CTR3CMOS Series
Product Introduction
The CTR3CMOS series is designed for low-light and long-exposure scenarios, featuring Sony Exmor and other high-performance CMOS sensors with resolution coverage from 0.39–20 MP and sensor formats from 1/2.9″–4/3″. Built-in thermoelectric cooling (TEC) and closed-loop temperature control reduce sensor operating temperature by approximately 5–10 °C below ambient temperature. Combined with anti-fogging structure, it effectively suppresses dark current and condensation, ensuring imaging stability and consistency during low-temperature, long-duration acquisition.
Data links support USB3.0 (5 Gbit/s) and GigE (1 Gbit/s, model dependent), maintaining stable throughput under high-speed/long-distance transmission. Supports 8/12/16-bit data output (model dependent), ROI/windowing and multi-gain modes. Cameras provide free-running, software/hardware triggering and multi-camera synchronization, with industrial-grade I/O for integration with external light sources, motion platforms or production line signals. Maximum exposure can reach approximately 300 s, suitable for chemiluminescence, fluorescence, spectroscopy and other weak signal applications.
Includes ToupView software and provides cross-platform SDK (Windows / Linux / macOS) for secondary development and system integration, meeting diverse requirements for scientific research, industrial inspection and general scientific imaging.
Product Features
- High-sensitivity low-noise CMOS (Sony Exmor and others, model dependent), covering visible/NIR applications
- Thermoelectric TEC cooling: typical ΔT ≈ 5–10 °C (below ambient), significantly reducing dark current
- Closed-loop temperature control and temperature setting/locking, balancing low noise with quantum efficiency (QE) maintenance
- Anti-fogging optical structure, suppressing window/sensor condensation during low-temperature and long-exposure conditions
- Resolution coverage 0.39–20 MP, sensor formats 1/2.9″–4/3″ (model dependent)
- Bit depth output: 8 / 12 / 16-bit (model dependent), enhancing weak signal gradation and dynamic range
- Maximum exposure approximately 300 s (model dependent), suitable for extremely low-light/low illumination imaging
- Data interfaces: USB3.0 (5 Gbit/s) / GigE (1 Gbit/s, model dependent), stable long-distance transmission
- Acquisition modes: free-running, software trigger, external hardware trigger; supports multi-camera synchronization and strobe control
- Image functions: ROI/windowing, digital binning, mirroring, Gamma/LUT, multi-gain modes (model dependent)
- Industrial-grade I/O: optically isolated trigger input/strobe output and programmable GPIO (model dependent)
- Optional optical windows: IR-CUT / dual AR coating (model and application dependent)
- Metal (aluminum alloy) CNC housing with electromagnetic shielding and heat dissipation optimization, suitable for long-term stable operation
- Software and ecosystem: includes ToupView; provides Windows / Linux / macOS SDK, compatible with common third-party interfaces
- Typical applications: chemiluminescence/fluorescence microscopy, spectroscopy/low-light detection, materials/semiconductor analysis, etc.
Product Models
Select the CTR3CMOS Series that fits your application requirements
| Product Model | Effective Pixels | Sensor Size | Shutter Type | Frame Rate (FPS) | Sensor Type | Data Interface | Color | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CTR3CMOS00390KMA | 0.39MP (720×540) |
4.97 mm × 3.73 mm
0.39" (6.21 mm)
|
Global Shutter |
20 fps@720×540
|
Sony IMX287LLR | USB3.0 |
|
View Details |
| CTR3CMOS00503KMA | 0.5MP (800×620) |
7.2 mm × 5.58 mm
0.57" (9.11 mm)
|
Global Shutter |
20 fps@800×620
|
Sony IMX426LLJ | USB3.0 |
|
View Details |
| CTR3CMOS01700KPA | 1.7MP (1600×1100) |
14.4 mm × 9.9 mm
1.09" (17.47 mm)
|
Global Shutter |
98.6 fps@1600×1100
|
Sony IMX432LQJ | USB3.0 |
|
View Details |
| CTR3CMOS01700KPA-G | 1.7MP (1600×1100) |
14.4 mm × 9.9 mm
1.09" (17.47 mm)
|
Global Shutter |
66 fps@1600×1100
|
Sony IMX432LQJ | GigE |
|
View Details |
| CTR3CMOS01700KMA | 1.7MP (1600×1100) |
14.4 mm × 9.9 mm
1.09" (17.47 mm)
|
Global Shutter |
98.6 fps@1600×1100
|
Sony IMX432LLJ | USB3.0 |
|
View Details |
| CTR3CMOS01700KMA-G | 1.7MP (1600×1100) |
14.4 mm × 9.9 mm
1.09" (17.47 mm)
|
Global Shutter |
66 fps@1600×1100
|
Sony IMX432LLJ | GigE |
|
View Details |
| CTR3CMOS07100KPA | 7.1MP (3200×2200) |
14.4 mm × 9.9 mm
1.09" (17.47 mm)
|
Global Shutter |
51.3 fps@3200×2200
133.8 fps@1584×1100
|
Sony IMX428LQJ | USB3.0 |
|
View Details |
| CTR3CMOS07100KPA-G | 7.1MP (3200×2200) |
14.4 mm × 9.9 mm
1.09" (17.47 mm)
|
Global Shutter |
16.4 fps@3200×2200
66 fps@1600×1100
|
Sony IMX428LQJ | GigE |
|
View Details |
| CTR3CMOS07100KMA | 7.1MP (3200×2200) |
14.4 mm × 9.9 mm
1.09" (17.47 mm)
|
Global Shutter |
51.3 fps@3200×2200
133.8 fps@1584×1100
|
Sony IMX428LLJ | USB3.0 |
|
View Details |
| CTR3CMOS07100KMA-G | 7.1MP (3200×2200) |
14.4 mm × 9.9 mm
1.09" (17.47 mm)
|
Global Shutter |
16.4 fps@3200×2200
66 fps@1600×1100
|
Sony IMX428LLJ | GigE |
|
View Details |
| CTR3CMOS20000KPA | 20MP (5440×3648) |
13.056 mm × 8.755 mm
0.98" (15.72 mm)
|
Rolling Shutter |
19.0 fps@5440×3648
48.8 fps@2736×1824
59.4 fps@1824×1216
|
Sony IMX183CQK | USB3.0 |
|
View Details |
| CTR3CMOS20000KPA-G | 20MP (5440×3648) |
13.056 mm × 8.755 mm
0.98" (15.72 mm)
|
Rolling Shutter |
4.5 fps@5440×3648
18.5 fps@2736×1824
41.7 fps@1824×1216
|
Sony IMX183CQK | GigE |
|
View Details |
| CTR3CMOS20000KMA | 20MP (5440×3648) |
13.056 mm × 8.755 mm
0.98" (15.72 mm)
|
Rolling Shutter |
19.0 fps@5440×3648
48.8 fps@2736×1824
59.5 fps@1824×1216
|
Sony IMX183CLK | USB3.0 |
|
View Details |
| CTR3CMOS20000KMA-G | 20MP (5440×3648) |
13.056 mm × 8.755 mm
0.98" (15.72 mm)
|
Rolling Shutter |
4.5 fps@5440×3648
18.5 fps@2736×1824
41.7 fps@1824×1216
|
Sony IMX183CLK | GigE |
|
View Details |
| CTR3CMOS45000KMA | 45MP (8176×5616) |
18.93 mm × 13.00 mm
1.44" (22.96 mm)
|
Rolling Shutter |
8.1 fps@8176×5616
30.0 fps@4080×2808
8.1 fps@7408×5556
33.0 fps@3696×2778
10.4 fps@8176×4320
34.7 fps@4096×2160
62.5 fps@2048×1080
86.5 fps@1360×720
|
Sony IMX492LLJ-C | USB3.0 |
|
View Details |
Package List #
Standard configuration and packing information for CTR3CMOS cooled machine vision cameras (USB3 / GigE · -10 °C cooling)
Recommended kit
- Camera body - CTR3CMOS series
- Power adapter - Input: AC 100~240 V 50 Hz/60 Hz, Output: DC 12 V 3 A
- I/O cable - 7-pin cable or extension
- USB 3.0 cable - Micro USB 3.0 cable
- Lens (optional) - C-mount lens
Recommended kit
- Camera body - CTR3CMOS series
- Power adapter - Input: AC 100~240 V 50 Hz/60 Hz, Output: DC 12 V 3 A
- I/O cable - 7-pin cable or extension
- Cable - GigE cable
- Lens (optional) - C-mount lens
Product Dimensions #
CTR3CMOS cooled machine vision camera dimensional reference
The CTR3CMOS series by Topvision Optoelectronics is a high-performance, research-grade semiconductor cooled camera that pairs Sony back-illuminated CMOS sensors with dual-stage thermoelectric cooling (TEC) and a low-noise readout architecture. It is purpose-built for long exposures, ultra-low dark current, and high-sensitivity scientific imaging. The series delivers high quantum efficiency (QE), wide dynamic range, and 16-bit output, making it ideal for astronomy, spectroscopy, and other low-light experiments.
Key Features
Dual-stage TEC cooling
40 °C delta, ultra-low dark current
Back-illuminated CMOS
Sony sensor with high quantum efficiency
16-bit depth
Research-grade data precision
Anti-condensation design
Stable operation in all conditions
Performance Highlights
Cooling capacity
-40 °C
Relative to ambientDark current
<0.002
e⁻/pixel/sec @ -20 °CDynamic range
75 dB
High-contrast imagingResolution
2–26 MP
Multiple configuration optionsIn-depth Product Overview
Research-grade dual-stage TEC cooling
Dual-stage thermoelectric cooling lowers the sensor temperature by approximately 40 °C below ambient to effectively suppress dark current. At an operating temperature of -20 °C, the dark current remains below 0.002 e⁻/pixel/sec, enabling multi-hour exposures without noticeable thermal noise. A precise temperature control system combined with an anti-condensation design keeps the camera stable across diverse environments, making it especially reliable for unattended scientific observation.
High-performance back-illuminated sensor design
Featuring Sony back-illuminated CMOS sensors, the platform delivers exceptional quantum efficiency and minimal read noise. Dual gain modes and an optimized electronic architecture reduce read noise to as low as 1 e⁻, ensuring high image quality in low light or long-exposure scenarios. Pixel sizes range from 2.4 µm to 4.63 µm to balance high resolution with high sensitivity, providing the ideal foundation for faint signal detection.
Professional-grade imaging assurance
The camera supports 8-bit, 12-bit, and 16-bit output, with the 16-bit mode delivering precision data for scientific analysis. With up to 75 dB dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratios above 50 dB, it meets demanding high-contrast imaging requirements. Flexible exposure control spans from 50 µs to several hours, enabling both fast event capture and long-duration deep-sky observation. A USB 3.0 interface and large onboard buffer ensure reliable delivery of high-resolution frames.
High-reliability industrial design
A CNC-machined metal housing integrates an efficient thermal design to maintain temperature stability during extended operation. The anti-condensation window prevents frosting at low temperatures, while the all-metal body provides excellent electromagnetic shielding to keep images free from interference. With an operating temperature range of -10 to 50 °C, the camera is built for long-term, all-weather scientific observation.
Comprehensive software ecosystem
SDKs are available for Windows, Linux, and macOS, with support for mainstream development languages such as C/C++ and Python to streamline integration into existing scientific platforms. Standardized interfaces and comprehensive documentation make it easy to embed the camera into telescopes, spectrometers, microscopes, and other research instruments. USB 3.0 single-cable power simplifies deployment, and an optional 12 V auxiliary supply provides even more stable cooling performance.
Applications
Applications of the CTR3CMOS series in scientific research and astronomy
Core advantages of the CTR3CMOS series
Deep cooling
-40 °C cooling
Ultra-low dark current
0.002 e⁻/s
16-bit output
High data precision
Ultra-low noise
1 e⁻ read noise
Back-illuminated
High-QE design
Anti-condensation
All-weather operation
Wide dynamic range
75 dB range
Research grade
Professional imaging