ITR3CMOS00500KMA Low Light Imaging/Semiconductor Cooled Camera

Product Introduction

The ITR3CMOS series is designed for low-light and long-exposure scientific/industrial imaging, featuring Sony Exmor and other high-performance CMOS sensors with dual-stage thermoelectric (TEC) deep cooling architecture. It is optimized for fluorescence/chemiluminescence, spectral/UV detection, semiconductor and material analysis applications. The built-in anti-fogging optical structure and closed-loop temperature control can reduce sensor operating temperature by approximately 40 °C below ambient and stabilize to the set value within minutes (model dependent), ensuring low dark current and noise while maintaining quantum efficiency and imaging consistency.

The camera uses USB3.0 (5 Gbit/s) as the primary link, supporting 8/12/16-bit data output and long-term exposure (typically up to 3600 s, model dependent). It provides free-running, software/hardware triggering and multi-camera synchronization, with industrial-grade I/O for integration with external light sources/motion platforms/acquisition systems. Optional multi-interface versions (such as 10GigE/Camera Link, model dependent) are available to meet different cabling and bandwidth requirements. Includes ToupView software and cross-platform SDK (Windows / Linux / macOS / Android) for easy system integration and secondary development.

Key Features

High-sensitivity low-noise CMOS sensors (Sony Exmor and others, model dependent), covering visible to near-UV applications
Dual-stage TEC deep cooling: typical temperature difference ΔT ≈ 40 °C (below ambient), significantly reducing dark current
Closed-loop temperature control and temperature programming; temperature can stabilize to set value within short time (model dependent)
Anti-fogging/anti-condensation optical structure, maintaining window and sensor cleanliness during low-temperature and long-exposure conditions
Optional protective windows: IR-CUT / dual AR (model and application dependent)
Bit depth and dynamic range: 8 / 12 / 16-bit data output (model dependent), enhancing weak signal gradation
Long exposure capability: typically up to 3600 s (model dependent), suitable for extremely low-light imaging
Data and interfaces: USB3.0 high-speed link; optional 10GigE / Camera Link versions (model dependent)

Trigger modes: free-running, software trigger, external hardware trigger; supports multi-camera and peripheral timing synchronization
Image functions: ROI/windowing, digital binning, mirroring, Gamma/LUT, etc. (model dependent)
Industrial-grade I/O: optically isolated trigger/strobe output and programmable GPIO (model dependent)
Spectral/band adaptation: visible / NIR / UV (depending on sensor and window materials)
Electrical and reliability: low-noise power supply and anti-interference design, supporting long-term continuous stable operation
Supporting software: ToupView; provides Windows / Linux / macOS / Android SDK, compatible with common third-party interfaces
Application fields: fluorescence/chemiluminescence, spectral/UV detection, semiconductor and material analysis, low-light microscopy, etc.

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Product Details

Key Parameters
Model	ITR3CMOS00500KMA
Sensor	GPixel GLUX1605BSI
Effective Pixels / Resolution	0.5MP (800×600)
Frame Rate (Full Resolution and Key Resolution Modes)	60 fps@800×600; 60 fps@400×300
Shutter Type	Rolling Shutter
Color Type	Monochrome
Imaging Performance
Pixel Size	16.0 µm × 16.0 µm
Sensor Size	12.8 mm × 9.6 mm
Diagonal	1" (16 mm)
Dynamic Range	84.72 dB
Bit Depth	8-bit/HDR16-bit
Sensitivity	6.4×10⁸(e-/((W/m2).s))
Interface & Mechanical
Data Interface	USB3.0
GPIO	1x optically isolated input, 1x optically isolated output, 2x non-isolated I/O ports
Lens Mount	C-mount
Dimensions	80 mm × 80 mm × 101.5 mm
Weight	860 g
Power Supply	USB3.0 interface power/DC12V power
Environment & Certification
Operating Temperature / Humidity	-10 °C ~ +50 °C / 20%-80% non-condensing
Storage Temperature / Humidity	-30 °C ~ +70 °C / TBD
OS Support	Windows/Linux/macOS/Android multi-platform SDK (native C/C++, C#/VB.NET, Python, Java, DirectShow, TWAIN, etc.)
Certification	CE/FCC

Product Overview

ITR3CMOS00500KMA is a scientific-grade cooled camera designed for low-light imaging and long exposure applications. It features the high-performance GPixel GLUX1605BSI image sensor with the following characteristics:

High Sensitivity Imaging: 0.5MP (800×600) resolution with 16.0 µm × 16.0 µm pixel size and 12.8 mm × 9.6 mm sensor size, ensuring effective capture of weak signals.

Deep Cooling Technology: Dual-stage semiconductor deep cooling, 42 °C below ambient temperature , effectively reducing dark current and thermal noise with typical dark current of 0.07 mV @ -20 °C .

Ultra-Long Exposure Time: Maximum exposure time up to 1 hour , supporting long integration imaging for extremely weak signal detection.

Anti-Condensation Design: Features sealed chamber and anti-condensation window design to ensure no moisture formation on sensor surface during low-temperature operation, maintaining stable image quality.

Precise Temperature Control: Adjustable cooling temperature allows users to balance low noise with quantum efficiency according to requirements, optimizing imaging performance.

High-Speed Data Transmission: Utilizes USB3.0 interface with hardware buffer to ensure smooth and stable transmission of large data volumes.

High Bit Depth Output: Supports 8-bit/HDR16-bit bit depth output with 84.72 dB dynamic range, preserving more image details.

Dual Power Supply Design: USB3.0 interface power/DC12V power ensures stable operation of the cooling system.

Core Performance Indicators

Cooling Capability

42 °C below ambient temperature

Maximum Exposure Time

Up to 1 hour

Typical Dark Current

0.07 mV @ -20 °C

Resolution

0.5MP (800×600)

Scientific Application Features

Astronomical Observation

Ultra-low noise and long exposure capability suitable for capturing dim targets such as deep-sky objects, comets, and nebulae.

Spectral Analysis

High dynamic range and linear response for precise spectral information recording, suitable for Raman spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy applications.

Bioluminescence Imaging

Extremely high sensitivity for capturing weak signals from bioluminescence and chemiluminescence, supporting in vivo imaging research.

Long-Term Monitoring

Stable cooling system and anti-condensation design support long-term unattended scientific observation.

Recommendation

The ITR3CMOS00500KMA cooled camera, with its exceptional low-light detection capability, ultra-long exposure time, and scientific-grade image quality, is the ideal choice for astronomical observation, spectral analysis, bioluminescence imaging, and other low-light applications. Deep cooling technology effectively suppresses noise, while anti-condensation design ensures long-term stable operation, providing reliable imaging solutions for scientific research.

ITR3CMOS00500KMA Product Manual

PDF format with detailed technical specifications and dimensional drawings

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SDK Development Kit

Supports Windows, Linux, macOS and other platforms

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3D Model Files

STEP format for mechanical design integration

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Packing List #

Current model ITR3CMOS00500KMA packing list (USB3 Deep-Cooled)

Standard packing list

Carton: L: 50 cm W: 30 cm H: 30 cm (20 pcs, 12–17 kg/carton)
3-A instrument safety case: L: 28 cm W: 23.0 cm H: 15.5 cm (1 pc, 2.8 kg/box); outer carton: L: 28.2 cm W: 25.2 cm H: 16.7 cm
ITR3CMOS series camera (USB3)
Power adapter: input AC 100–240 V 50/60 Hz; output DC 12 V 3 A
High-speed USB3.0 A-B cable (1.5 m)
I/O cable
Disc/storage media (drivers & software)

Refer to the in-box checklist for power and cables; use original accessories. Deep-cooled models require anti-condensation precautions.

USB3 deep-cooled packing list

Product Dimensions #

Current model ITR3CMOS00500KMA dimension drawing (USB3 interface (general))

USB3 · USB3 interface (general)

Deep cooling Dimension drawing

The ITR3CMOS series is TopLite's high-performance deep-cooled USB3.0 CMOS line, built on Sony backside-illuminated CMOS sensors with dual-stage TEC and low-noise electronics for long exposures, high sensitivity, and research-grade imaging. It delivers high quantum efficiency (QE), ultra-low dark current, and wide dynamic range for astronomy, spectroscopy, and scientific imaging.

Key features

Two-stage TEC cooling

35–45 °C below ambient, ultra-low dark current

Back-illuminated CMOS

Sony sensors with high quantum efficiency

Ultra-low noise

Read noise down to 1 e⁻

Long exposures

Supports hours-long deep-sky imaging

Performance highlights

Cooling capacity

-45 °C

Relative to ambient

Dark current

<0.003

e⁻/pixel/sec @ -20 °C

Dynamic range

75 dB

Scientific imaging

Resolution

2-20 MP

Multiple resolutions

In-Depth Product Overview

Advanced two-stage TEC cooling

Utilizes two-stage semiconductor TEC cooling to lower the sensor 35–45 °C below ambient, dramatically suppressing dark current. At -20 °C, typical dark current is under 0.003 e⁻/pixel/sec, enabling hours-long exposures without noticeable thermal noise. Precise temperature control and anti-condensation design ensure stable operation across environments.

High-performance BSI sensors

Equipped with Sony back-illuminated CMOS sensors offering very high quantum efficiency and ultra-low read noise. The BSI architecture places the photodiode above circuitry to maximize photon collection, delivering high SNR even in low light. Optimized electronics and multi-gain modes reduce read noise down to 1 e⁻, preserving fine detail. Pixel sizes from 2.4 µm to 4.63 µm balance resolution and sensitivity.

Scientific-grade imaging quality

Supports 8-bit/12-bit/16-bit output with up to 75 dB dynamic range and SNR up to 50 dB to meet rigorous research needs. Exposure spans from 50 µs to several hours, capturing fast events and long deep-sky integrations. Large onboard DDR plus USB3.0 high speed ensures lossless transfer of high-resolution frames, protecting scientific data integrity.

Industrial-grade reliability

CNC aluminum housing with efficient thermal design ensures stability during long runs. Anti-condensation window prevents moisture at low temps. USB3.0 single-cable power simplifies integration; optional 12 V auxiliary input provides steadier cooling. Operating range -10 to 50 °C with low power suits unattended long-term observation.

Comprehensive software ecosystem

SDK support across Windows, Linux, and macOS with C/C++ and Python enables quick integration into research systems. Companion software offers full camera control, acquisition, processing, and analysis. Standardized interfaces allow easy embedding into telescopes, spectrometers, microscopes, and other scientific instruments for reliable imaging solutions.