sMAX16BM-U3-CL Scientific Camera

Product Introduction

The sMAX16BM-U3-CL employs a GSENSE4040BSI back-illuminated sensor, providing 90% @ 550 nm ultra-high quantum efficiency and a wider spectral response range (200-1100 nm). Particularly suitable for applications requiring extremely high sensitivity such as fluorescence imaging, astronomical observation, and semiconductor inspection. The 3.2-inch large format combined with back-illuminated technology achieves exceptional low-light imaging performance.

Key Features

  • GSENSE4040BSI back-illuminated sCMOS sensor
  • Ultra-high quantum efficiency: 90% @ 550 nm
  • Ultra-wide spectral response: 200 nm – 1100 nm
  • Ultra-high resolution: 4096×4096 (16.8 MP)
  • 3.2-inch large format, 36.9 mm × 36.9 mm
  • Dual-interface design: USB 3.0 + Camera Link
  • Dual-stage TEC cooling, cooling temperature difference ≥ 40 °C
  • Ultra-long exposure capability: 12 µs – 3600 s
  • High sensitivity: 26.58 V/(lux·s) @ 550 nm
  • 1024 MB (8 Gb) large-capacity cache
  • Low dark current: 0.15 e⁻/pixel/s
  • M54×0.75 professional lens mount
  • High/low gain dual modes: HCG/LCG selectable
  • Global reset and rolling shutter modes support
  • Suitable for UV to NIR full-spectrum imaging

Product Details

Specifications
Model sMAX16BM-U3-CL
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 4.1" (52.18 mm)
Pixel Size 9 µm × 9 µm
Performance Parameters
Frame Rate 20 fps @ 4096×4096 (USB3); 23 fps @ 4096×4096 (Camera Link)
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 opto-isolated input, 1 opto-isolated output, 2 non-isolated I/O ports
Lens Mount M54 × 0.75
Data Interface USB3/Camera Link
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 to +45 °C
Operating Humidity 0 – 95%
Storage Temperature -40 °C to +60 °C
Storage Humidity TBD
Other Parameters
Operating System Windows/Linux
Certification TBD

Product Overview

sMAX16BM-U3-CL 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/Camera Link high-speed data interface, maximum frame rate up to 20 fps @ 4096×4096 (USB3); 23 fps @ 4096×4096 (Camera Link) , 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 (Camera Link)

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 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 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

Package Contents #

Package list for model sMAX16BM-U3-CL (USB3 Cooled)

USB3 Cooled
  1. Camera body (USB3.0)
  2. Power adapter: AC 100~240 V 50/60 Hz → DC 12 V 3 A
  3. I/O cable: 7-pin cable or extension cable
  4. USB3.0 cable
  5. Lens (optional) C-mount
Fits: sMAX04BM / sMAX04BM-U100
sMAX USB3 cooled packing list
sMAX USB3 cooled packing list

Product Dimensions #

Dimensions for model sMAX16BM-U3-CL (USB3 interface (cooled))

USB3 interface (cooled) outline dimensions
USB3 interface (cooled)
Cooled Outline drawing
Fits: sMAX04BM / sMAX04BM-U100

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about scientific CMOS cameras

A scientific CMOS (sCMOS) camera combines the strengths of CCD and CMOS technology, delivering ultra-low noise, high frame rate, wide dynamic range, and high quantum efficiency—ideal for scientific research and precision measurement.

  • 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.

Most sCMOS sensors adopt a rolling shutter for high-speed line-by-line readout. Some support pseudo-global shutter via synchronized illumination for tear-free imaging.

They are used widely in biological microscopy, fluorescence imaging, fast object inspection, astronomy, X-ray imaging, cold atom research, and other precision-science scenarios.

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