sMAX16BM-U3-CL-GPS Scientific Camera
Product Introduction
The sMAX series targets low-light and long-exposure scientific imaging, covering sensor configurations including GSENSE2020 BSI, GSENSE4040, and GSENSE4040 BSI, providing high-resolution options from 2K×2K to 4K×4K. All models feature dual-stage TEC high-efficiency cooling structures, allowing sensor operating temperatures to be approximately 40 °C lower than ambient, combined with anti-condensation optical structures to ensure image stability and cleanliness during low-temperature long-exposure conditions.
The cameras support USB3.0 / Camera Link high-speed data links and 16-bit data depth, providing research-grade functions including temperature control, free-running/external triggering, and software/hardware binning. Some models can achieve exposures up to 3600 s with GPS time synchronization, suitable for fluorescence microscopy, spectral measurement, astronomical observation, semiconductor inspection, and gene sequencing applications.
Providing Windows / Linux SDK (C/C++/C#/Python) and supporting software including ToupView/CLView for secondary development and system integration.
Key Features
- Dual-stage TEC high-efficiency cooling, typical temperature difference ΔT ≈ 40 °C (below ambient), supporting long-term low-noise imaging
- Built-in anti-condensation optical structure, effectively suppressing condensation under low-temperature and long-exposure conditions
- Temperature control design: sensor temperature can stabilize to set value within short time (sMAX04 typical ≈ 5 min)
- Utilizes GSENSE2020 BSI / GSENSE4040 / GSENSE4040 BSI sensors, 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
- Supports 8/12/16-bit (some models include 11-bit / Global Reset / HDR modes), enhancing weak signal layering and dynamic range
- USB3.0 / Camera Link high-speed data interfaces (some models dual interface), meeting high-bandwidth transmission requirements
- Free-running and external trigger modes: supports single/multi-frame trigger 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-hardware combined binning: software 2×2/3×3/4×4, some models support FPGA hardware 2×2
- Rich digital I/O: 1 optically isolated input, 1 optically isolated output, 2 configurable GPIO (model dependent)
- Long exposure capability: up to 3600 s (model dependent; such as sMAX16 series), suitable for extremely low-light applications
- Flexible lens interfaces: C-mount / M54×0.75 (model dependent), convenient for matching with microscopy/spectral/imaging systems
- Wide spectral response: 200–1100 nm (BSI models) / 300–1000 nm (GSENSE4040), covering visible to near-infrared
- Cross-platform development: provides Windows / Linux SDK (C/C++/C#/Python), supports ToupView/CLView; some models compatible with LabVIEW / MATLAB
Product Details
| Specifications | |
| Model | sMAX16BM-U3-CL-GPS |
| Sensor | GSENSE4040BSI (sCMOS) |
| Shutter Type | Rolling Shutter |
| Color Type | Monochrome |
| Resolution | 16.8 MP (4096×4096) |
| Sensor Size | 36.9 mm × 36.9 mm |
| Sensor Diagonal | 2.06" |
| Pixel Size | 9 µm × 9 µm |
| Performance Parameters | |
| Frame Rate | 20 fps@4096×4096 (USB3); 23 fps@4096×4096 (CameraLink) |
| Bit Depth | 8/12/16-bit |
| Dynamic Range | 55.0 dB(HCG)/62.4 dB(LCG) (12-bit) |
| Sensitivity | 26.58 V/(lux·s)@550 nm |
| Interface Parameters | |
| GPIO | 1 optically isolated input, 1 optically isolated output, 2 non-isolated input/output ports |
| Lens Mount | M54×0.75 |
| Data Interface | USB3/CameraLink |
| Power Supply | 19 V 4.74 A DC |
| Physical Parameters | |
| Dimensions | 100 mm × 100 mm × 127.7 mm |
| Weight | 1317 g |
| Environmental Parameters | |
| Operating Temperature | -30 °C ~ +45 °C |
| Operating Humidity | 0-95% |
| Storage Temperature | -40 °C ~ +85 °C |
| Storage Humidity | TBD |
| Other Parameters | |
| Operating System | Windows/Linux |
| Certification | TBD |
Product Overview
sMAX16BM-U3-CL-GPS is a scientific-grade cooled camera featuring a GSENSE4040BSI (sCMOS) back-illuminated sCMOS image sensor with the following characteristics:
- High-resolution imaging: 16.8 MP (4096×4096) resolution, 9 µm × 9 µm pixel size, sensor format 36.9 mm × 36.9 mm
- Shutter design: Features Rolling Shutter design, supports monochrome imaging, suitable for fluorescence imaging, spectral analysis, gene sequencing and other scientific applications
- High-speed data transmission: Supports USB3/CameraLink high-speed data interface, maximum frame rate up to 20 fps@4096×4096 (USB3); 23 fps@4096×4096 (CameraLink) , data output formats include 8/12/16-bit
- Excellent dynamic range: Dynamic range up to 55.0 dB(HCG)/62.4 dB(LCG) (12-bit) , sensitivity of 26.58 V/(lux·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 M54×0.75 interface
- Compact design: Overall dimensions 100 mm × 100 mm × 127.7 mm , weight approximately 1317 g , power supply 19 V 4.74 A 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 20 fps@4096×4096 (USB3); 23 fps@4096×4096 (CameraLink)
Resolution
16.8 MP (4096×4096)
Dynamic Range
55.0 dB(HCG)/62.4 dB(LCG) (12-bit)
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 26.58 V/(lux·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 sMAX16BM-U3-CL-GPS 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.
sMAX16BM-U3-CL-GPS 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about scientific-grade CMOS camera expertise
- Ultra-low readout noise: sCMOS readout noise approaches 1e⁻, significantly better than traditional CCD
- High frame rates: Parallel readout architecture supports frame rates up to 100fps or higher
- Wide dynamic range: Can simultaneously image bright and dark regions with dynamic range reaching tens of thousands to one
- Large field of view and high resolution: Suitable for high-resolution large field of view imaging requirements
EMCCD cameras are better suited for extremely low light or long exposure applications.
sCMOS cameras offer better cost-effectiveness for high-resolution, high frame rate applications requiring low noise.
In-Depth Product Introduction
sCMOS Sensor Architecture
Each pixel is equipped with independent amplifiers and column-level ADCs, enabling parallel readout for high-speed, high signal-to-noise ratio imaging. Dual gain channels and dual ADC designs further enhance dynamic range and sensitivity.
Low Noise + Wide Dynamic Range
Typical sCMOS noise is less than 2 e⁻ at 30fps, with dynamic range reaching 50,000:1, significantly exceeding traditional CCD performance.
Fast Readout and Versatility
Parallel readout architecture supports high frame rates (greater than 100fps), suitable for high-speed event capture such as cell movement, fluorescence lifetime, plasma changes, and more.
Low Light Imaging Capability
Back-illuminated sCMOS sensors can achieve quantum efficiency greater than 95%, performing excellently from UV to near-infrared ranges, with low fixed pattern noise and cooling capabilities down to -30°C for astronomical observations.
Application Scenarios and System Value
Suitable for fluorescence microscopy, astronomical imaging, cold atom research, X-ray imaging, materials testing, industrial microscopy, and various scientific research and industrial fields, providing high sensitivity, high precision, and high adaptability system advantages.
Primary Application Areas
Applications of scientific cameras (sCMOS) across various fields
sCMOS Technical Advantages Summary
- Ultra-low readout noise (<2e⁻)
- High frame rates (>100fps)
- Wide dynamic range (50,000:1)
- High quantum efficiency (>95%)
- Large field of view high resolution
- Cooling capability (-30°C)
- Parallel readout architecture
- Multi-purpose scientific adaptability