U3ISPM18000KPA (Discontinued) Microscopy Camera/Microscope Camera
Product Introduction
The U3ISPM series C-mount USB3.0 CMOS cameras represent high-performance hardware ISP cameras specifically designed for advanced microscopy imaging and industrial inspection. The series utilizes Aptina or Panasonic high-sensitivity, low-noise CMOS image sensors, equipped with built-in hardware ISP (Ultra-Fine color processing engine) video stream processing, supporting hardware-level demosaicing, white balance, color correction, auto exposure and other functions, effectively reducing host CPU burden while achieving high-speed, precise real-time image processing and output.
The U3ISPM series supports USB3.0 high-speed data transmission interfaces, enabling high frame rate image and video stream output to meet real-time imaging requirements in scientific research and industrial fields. Resolution coverage spans from 16 to 20 megapixels, accommodating various precision imaging tasks. The housing features integrated aluminum alloy CNC precision machining for durability, suitable for various experimental and industrial field environments.
Products include ToupView/ToupLite professional image processing software as standard, with comprehensive support for Windows, Linux, macOS, Android multi-platform SDK, facilitating secondary development and system integration. The U3ISPM series finds wide application in biomedical microscopy imaging, materials science, electronics/semiconductor inspection, educational experiments and industrial online inspection across multiple fields, representing the ideal choice for users pursuing high performance and efficiency.
Key Features
- C-mount CMOS cameras featuring Aptina/Panasonic CMOS sensors
- USB3.0 interface ensuring high transmission rates
- Built-in hardware ISP Ultra-Fine color engine ensuring precise color reproduction
- Lower computer CPU utilization with ultra-high frame rates
- Advanced video and image processing application software ToupView/ToupLite provided with camera
- Windows/Linux/macOS/Android multi-platform standard SDK provided
- Aluminum alloy CNC precision-machined anodized housing
Product Details
| Key Parameters | |
| Model | U3ISPM18000KPA (Discontinued) |
| Sensor | AR1820 (C) |
| Effective Pixels / Resolution | 18M (4912×3684) |
| Frame Rate (Full Resolution) | 13.1 fps@4912×3684; 34.3 fps@2456×1842; 54.4 fps@1228×922 |
| Shutter Type | Rolling Shutter |
| Color Type | Color |
| Imaging Performance | |
| Pixel Size | 1.25 µm × 1.25 µm |
| Sensor Size | 6.14 mm × 4.61 mm |
| Diagonal | 0.48" (7.68 mm) |
| Dynamic Range | 65.8 dB |
| Bit Depth | 8/12-bit |
| Sensitivity | 0.62 V/lux·sec |
| Interface & Mechanical | |
| Data Interface | USB3.0 |
| GPIO | TBD |
| Lens Mount | C-mount |
| Dimensions | TBD |
| Weight | TBD |
| Power Supply | USB3.0 interface power |
| Environment & Certification | |
| Operating Temperature / Humidity | -10 °C ~ +50 °C / 30%~80%RH |
| Storage Temperature / Humidity | -20 °C ~ +60 °C / 10%~60%RH |
| Operating System | Windows/Linux/macOS/Android multi-platform SDK (native C/C++, C#/VB.NET, Python, Java, DirectShow, TWAIN, etc.) |
| Certification | CE, FCC |
Product Overview
The U3ISPM18000KPA (Discontinued) represents cutting-edge microscopy camera technology, featuring advanced AR1820 (C) sensor architecture combined with dedicated hardware Image Signal Processing capabilities. This professional-grade camera system delivers exceptional imaging performance through integrated ISP technology that eliminates the computational burden on host systems while ensuring consistent, high-quality results.
- Hardware ISP Excellence: 18M (4912×3684) resolution with 1.25 µm × 1.25 µm pixel architecture and sensor dimensions of 6.14 mm × 4.61 mm . The integrated hardware Image Signal Processing engine delivers real-time image optimization, color correction, and noise reduction directly on the camera, ensuring superior image quality with minimal host system requirements.
- Advanced Imaging Architecture: Features Rolling Shutter technology with color capability, specifically engineered for professional microscopy applications. The system supports comprehensive observation techniques including bright field, dark field, phase contrast, and fluorescence imaging, with hardware-accelerated processing ensuring consistent results across all modalities.
- High-Performance Data Interface: Utilizes USB3.0 connectivity delivering full-resolution frame rates up to 13.1 fps@4912×3684; 34.3 fps@2456×1842; 54.4 fps@1228×922 . The hardware ISP enables plug-and-play operation with immediate, optimized image output, eliminating the need for complex software configuration or host system processing overhead.
- Professional Color Processing: 8/12-bit processing depth with dynamic range reaching 65.8 dB . The dedicated hardware ISP engine ensures precise color reproduction, automatic white balance correction, and consistent imaging results regardless of sample variations or lighting conditions.
- Optimized Sensitivity Performance: Exceptional low-light capability with sensitivity specifications of 0.62 V/lux·sec . The hardware ISP implementation includes advanced noise reduction algorithms and gain optimization, maximizing signal-to-noise ratio for challenging imaging conditions while maintaining image clarity and detail.
- Universal System Integration: Standard C-mount interface ensures broad compatibility with existing microscope systems. Optional 0.5×/0.63×/1× adapters provide flexible field-of-view matching, while the hardware ISP automatically adjusts processing parameters for optimal performance across different optical configurations.
- Streamlined System Design: Compact form factor measuring TBD with weight of TBD, powered via USB3.0 interface power . The integrated hardware ISP eliminates the need for additional processing hardware, reducing system complexity and installation requirements.
- Comprehensive Software Ecosystem: Professional ToupView imaging software with complete support for Windows/Linux/macOS/Android multi-platform SDK (native C/C++, C#/VB.NET, Python, Java, DirectShow, TWAIN, etc.) operating systems. The software leverages hardware ISP capabilities to provide advanced measurement tools, image analysis functions, stitching capabilities, and focus stacking, with extensive SDK support for C/C++, C#, Python, ImageJ, μManager development environments.
Core Hardware ISP Specifications
Resolution
18M (4912×3684)
Frame Rate
Up to 13.1 fps@4912×3684; 34.3 fps@2456×1842; 54.4 fps@1228×922
Pixel Size
1.25 µm × 1.25 µm
Data Interface
USB3.0
Professional Microscopy Integration
Multi-Application Excellence
Engineered for demanding applications across biomedical research, materials analysis, industrial quality control, and educational environments. The hardware ISP automatically optimizes image processing for diverse microscopy techniques including bright field, dark field, phase contrast, and fluorescence imaging, ensuring consistent professional results across all applications.
Hardware Color Processing
Dedicated hardware ISP engine provides real-time color correction, white balance adjustment, and advanced color reproduction algorithms. This hardware-accelerated processing ensures accurate sample color representation with consistent results independent of host system performance or software variations, meeting stringent requirements for diagnostic and research applications.
Precision Measurement Capabilities
Professional measurement and analysis capabilities enhanced by hardware ISP optimization. The system provides precise dimensional measurements, area calculations, angular measurements, and statistical analysis tools with sub-pixel accuracy. Hardware-accelerated image processing ensures consistent measurement precision across varying imaging conditions.
Advanced Processing Pipeline
Hardware ISP implementation includes real-time noise reduction, sharpening algorithms, dynamic range optimization, and automated exposure control. The system supports advanced imaging functions including multi-frame processing, image stitching for large field-of-view documentation, and focus stacking capabilities, all accelerated by dedicated processing hardware.
Hardware ISP Advantage
The U3ISPM18000KPA (Discontinued) microscopy camera establishes new standards in imaging performance through dedicated hardware Image Signal Processing technology. This advanced architecture delivers immediate, optimized image output with plug-and-play simplicity while ensuring consistent professional results across diverse applications. The integration of hardware ISP capabilities makes this camera system ideal for research laboratories, educational institutions, and industrial facilities requiring reliable, high-performance microscopy imaging with minimal system complexity.
U3ISPM18000KPA (Discontinued) Product Manual
PDF format, includes detailed technical specifications and dimensional structures
SDK Development Kit
Supports Windows, Linux, macOS, and other multi-platform systems
3D Model Files
STEP format, for mechanical design integration
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore key insights about the U3ISPM high-speed microscopy camera series.
- Real-time processing: Hardware instantly manages exposure, white balance, and color enhancement.
- Accurate color: Produces consistent, true-to-life color without post-processing.
- Low CPU load: Keeps computer usage low so standard laptops run smoothly.
- Immediate results: High-quality imagery is available on the spot, improving laboratory efficiency.
High speed with high resolution: Maintains more than 20 fps at 16 MP for real-time monitoring.
Plug-and-play workflow: Bundled ToupView software offers measurement, annotation, fluorescence pseudocolor, HDR, and time-lapse functions.
Excellent value: Delivers research-level imaging with competitive total cost.
U3ISPM cameras employ hardware ISP processing alongside high-speed CMOS sensors to deliver vivid, low-noise microscopy imaging in real time. The 5 Gbps USB 3.0 interface ensures high-resolution live preview, while ToupView software provides measurement, annotation, fluorescence rendering, HDR, focus stacking, and more—ideal for life science, industrial, and teaching environments.
- Integrated hardware ISP keeps colors stable and reduces host CPU usage.
- High-speed sensor plus large buffer maintain smooth video capture.
- Cross-platform SDK and utilities shorten development cycles.
Performance Snapshot
Resolution
16–18 MP
High-detail sensorsFrame Rate
≈20 fps
Full resolutionROI Mode
>40 fps
High-speed cropped captureBit Depth
8 / 12 bit
Flexible output precisionIn-Depth Technology Overview
High-Speed Sensor Architecture
High-speed CMOS sensors paired with large internal buffers guarantee steady, lossless transfer. The hardware ISP executes real-time noise reduction, color balancing, and gamma correction, providing an optimized live feed without straining the host system.
USB 3.0 SuperSpeed Interface
The 5 Gbps USB 3.0 interface delivers plug-and-play convenience with no external frame grabber. Optimized data protocols keep throughput stable across operating systems, enabling full-resolution preview on standard laptops and desktops.
Dual Bit-Depth Output
Users can toggle between 8-bit and 12-bit output. The 8-bit mode streamlines everyday observation, while 12-bit mode delivers 4096 grayscale levels for quantitative analysis and research imaging.
Industrial-Grade Reliability
CNC-machined aluminum enclosures ensure robust heat dissipation and electromagnetic shielding. A fanless, passive design keeps operation silent and vibration-free. Cross-platform SDKs (Windows, Linux, macOS, Android) with extensive sample code shorten integration time for research and OEM projects.
Application Highlights
Representative use cases for the U3ISPM series in microscopy.
U3ISPM Series Highlights
Hardware ISP
Real-time color processing ensures accurate reproduction.
High-Speed Imaging
16 MP at approximately 22 fps.
Plug-and-Play USB 3.0
No frame grabber required.
Dual Bit Depth
Switch between 8-bit and 12-bit outputs.
Large Buffer
Ensures stable, high-speed transfer without frame loss.
Robust Housing
CNC-machined aluminum enclosure for efficient heat management.
Low System Requirements
Runs smoothly on mainstream laptops.
Cross-Platform SDK
Supports Windows, Linux, macOS, and Android.