Do I need to use the SDK when I am working with a module?

No. The interface of a module (Samtec connector) is not a standard interface that is directly accessible by a PC on any given operating system.

To interface a digital or analog module you need to know:


  • XSP: Xenics serial protocol or how the protocol works to do the command and control with the module.
    -There is a separate document concerning the XSP protocol
  • Property and register description: Describes what kind of value and at which address you need to talk to the module to control all the properties.
    -You can find this information in the manual of the module.
  • Pin-out of the Samtec connector: Describes the physical layout of all the pins, communication, video, trigger, power supply, etc..
    -You can find this information in the manual of the module.

Do I have direct access to my OEM module via Xeneth or the Xeneth SDK?

The only cases you can directly access a module is when the module has a standard interface that is accessible by a PC with any operating system. The OEM module needs to have one of the following interfaces:

  • Cameralink
  • RS232
  • GigE vision


Only for those modules, Xeneth and the related SDK can be used directly.

What is the Xenics SDK when working with Xenics OEM modules?

The SDK provides a working platform for the supported operating systems.

  • Windows 32 & 64 bit XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10.
  • Linux 32 & 64 bit Fedora 16 and Ubuntu 12.04


Frame grabbers for CameraLink (National Instruments 1429/1433, Euresys Grablink Full, Imperx) and CoaXpress (Active Silicon Firebird) are integrated in Xeneth and the windows based SDK.

What is the difference between Xeneth software and the Xeneth SDK?

Xeneth is a software dedicated for users to parameterize our camera e.g. during first setups and trials. The Software Developers Kit (SDK) is a pure library of camera commands and calls to integrate the camera within the software application of the user.

Compatibility of operating systems Xeneth 2.6 and Xeneth SDK 2.6

The Xeneth GUI & Xeneth SDK runs on 32 and 64 bit versions of

  • Windows XP
  • Windows Vista
  • Windows 7
  • Windows 8
  • Windows 10

For Linux, the SDK supports 32-bit and 64-bit Fedora 16 and Ubuntu 12.04 LTS.

I am looking for the latest version of Xeneth or the Xeneth SDK software

A copy of the Xeneth software is provided in a USB stick that accompanies the purchase of your camera.

In case you have misplaced the software, or would like to obtain newer versions of Xeneth/SDK, please contact us.

We will need you to provide the serial number of your camera to validate your purchase. The serial number can be found on the label, usually found at the back of the camera.

Where do I find CAD models or technical drawings of my Xenics camera?

Our technical resources are located on the product page for the respective cameras. From our product catalog, look for the series your Xenics camera falls under.

Then, on the “Technical Resources” tab, you will find all the documents available for that product/camera.

If you do not find what you are looking for, no problem! Reach out to us and we will provide the specific documents or files you need.

What is a (mechanical) shutter and why does the camera needs this?

The mechanical shutter is an internal reference which the microbolometer requires to compensate on e.g. pixel drifts. Basically it is a black reference which is put in front of the detector, which takes reference images and corrects the pixel drift.

How can a user control the mechanical shutter to assure his image?

By factory default the shutter is initialized when the temperature at the detector changes by 0,5°C. An additional timing elapse function is also implemented and can also be activated. When a camera has just been started it will get to his working temperature. During this time the detector will warm-up and will be shuttered several times to assure the quality of the image.

On which cameras do you have a microbolometer with mechanical shutter?

Today our XTM cores and Gobi cameras have microbolometer detectors on board which utilize a mechanical shutter.