sMAX04BM Scientific Camera
Product Introduction
The sMAX series is designed for low-light and long-exposure scientific imaging, covering sensor configurations including GSENSE2020 BSI, GSENSE4040, and GSENSE4040 BSI, offering high-resolution options from 2K×2K to 4K×4K. All models feature dual-stage TEC high-efficiency cooling structure, with sensor operating temperature approximately 40 °C below ambient, combined with anti-condensation optical structure to ensure image stability and cleanliness during low-temperature long-exposure applications.
The cameras support USB 3.0 / Camera Link high-speed data links and 16-bit data depth, providing research-grade functions such as temperature control, free-running/external triggering, and software/hardware binning. Some models can achieve exposure times up to 3600 s with GPS time synchronization, suitable for fluorescence microscopy, spectral measurement, astronomical observation, semiconductor inspection, and gene sequencing applications.
Windows / Linux SDK (C/C++/C#/Python) and supporting software such as ToupView/CLView are provided for secondary development and system integration.
Key Features
- Dual-stage TEC high-efficiency cooling, typical temperature difference ΔT ≈ 40 °C (below ambient), supporting long-duration low-noise imaging
- Built-in anti-condensation optical structure, effectively suppressing condensation under low-temperature and long-exposure conditions
- Temperature-controllable design: sensor temperature stabilizes to set value in short time (sMAX04 typical ≈ 5 min)
- Featuring GSENSE2020 BSI / GSENSE4040 / GSENSE4040 BSI sensors with high QE (up to 95% @ 560 nm; GSENSE4040 typical 74% @ 600 nm; GSENSE4040 BSI typical 90% @ 550 nm)
- Maximum resolution 4096 × 4096, covering 2K×2K to 4K×4K multiple specifications
- Support for 8/12/16-bit (some models include 11-bit / Global Reset / HDR modes), enhancing weak signal layering and dynamic range
- USB 3.0 / Camera Link high-speed data interface (some models with dual interfaces), meeting high-bandwidth transmission requirements
- Free-running and external trigger modes: supporting single-frame/multi-frame triggered acquisition and multi-device synchronization
- Optional -GPS models: built-in GPS timing module supporting UTC absolute time synchronization and multi-camera sync (model dependent)
- Software and hardware combined binning: software 2×2/3×3/4×4, some models support FPGA hardware 2×2
- Rich digital I/O: 1 opto-isolated input, 1 opto-isolated output, 2 configurable GPIOs (model dependent)
- Long exposure capability: up to 3600 s (model dependent; e.g., sMAX16 series), suitable for extremely low-light applications
- Flexible lens mount: C-mount / M54 × 0.75 (model dependent), convenient for matching with microscopy/spectroscopy/imaging systems
- Wide spectral response: 200–1100 nm (BSI models) / 300–1000 nm (GSENSE4040), covering visible to near-infrared
- Cross-platform development: Windows / Linux SDK (C/C++/C#/Python) provided, supporting ToupView/CLView; some models compatible with LabVIEW / MATLAB
Product Details
| Specifications | |
| Model | sMAX04BM |
| Sensor | GSENSE2020BSI (sCMOS) |
| Shutter Type | Rolling shutter / global reset |
| Color Type | Monochrome |
| Resolution | 4.2 MP (2048×2048) |
| Sensor Size | 13.31 mm × 13.31 mm |
| Sensor Diagonal | 1.2" (18.82 mm) |
| Pixel Size | 6.5 µm × 6.5 µm |
| Performance Parameters | |
| Frame Rate | 72.5 fps @ 2048×2048; 72.5 fps @ 1024×1024 |
| Bit Depth | 8-bit / 11-bit / 12-bit / 16-bit |
| Dynamic Range | 61.38 dB (11-bit); 59.73 dB (HCG, 12-bit) / 67.17 dB (LCG, 12-bit); HDR 91.83 dB (11HL) / 86.02 dB (12HL) |
| Sensitivity | 1.1×10⁸ e⁻/((W/m²)·s) @ 550 nm |
| Interface Parameters | |
| GPIO | 1 opto-isolated input, 1 opto-isolated output, 2 non-isolated I/O ports |
| Lens Mount | C-mount |
| Data Interface | USB 3.0 |
| Power Supply | 12 V DC |
| Physical Parameters | |
| Dimensions | 80 mm × 80 mm × 101.5 mm |
| Weight | 860 g |
| Environmental Parameters | |
| Operating Temperature | -30 °C to +60 °C |
| Operating Humidity | 20%–80% (non-condensing) |
| Storage Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C |
| Storage Humidity | 20%–95% (non-condensing) |
| Other Parameters | |
| Operating System | Windows/Linux |
| Certification | TBD |
Product Overview
sMAX04BM is a scientific-grade cooled camera featuring a GSENSE2020BSI (sCMOS) back-illuminated sCMOS image sensor with the following characteristics:
- High-resolution imaging: 4.2 MP (2048×2048) resolution, 6.5 µm × 6.5 µm pixel size, sensor format 13.31 mm × 13.31 mm
- Shutter design: Features Rolling shutter / global reset design, supports monochrome imaging, suitable for fluorescence imaging, spectral analysis, gene sequencing and other scientific applications
- High-speed data transmission: Supports USB 3.0 high-speed data interface, maximum frame rate up to 72.5 fps @ 2048×2048; 72.5 fps @ 1024×1024 , data output formats include 8-bit / 11-bit / 12-bit / 16-bit
- Excellent dynamic range: Dynamic range up to 61.38 dB (11-bit); 59.73 dB (HCG, 12-bit) / 67.17 dB (LCG, 12-bit); HDR 91.83 dB (11HL) / 86.02 dB (12HL) , sensitivity of 1.1×10⁸ e⁻/((W/m²)·s) @ 550 nm
- Cooling system: Built-in cooling system can reduce temperature to TBD below ambient, effectively reducing dark current
- Rich interfaces: Supports GPIO interface, lens mount is standard C-mount interface
- Compact design: Overall dimensions 80 mm × 80 mm × 101.5 mm , weight approximately 860 g , power supply 12 V DC
- Full platform support: Supports Windows/Linux systems, includes ToupView software and cross-platform SDK, supports C/C++, C#, Python and other mainstream development languages
Core Performance Metrics
Frame Rate
Up to 72.5 fps @ 2048×2048; 72.5 fps @ 1024×1024
Resolution
4.2 MP (2048×2048)
Dynamic Range
61.38 dB (11-bit); 59.73 dB (HCG, 12-bit) / 67.17 dB (LCG, 12-bit); HDR 91.83 dB (11HL) / 86.02 dB (12HL)
Scientific Imaging Features
Back-illuminated Sensor
Features back-illuminated sCMOS sensor with higher quantum efficiency, particularly suitable for weak 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 1.1×10⁸ e⁻/((W/m²)·s) @ 550 nm , meeting high-precision requirements for scientific imaging
Flexible Control
Supports ROI, binning, trigger control and other functions, adapting to different research requirements
The sMAX04BM camera, with its excellent scientific imaging performance, stable cooling system, and rich interface configuration, is an ideal choice for research institutions, medical facilities, and high-end industrial applications, capable of meeting various precision imaging and analysis requirements.
sMAX04BM Product Manual
PDF format, includes detailed technical parameters and dimensional structure
SDK Development Kit
Supports Windows, Linux, macOS and other multi-platforms
3D Model Files
STEP format, for mechanical design integration
Packing List #
Standard accessories and packing details for sMAX cooled scientific CMOS cameras (USB3.0 / CameraLink · −40 °C cooling)
Recommended kit (sMAX04BM)
- Camera body - sMAX series
- Power adapter - input AC 100~240 V 50/60 Hz, output DC 12 V 3 A
- I/O cable - 7-pin cable or extension
- Cable - USB3.0
- Lens (optional) - C-mount
Recommended kit (sMAX04BM-CL100)
- Camera body - sMAX series
- Power adapter - input AC 100~240 V 50/60 Hz, output DC 12 V 3 A
- I/O cable - 7-pin cable or extension
- Cable - CameraLink
- Lens (optional) - C-mount
Recommended kit (sMAX16AM / sMAX16BM)
- Camera body - sMAX series
- Power adapter - input AC 100~240 V 50/60 Hz, output DC 19 V 4 A
- I/O cable - 7-pin cable or extension
- Cable - USB3.0 and CameraLink
- Lens (optional) - C-mount
Product Dimensions #
Outline drawings for sMAX cooled scientific CMOS cameras
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about scientific CMOS cameras
- 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.
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