SS21MPA-U3-CXP Scientific Camera

Product Introduction

The SS series is built on GSPRINT high-frame-rate global shutter sCMOS sensors, balancing high resolution with high frame rates, specifically designed for industrial inspection, high-speed imaging, and scientific experiments requiring high dynamic performance. The series covers 2–21 MP specifications with 4.5 µm pixels and typical spectral response of 300–1100 nm, effectively suppressing motion distortion and image smear.

The cameras provide USB3.0 and CoaXPress (CXP, model-dependent) high-speed links with built-in 1 GB image buffer, supporting 8/10/12-bit output. Frame rates can be further enhanced through ROI/windowing and 2×2 binning (model-dependent) to increase throughput. They support free-running, software/hardware triggering, and multi-camera synchronization, compatible with timing coordination of external light sources, motion stages, and other experimental equipment.

Bundled with ToupView and cross-platform SDK (Windows/Linux, C/C++/C#/Python) for easy system integration and secondary development. Selected models offer TEC-cooled versions to reduce dark current and improve low-light/short-exposure contrast.

Key Features

  • Equipped with GSPRINT4521/4510/4502 high-speed global shutter CMOS image sensors
  • Resolution coverage from 2048×1216 to 5120×4096 (2–21 MP)
  • Pixel size 4.5 µm, sensor diagonal approximately 0.67"–1.86" (model-dependent)
  • Typical spectral response 300–1100 nm, covering visible to near-infrared
  • Global shutter suppresses motion distortion, suitable for high-speed inspection and scientific imaging
  • Full-frame rates up to hundreds of fps, supports ROI/windowing for further frame rate enhancement
  • Supports 2×2 binning (model-dependent), balancing sensitivity/resolution/frame rate
  • USB3.0 and CoaXPress (CXP) high-speed interfaces (model-dependent) for high-bandwidth data acquisition
  • Built-in 1 GB image buffer ensures stable output for high-speed/burst data streams
  • Image data formats: 8/10/12-bit, optional linear/HDR modes (model-dependent)
  • Trigger modes: Free-running, software trigger, external hardware trigger; supports multi-device timing synchronization
  • Rich I/O (model-dependent): Opto-isolated input/output and programmable GPIO for production line/experimental equipment integration
  • Optional TEC-cooled version: Typical ΔT ≈ 40 °C (below ambient), reduces dark current and thermal noise
  • 19 V adapter power supply, system power consumption < 25 W (model-dependent)
  • Environmental adaptation: -30 to 60 °C, 20–80% RH (non-condensing, model-dependent)
  • Provides Windows/Linux SDK (C/C++/C#/Python), compatible with ToupView/CLView
  • Supports on-site firmware upgrade, complies with CE/FCC/RoHS (model-dependent)

Product Details

Specifications
Model SS21MPA-U3-CXP
Sensor GSPRINT4521-AVC (sCMOS)
Shutter Type Global Shutter
Color Type Monochrome
Resolution 21.0 MP (5120×4096)
Sensor Size 23.04 mm × 18.432 mm
Sensor Diagonal 1.84" (29.51 mm)
Pixel Size 4.5 µm × 4.5 µm
Performance Parameters
Frame Rate TBD @ 5120×4096; TBD @ 2560×2048
Bit Depth 8/10/12-bit
Dynamic Range TBD
Sensitivity TBD
Interface Parameters
GPIO 1× opto-isolated input, 1× opto-isolated output, 2× non-isolated I/O ports
Lens Mount TBD
Data Interface USB3.0/CXP
Power Supply 19 V DC
Physical Parameters
Dimensions TBD
Weight TBD
Environmental Parameters
Operating Temperature -30 °C to +60 °C
Operating Humidity 20% to 80% (non-condensing)
Storage Temperature -40 °C to +85 °C
Storage Humidity TBD
Other Parameters
OS Support Windows/Linux
Certification TBD

Product Overview

SS21MPA-U3-CXP is a scientific-grade cooled camera featuring a GSPRINT4521-AVC (sCMOS) back-illuminated sCMOS image sensor with the following characteristics:

  • High-Resolution Imaging: 21.0 MP (5120×4096) resolution with 4.5 µm × 4.5 µm pixel size, sensor size of 23.04 mm × 18.432 mm
  • Shutter Design: Features Global Shutter design, supports monochrome imaging, suitable for fluorescence imaging, spectral analysis, gene sequencing and other scientific research scenarios
  • High-Speed Data Transfer: Supports USB3.0/CXP high-speed data interface, maximum frame rate up to TBD @ 5120×4096; TBD @ 2560×2048 , data output format includes 8/10/12-bit
  • Excellent Dynamic Range: Dynamic range up to TBD , sensitivity of TBD
  • Cooling System: Built-in cooling system reduces temperature TBD below ambient, effectively reducing dark current
  • Rich Interfaces: Supports GPIO interface, lens mount is standard TBD interface
  • Compact Design: Overall dimensions of TBD , weight approximately TBD , power supply 19 V DC
  • Full Platform Support: Supports Windows/Linux systems, bundled with ToupView software and cross-platform SDK, supports C/C++, C#, Python and other mainstream development languages

Key Performance Indicators

Frame Rate

Up to TBD @ 5120×4096; TBD @ 2560×2048

Resolution

21.0 MP (5120×4096)

Scientific Imaging Features

Back-Illuminated Sensor

Features back-illuminated sCMOS sensor with higher quantum efficiency, especially suitable for low-light imaging applications

Cooling Noise Reduction

Built-in cooling system effectively reduces dark current and noise, improving image quality and signal-to-noise ratio

High Sensitivity

Sensitivity reaches TBD , meeting the high-precision requirements of scientific imaging

Flexible Control

Supports ROI, binning, trigger control and other functions to adapt to different research needs

Why Choose SS21MPA-U3-CXP

The SS21MPA-U3-CXP camera is the ideal choice for research institutions, medical facilities, and high-end industrial applications with its excellent scientific imaging performance, stable cooling system, and rich interface configurations. It can meet various precision imaging and analysis requirements.

SS21MPA-U3-CXP Product Manual

PDF format, includes detailed technical specifications and dimensional structure


SDK Development Kit

Supports Windows, Linux, macOS and other platforms


3D Model Files

STEP format, for mechanical design integration

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about scientific CMOS cameras

A scientific CMOS (sCMOS) camera combines the strengths of CCD and CMOS technology, delivering ultra-low noise, high frame rate, wide dynamic range, and high quantum efficiency—ideal for scientific research and precision measurement.

  • Ultra-low read noise: sCMOS read noise approaches 1 e⁻, far outperforming traditional CCDs.
  • High frame rate: Parallel readout architecture supports 100 fps or higher.
  • Wide dynamic range: Captures bright and dark regions simultaneously with ratios up to tens of thousands to one.
  • Large field of view and high resolution: Suits high-resolution, wide-field imaging.

Most sCMOS sensors adopt a rolling shutter for high-speed line-by-line readout. Some support pseudo-global shutter via synchronized illumination for tear-free imaging.

They are used widely in biological microscopy, fluorescence imaging, fast object inspection, astronomy, X-ray imaging, cold atom research, and other precision-science scenarios.

EMCCD cameras excel in ultra-low light or long-exposure conditions.

sCMOS delivers greater value for high-resolution, high-speed imaging with low noise.

In-Depth Product Overview

sCMOS Sensor Architecture

Each pixel has its own amplifier and column ADC for parallel readout, enabling high-speed, high-SNR imaging. Dual gain channels and dual ADC designs further expand dynamic range and sensitivity.

Low Noise + Wide Dynamic Range

Typical sCMOS noise is < 2 e⁻ (30 fps) with dynamic range up to 50,000:1—far exceeding traditional CCDs.

Fast Readout & Versatility

Parallel readout supports >100 fps for capturing fast events such as cell motion, fluorescence lifetime studies, and plasma dynamics.

Low-Light Performance

Back-illuminated sCMOS sensors achieve >95% QE from UV to NIR, with low fixed-pattern noise and cooling down to −30 °C for astronomy and other needs.

Application Scenarios & System Value

Ideal for fluorescence microscopy, astronomy, cold atom research, X-ray imaging, materials inspection, and industrial microscopy—delivering high sensitivity, precision, and adaptability.

Key Application Areas

Representative sCMOS applications

sCMOS Technology Advantages Summary

  • Ultra-low read noise (<2 e⁻)
  • High frame rate (>100 fps)
  • Wide dynamic range (50,000:1)
  • High quantum efficiency (>95%)
  • Large FOV, high resolution
  • Cooling capability (−30 °C)
  • Parallel readout architecture
  • Adaptable to diverse research needs