The PCI Express interface for cameras flexes its muscles: The MX377 from XIMEA
The latest product from XIMEA GmbH is the MX377 camera with one of the largest sCMOS sensors available today. The Gpixel GSENSE6060 with 37.7 million 10μm pixels offers imaging performance on par with the best CCDs (finally) in a highspeed CMOS architecture.
Existing CCDs have thus far remained the go-to technology for scientific measurements, in spite of being unable to match the pace of CMOS innovation. The MX377 camera delivers scientific imaging capabilities with high dynamic range and low noise – at high speed. The MX camera line utilizes a multi-lane PCIe interface which can deliver data at the maximum rates the sensor is capable of. The MX377 was also designed with cooling for low light level applications.
The MX377 camera can be provided with several versions of the GSENSE6060 sensor, including frontside (FSI) or backside (BSI) illuminated models.
With the sCMOS BSI sensor, the MX377 reaches a maximum Quantum Efficiency of 95%. Due to the large sensor format of 60 x 60mm, 6k by 6k resolution and 10 μm pixel size, the MX377 is a perfect fit for applications demanding a medium to large format sensor. The output signal from the GSENSE6060 pixels is processed by two readout amplifiers (hi and lo) allowing an HDR readout (2 x 12bit ADC) with up to 90 dB dynamic range. All this with a frame rate of up to 44 fps and a full well capacity of 120 Ke-.
The PCIe interface delivers data with near zero latency from the sensor to the operating computer’s RAM (or GPU) for optimum processing capability and speed. The sensor itself has a number of groundbreaking properties with high dynamic range (FWC close what is expected from CCDs) and dual amplifiers for simultaneous integration of the imagery to deliver high bit depth information on the contents of the image.
The MX377 was designed with a wide range of scientific applications in mind, high energy physics, life science, TEM, astronomy, space situational awareness (SSA) and others. These and other applications will benefit from the combination of high-speed CMOS performance with CCD like data quality in dynamic range and noise, further improved by the availability of either air or water based cooling options to reduce thermal noise for long exposures. This large format sensor and all its capabilities comes in a very compact package, compatible with M95 lenses. The compact CNC machined camera housing is designed with XIMEA’s core principles in mind of remaining small and fast.
XIMEA is known as a reliable and professional innovator in the markets of industrial and scientific imaging. From small high-performance cameras to embedded and multi-camera systems, specialized products for your challenging and advanced demands are part of the portfolio. Especially compact form factors, robust housings and extremely fast cameras are considered XIMEA’s core competencies. With more than two decades of experience the engineers of XIMEA are constantly setting new standards for the entire industry through designing solutions for OEM-projects and off the shelf products. Virtual reality, industrial, scientific, and embedded applications all benefit from our innovative cameras and software tools. XIMEA serves all types of tech companies around the world, from global players to small start-ups. Its camera technologies allow the customers to improve their products and to enable their applications. Facing challenges together with clients to solve individual needs with standard products.