Andor Technology Neo sCMOS Installation instructions

Version 1.0 - October 2011
HARDWARE GUIDE
Neo sCMOS
Project part financed by the European Regional Development Fund under the
European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland
www.andor.com ©Andor Technology plc 2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS
sCMOS TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page 2
PAGE
SAFETY & WARNINGS INFORMATION 10
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE 11

TABLE OF CONTENTS
sCMOS TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page 3
PAGE
SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION 12
1.1 - HELP & TECHNICAL SUPPORT 13
Europe 13
USA 13
Asia-Pacific 13
China 13
1.2 - DISCLAIMER 14
1.3 - TRADEMARKS & PATENT INFORMATION 14
1.4 - SPECIFICATIONS 15
1.5 - COMPONENTS 16
1.5.1 - Mechanical drawings 17
1.5.2 - Power Supply Unit (PSU) 18
1.5.3 - Connectors 19
1.5.4 - Cooling pipe connectors 21
1.5.5 - Optional extras 22

TABLE OF CONTENTS
sCMOS TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page 4
PAGE
SECTION 2 - FEATURES & FUNCTIONALITY 23
2.1 - sCMOS STRUCTURE & OPERATION 23
2.2 - TE COOLING 24
2.2.1 - Ultravac™ 25
2.2.2 - Effect of TE cooling on noise floor 26
2.2.3 - Effect of TE cooling on hot pixel blemishes 27
2.3 - ROLLING & GLOBAL SHUTTER 28
2.3.1 - Rolling Shutter 29
2.3.2 - Global Shutter 30
2.3.3 - Choosing Rolling or Global Shutter 31
2.3.3.1 - Example application scenarios for Global Shutter mode 32
2.3.4 - Rolling & Global Shutter mechanisms 33
2.4 - UNDERSTANDING READ NOISE IN sCMOS 34
2.4.1 - Spurious noise filter 35
2.5 - DUAL AMPLIFIER DYNAMIC RANGE 36
2.6 - SENSOR READOUT OPTIMIZATION 38
2.6.1 - Preamp gain control 39
2.6.2 - Pixel readout rate 40
2.6.3 - ROI Sub-image 41
2.7 - TRIGGERING 42
2.7.1 - Rolling Shutter triggering modes 43
2.7.1.1 - Rolling Shutter Internal triggering (Non-Overlap mode) 44
2.7.1.2 - Rolling Shutter Internal triggering (Overlap mode) 46
2.7.1.3 - Rolling Shutter External/Software triggering 47
2.7.1.4 - Rolling Shutter External Exposure triggering (Non-Overlap mode) 48
2.7.1.5 - Rolling Shutter External Exposure triggering (Overlap mode) 49
2.7.1.6 - Rolling Shutter External Start triggering 50
2.7.1.7 - Rolling Shutter triggering constraints 51
2.7.2 - Global Shutter triggering modes 52
2.7.2.1 - Global Shutter Internal triggering (Non-Overlap mode) 53
2.7.2.2 - Global Shutter Internal triggering (Overlap mode) 55
2.7.2.3 - Global Shutter External/Software triggering 56
2.7.2.4 - Global Shutter External Exposure triggering (Non-Overlap mode) 57
2.7.2.5 - Global Shutter External Exposure triggering (Overlap mode) 58
2.7.2.6 - Global Shutter External Start triggering 59
2.7.2.7 - Global Shutter triggering constraints 60
2.8 - ACQUISITION MODES 61
2.8.1 - Single Scan 62
2.8.2 - Kinetic Series 62
2.8.3 - Accumulate 62
2.8.4 - Run Till Abort acquisition 63
2.8.4.1 - Live mode 63
2.8.5 - Fast Exposure switch 64
2.8.6 - Frame rate control 64

TABLE OF CONTENTS
sCMOS TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page 5
PAGE
SECTION 3 - INSTALLATION 65
3.1 - SAFETY 65
3.2 - MOUNTING CAMERA 65
3.3 - MINIMUM COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS 65
3.4 - INSTALLING SOLIS AND CAMERA LINK DRIVERS 66
3.5 - CAMERA LINK CONTROLLER CARD INSTALLATION 67
3.6 - INSTALLATION OF DEVICE DRIVER 69
3.7 - COOLING PIPE CONNECTION & DISCONNECTION 70

TABLE OF CONTENTS
sCMOS TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page 6
PAGE
SECTION 4 - OPERATION 71
4.1 - CONNECTING CAMERA 71
4.2 - COOLING 72
4.2.1 - Head overheating 72
4.2.2 - TE Cooling 73
4.2.3 - Fan settings 74
4.3 - SOFTWARE SUPPORT 75

TABLE OF CONTENTS
sCMOS TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page 7
PAGE
SECTION 5 - MAINTENANCE 76
5.1- REGULAR CHECKS 76
5.2 - ANNUAL ELECTRICAL SAFETY CHECKS 76
5.3 - FUSE REPLACEMENT 76
5.4 - COOLING PIPES & CONNECTORS 76

TABLE OF CONTENTS
sCMOS TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page 8
PAGE
SECTION 6 - TROUBLESHOOTING 77

TABLE OF CONTENTS
sCMOS TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page 9
PAGE
APPENDIX 79
A1 - DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY 79
A2 - TERMS & CONDITIONS 81
A3 - STANDARD WARRANTY AND WARRANTY SERVICES 82
A4 - THE WASTE ELECTRONIC AND ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT REGULATIONS 2006 (WEEE) 86

INTRODUCTION
Neo SECTION 1
Page 10
SAFETY & WARNINGS INFORMATION
PLEASE READ THIS INFORMATION FIRST
1. To ensure correct and safe operation of this product, please read this guide before use and keep it in a
safe place for future reference
2. If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by Andor, the protection provided by the equipment may
be impaired
3. Before using the system, please follow and adhere to all warnings, safety, manual handling and operating
instructions located either on the product or in this User Guide
4. Andor Neo sCMOS is a precision scientific instrument containing fragile components Always handle with
care
5. Do not expose the product to extreme hot or cold temperatures
6. Ensure that a minimum clearance of approximately 100mm (4”) is maintained in front of all ventilation slots
and the fan inlet
7. Do not expose the product to open flames
8. Do not allow objects to fall on the product
9. Do not expose the product to moisture, wet or spill liquids on the product. Do not store or place liquids on
the product. If spillage occurs on the product, switch off power immediately, and wipe off with dry,
lint-free cloth. If any ingress has occurred or is suspected, unplug mains cable, do not use, and contact
Andor service
10. The product contains components that are extremely sensitive to static electricity and radiated
electromagnetic fields, and therefore should not be used, or stored, close to EMI/RFI generators,
electrostatic field generators, electromagnetic or radioactive devices, or other similar sources of high
energy fields
11. Operation of the system close to intense pulsed sources (e.g. plasma sources, arc welders, radio
frequency generators, X-ray instruments, and pulsed discharge optical sources) may compromise
performance if shielding of the Neo sCMOS is inadequate
12. Use only the power supply cord provided with the system for this unit. Should this not be correct for your
geographical area contact your local Andor representative
13. Only the correctly specified mains supply and fuse must be used
14. Make sure the electrical cord is located so that it will not be subject to damage
15. There are no user-serviceable parts beyond the specified user accessible areas of the product and the
enclosure must not be opened. Only authorised service personnel may service this equipment
16.
A
lways disconnect the power supply from the product before accessing the lamp or filter wheel housings or
before replacing a fuse

INTRODUCTION
Neo SECTION 1
Page 11
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
Please refer to the Declaration of Conformity in Section A2.

INTRODUCTION
Neo SECTION 1
Page 12
SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing the Neo sCMOS. You are now in possession of a revolutionary new Scientific CMOS
camera, a breakthrough technology based on next-generation CMOS image sensor (CIS) design and
fabrication techniques.
Unlike previous generations of CMOS and CCD-based sensors, sCMOS is uniquely capable of simultaneously
offering:
•Extremely low noise
•Rapid frame rates
•Wide dynamic range
•High quantum efficiency (QE)
•High resolution
•Large field of view
This manual contains useful information and advice to ensure you get the optimum performance from your new
system. If you have any questions regarding your Neo sCMOS, please feel free to contact Andor directly, or via
your local representative or supplier.
This camera is designed to be used in research laboratories and other controlled scientific environments.

INTRODUCTION
Neo SECTION 1
Page 13
1.1 - HELP & TECHNICAL SUPPORT
If you have any questions regarding the use of this equipment, please contact the representative*from whom
your system was purchased, or:
Europe USA
Andor Technology
7 Millennium Way
Springvale Business Park
Belfast
BT12 7AL
Northern Ireland
Tel. [phone]
Fax. [phone]
www.andor.com/contact_us/support_request
Andor Technology
425 Sullivan Avenue
Suite # 3
South Windsor
CT 06074
USA
Tel. [phone]
Fax. [phone]
www.andor.com/contact_us/support_request
Asia-Pacific China
Andor Technology (Japan)
7F Ichibancho Central Building
22-1 Ichiban-Cho
Chiyoda-Ku
Tokyo 102-0082
Japan
Tel. [phone]
Fax. [phone]
www.andor.com/contact_us/support_request
Andor Technology
Room 502
Yu Yang Zhi Ye Building
A2 Xiao Guan Bei
Chaoyang District
Beijing 100029
China
Tel. [phone]
Fax. [phone]
www.andor.com/contact_us/support_request
*NOTE: THE CONTACT DETAILS FOR YOUR NEAREST REPRESENTATIVE CAN BE FOUND ON OUR
WEBSITE.

INTRODUCTION
Neo SECTION 1
Page 14
1.2 - DISCLAIMER
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY, CONDITION OR
REPRESENTATION OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, NON-INFRINGEMENT OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
IN NO EVENT SHALL ANDOR BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE, WHETHER DIRECT, INDIRECT,
SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHERWISE HOWSOEVER CAUSED WHETHER ARISING
IN CONTRACT TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OF THE
INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN.
COPYRIGHT AND PROTECTIVE NOTICES:
The copyright in this document and the associated drawings are the property of Andor Technology plc and all
rights are reserved. This document and the associated drawings are issued on condition that they are not
copied, reprinted or reproduced, nor their contents disclosed.
The publication of information in this documentation does not imply freedom from any patent or proprietary right
of Andor Technology plc or any third party.
1.3 - TRADEMARKS & PATENT INFORMATION
Andor, the Andor logo, Neo & Solis are trademarks of Andor Technology plc. All other marks are property of
their owners. Changes are periodically made to the product and these will be incorporated into new editions of
the manual.

INTRODUCTION
Neo SECTION 1
Page 15
1.4 - SPECIFICATIONS
Parameter Specification
Power supply ratings 100 - 240 VAC (± 5%), 50 - 60 Hz (± 5%)
Power consumption 80W continuous
Location to be used Indoor use only
Altitude Up to 2000 m
Operating temperature range 18°C to 28°C
Storage temperature -10°C to +50°C
Operating relative humidity < 70% non-condensing
Overvoltage category CAT II
Pollution degree 2
Ingress protection rating IP20
Electromagnetic compatibility This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause electromagnetic
interference, in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures
Cooling vent clearance 100 mm minimum
Dimensions 132 x 120 x 159.5 mm [5.20 x 8.70 x 6.28 inches]
Weight 3.4 kg [7 lb 8 oz]
Specifications are subject to change without notice

INTRODUCTION
Neo SECTION 1
Page 16
1.5 - COMPONENTS
The main components of the Andor Neo system are as follow:
•NEO camera
•CC-02995, Bitflow Neon-CL, base rate frame grabber PCIe Camera Link card
•PS-80, AC/DC Converter SW4117
•ASE-01188, 3 Meter USB cable A-B
•ASE-02990, MVC-1-1-1-3M, 3m CEI Camera Link Cable
•ACZ-03452: 2m Multi I/O timing cable, offering Fire, External Trigger, Shutter and Arm
•Hardware guide in CD format
The camera (Figure 1 below) contains the following items:
•sCMOS Sensor with integrated ADC
•Digital Signal Processing
•Cooling circuitry & Thermoelectric Cooler
•Input & output connectors
Figure 1: Neo sCMOS camera

INTRODUCTION
Neo SECTION 1
Page 17
1.5.1 - Mechanical drawings

INTRODUCTION
Neo SECTION 1
Page 18
1.5.2 - Power Supply Unit (PSU)
The Neo system is designed to be powered from an SW4117 (external PSU). The output of the SW4117 is 12V
DC. The External Power Supply has an IEC 60320 C14 male socket that requires a certified mains lead with an
IEC 60320 C13 female plug for the mains electrical supply input. The connection to the NEO is made via a 2 pin
Redel PAG.M0.2GL.AC52G connector.
The SW4117 is for use with Telecommunications, Computer, Industrial Controller, & OA Systems and must only
be used indoors
The NEO camera head requires a Direct Current (DC) supply.
Figure 2: SW4117 PSU
NOTES:
1. The electrical mains lead should be certified for use in your country and in applicable countries the
plug must be fitted with a 240V 5A fuse
2. If users use any other power supply, they do so at their own risk

INTRODUCTION
Neo SECTION 1
Page 19
1.5.3 - Connectors
Figure 3: Neo sCMOS connectors
There is a 26-way D type connector on the rear of the Neo as shown above and the pin outs are as follows:
1 External Trigger 10 Reserved 19 +5V Output
2 Reserved 11 Reserved 20 GND
3 GND 12 Reserved 21 Reserved
4 Reserved 13 Reserved 22 Reserved
5 Reserved 14 Reserved 23 Reserved
6 GND 15 Reserved 24 Arm
7 Reserved 16 Reserved 25 GND
8 Fire 17 Reserved 26 GND
9 Reserved 18 GND
•External trigger is a TTL input. By default it triggers on a rising edge.
•Fire and Arm outputs are all TTL timing outputs (please also refer to the drawing on the next page for
information on impedance matching)
•+5V output is a 5V supply to signal to the user that the camera is powered up. Maximum current which can
be drawn from this is 500 mA and this output is fused at 1A.
•Interface cable = Andor part number ACZ-03452
NOTE: The Shutter connection provided on this cable is reserved for future use and is currently
defaulted permanently to logic level low.

INTRODUCTION
Neo SECTION 1
Page 20
The other connection points are as follows:
•USB 2.0: A USB 2.0 compatible cable can be connected between the USB socket and a PC. NOTE: The
USB cable connection is used primarily for Firmware upgrades and should not normally be
connected
•CL1: This is the connection for the current 3-tap (single cable) Camera Link version of the Neo
•CL2: This connection is to facilitate future upgrade to a 10-tap (double cable) Camera Link version of the
Neo and should not be connected if using a 3-tap version
•Power: A 2 pin power connector is fitted for power connection, details are shown below:
(Matching cable connector is: 2 pin Redel, part no. PAG.M0.2GL.AC52G connector)
CAUTIONARY NOTE: Before inserting the power connector, ensure that the orientation is correct. Never
forcibly insert the connector otherwise damage to the equipment will occur
0V
+12V