SS21MPA-U3-CXP Scientific Camera
Product Introduction
SS21MPA-U3-CXP uses the GSPRINT4521-AVC color global-shutter CMOS image sensor, delivering 21 MP (5120×4096) resolution with 4.5 µm pixels across 300–1000 nm. It supports USB3.0/CXP transmission, a 1024 MB image buffer, 8/10/12-bit output, and software/hardware binning.
Key Features
- Color GSPRINT4521-AVC global-shutter CMOS image sensor
- 190 fps @ 5120×4096; 733 fps @ 2560×2016
- 65 dB dynamic range, 6.1 e⁻ readout noise, 63% peak QE
- 1024 MB (8 Gb) image buffer with 8/10/12-bit output
- USB3.0/CXP interfaces and external-trigger I/O
- Software 2×2/3×3/4×4 and hardware FPGA 2×2 binning
- TEC cooling provides a 40 °C differential below ambient
Product Details
| Specifications | |
| Model | SS21MPA-U3-CXP |
| Sensor | GSPRINT4521-AVC (sCMOS) |
| Shutter Type | Global Shutter |
| Color Type | Color |
| Resolution | 21.0 MP (5120×4096) |
| Sensor Size | 23.04 mm × 18.432 mm |
| Sensor Diagonal | 1.86" (29.51 mm) |
| Pixel Size | 4.5 µm × 4.5 µm |
| Performance Parameters | |
| Frame Rate | 190 fps @ 5120×4096; 733 fps @ 2560×2016 |
| Bit Depth | 8/10/12-bit |
| Dynamic Range | 65 dB @ 12-bit |
| Sensitivity | −86 dB |
| Interface Parameters | |
| GPIO | 1× opto-isolated input, 1× opto-isolated output, 2× non-isolated I/O ports |
| Lens Mount | |
| Data Interface | USB3.0/CXP |
| Power Supply | 19 V power adapter |
| Physical Parameters | |
| Dimensions | 110 mm × 110 mm × 126.4 mm |
| Weight | |
| Environmental Parameters | |
| Operating Temperature | −30 °C ~ +60 °C |
| Operating Humidity | 20%–80% (non-condensing) |
| Storage Temperature | −40 °C ~ +80 °C |
| Storage Humidity | 20%–80% (non-condensing) |
| Other Parameters | |
| OS Support | Windows/Linux |
| Certification | CE/FCC |
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 190 fps @ 5120×4096; 733 fps @ 2560×2016 , data output format includes 8/10/12-bit
- Excellent Dynamic Range: Dynamic range up to 65 dB @ 12-bit , sensitivity of −86 dB
- Cooling System: Built-in cooling stabilizes the sensor and effectively reduces dark current
- Rich Interfaces: Supports GPIO interface, lens mount is standard interface
- Compact Design: Overall dimensions of 110 mm × 110 mm × 126.4 mm , weight approximately , power supply 19 V power adapter
- 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 190 fps @ 5120×4096; 733 fps @ 2560×2016
Resolution
21.0 MP (5120×4096)
Dynamic Range
65 dB @ 12-bit
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 −86 dB , 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
- 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