Model Effective Pixels Sensor Size Shutter Type Frame Rate (FPS) Sensor Type Data Interface Color Actions
U3CCD12000KPA (Discontinued) 12MP (4248×2836)
13.15 mm × 8.77 mm 0.99" (15.81 mm)
Rolling Shutter
3.6 fps@4248×2836 3.6 fps@2124×1418
ICX834AQG CCD (C) USB3.0 Color View Details
U3CCD12000KMA 12MP (4248×2836)
13.15 mm × 8.77 mm 0.99" (15.81 mm)
Rolling Shutter
3.6 fps@4248×2836 3.6 fps@2124×1418
ICX834ALG CCD (M) USB3.0 Monochrome View Details
U3CCD09000KPA 9MP (3388×2712)
12.47 mm × 9.98 mm 1" (15.97 mm)
Rolling Shutter
4.4 fps@3388×2712 4.4 fps@1694×1356
ICX814AQG CCD (C) USB3.0 Color View Details
U3CCD09000KMA 9MP (3388×2712)
12.47 mm × 9.98 mm 1" (15.97 mm)
Rolling Shutter
4.4 fps@3388×2712 4.4 fps@1694×1356
ICX814ALG CCD (M) USB3.0 Monochrome View Details
U3CCD06000KPA 6MP (2748×2200)
12.48 mm × 9.99 mm 1" (15.99 mm)
Rolling Shutter
7.5 fps@2748×2200 14 fps@2748×1092
ICX694AQG CCD (C) USB3.0 Color View Details
U3CCD06000KMA 6MP (2748×2200)
12.48 mm × 9.99 mm 1" (15.99 mm)
Rolling Shutter
7.5 fps@2748×2200 14 fps@2748×1092
ICX694ALG CCD (M) USB3.0 Monochrome View Details
U3CCD02800KPA 2.8MP (1938×1460)
8.81 mm × 6.63 mm 0.69" (11.03 mm)
Rolling Shutter
15 fps@1938×1460 17 fps@1610×1212 18 fps@1930×1092
ICX674AQG CCD (C) USB3.0 Color View Details
U3CCD02800KMA 2.8MP (1938×1460)
8.81 mm × 6.63 mm 0.69" (11.03 mm)
Rolling Shutter
15 fps@1938×1460 17 fps@1610×1212 18 fps@1930×1092
ICX674ALG CCD (M) USB3.0 Monochrome View Details
U3CCD01400KPB 1.4MP (1376×1040)
8.88 mm × 6.70 mm 0.7" (11.12 mm)
Rolling Shutter
25 fps@1376×1040
ICX825AQA CCD (C) USB3.0 Color View Details
U3CCD01400KMB 1.4MP (1376×1040)
8.88 mm × 6.70 mm 0.7" (11.12 mm)
Rolling Shutter
25 fps@1376×1040
ICX825ALA CCD (M) USB3.0 Monochrome View Details

Packing List #

Standard kit and packaging for the U3CCD USB3.0 Sony ExView HAD CCD camera series

Standard Items
  1. Shipping carton: L 52 cm × W 32 cm × H 32 cm (20 pcs, 12–17 kg per carton)
  2. Inner box: L 15 cm × W 15 cm × H 10 cm (0.70–0.75 kg per box)
  3. U3CCD series camera (1 pc)
  4. High-speed USB3.0 Type-A male to Type-B male gold-plated cable (2.0 m)
  5. Software CD (drivers and applications, Ø 12 cm)
Optional Accessories
  1. Adjustable eyepiece adapters
    Dia. 23.2 mm eyepiece to C-mount: 108001/AMA037, 108002/AMA050, 108003/AMA075, 108004/AMA100
    Dia. 31.75 mm eyepiece to C-mount: 108008/ATA037, 108009/ATA050, 108010/ATA075, 108011/ATA100
  2. Fixed eyepiece adapters
    Dia. 23.2 mm eyepiece to C-mount: 108005/FMA037, 108006/FMA050, 108007/FMA075, 108008/FMA100
    Dia. 31.75 mm eyepiece to C-mount: 108011/FTA037, 108012/FTA050, 108013/FTA075, 108014/FTA100
  3. 108015 (Dia. 23.2 mm to 30.0 mm ring) – adapter ring for 30 mm eyepiece tubes
  4. 108016 (Dia. 23.2 mm to 30.5 mm ring) – adapter ring for 30.5 mm eyepiece tubes
  5. 108017 (Dia. 23.2 mm to 31.75 mm ring) – adapter ring for 31.75 mm eyepiece tubes
  6. Calibration reticles
    106011/TS-M1 (X = 0.01 mm / 100 divisions)
    106012/TS-M2 (X, Y = 0.01 mm / 100 divisions)
    106013/TS-M7 (X = 0.01 mm / 100 divisions; 0.10 mm / 100 divisions)
Note: U3CCD cameras draw power from USB and support exposures up to 1000 s. For accessory options F and G, confirm the required adapter; ToupTek engineers can recommend the best match for your application.
This packing list is for reference; please refer to the packing slip shipped with the camera.

Product Dimensions #

Mechanical outline for U3CCD Sony ExView HAD CCD cameras

U3CCD series outline dimensions
U3CCD Series
Standard size Outline drawing
Overall dimensions of the U3CCD housing
Click an image to view the full-size drawing.

The U3CCD series is ToupTek’s ultra-high-performance USB3.0 scientific CCD camera family, built around Sony ExView HAD CCD sensors with resolutions ranging from 2.8 MP to 12 MP. ExView technology converts otherwise unused near-infrared photons into image signals, extending spectral response from the visible band into the near-infrared and significantly boosting sensitivity. Combined with the high-speed USB3.0 interface and a professional software ecosystem, U3CCD cameras deliver outstanding image quality and integration flexibility for demanding research workflows.

Key Features

Sony ExView HAD CCD

Extends spectral response into the near-infrared to enhance low-light sensitivity.

USB3.0 High-Speed Transfer

5 Gbps bandwidth enables smooth, real-time high-resolution streaming.

FPGA-Based Exposure Control

Supports exposures up to 1 hour for stable weak-fluorescence capture.

Ultra-Fine Color Engine

Hardware color processing preserves accurate microscopy detail.

Performance Highlights

Resolution Range

2.8–12 MP

Multiple sensor options
Spectral Response

380–1000 nm

Visible to near-infrared
Exposure Time

0.06 ms–1000 s

Wide control range
Data Depth

8 / 14 bit

High dynamic range

In-Depth Technical Overview

Revolutionary ExView HAD CCD Technology

U3CCD cameras feature Sony ExView HAD CCD sensors—among the most advanced CCD platforms available. ExView semiconductor processing extends spectral response from the visible band into the near-infrared (approximately 380–1000 nm), dramatically improving quantum efficiency in the NIR. The technology boosts sensitivity in dark-field and low-light scenes while deep photoelectric conversion suppresses noise, making the cameras ideal for research tasks that rely on low-light or near-infrared imaging.

USB3.0 SuperSpeed Data Transfer

The USB3.0 SuperSpeed interface provides up to 5 Gbps bandwidth—ten times faster than USB2.0. The high-speed pipeline keeps video capture and live preview smooth even at maximum resolution, eliminating the transfer bottlenecks common in legacy CCD cameras. The interface remains backward compatible with USB2.0 for older systems, while single-cable power and data simplify setup.

FPGA-Controlled Long Exposure

An integrated FPGA delivers precise exposure control across an ultra-wide range from 0.06 ms to 1000 s, with selected models supporting exposures up to 1 hour. This accuracy is critical for weak fluorescence imaging, astronomy, and bioluminescence studies. FPGA timing maintains stability during long integrations, preventing drift and preserving delicate signal details.

Professional Ultra-Fine Color Processing

The hardware Ultra-Fine color engine employs advanced algorithms to deliver faithful color reproduction for microscopy images. Output modes include 8-bit and 14-bit data, with 14-bit providing 16,384 gray levels to expand dynamic range for quantitative research. The color pipeline maintains accuracy across both visible and near-infrared bands, enabling multispectral imaging workflows.

Scientific-Grade Reliability Design

A monolithic CNC-machined aluminum alloy enclosure ensures mechanical strength and efficient heat dissipation. The fanless passive cooling architecture removes vibrational noise, which is essential for high-magnification microscopy and long exposures. With no moving parts, the camera offers exceptional reliability for long-term deployment in rigorous research environments.

Applications

Representative microscopy applications for the U3CCD ExView HAD series.

U3CCD Series Advantages

Broad Spectral Response

Visible through near-infrared.

ExView Technology

Powered by Sony HAD CCD sensors.

Extended Exposure

Up to 1 hour integration.

USB3.0 Performance

5 Gbps bandwidth.

FPGA Timing

Precise exposure sequencing.

14-bit Depth

High dynamic range.

High Sensitivity

Outstanding low-light performance.

Research-Grade Quality

Professional imaging standard.