DVC DVC-16000 User manual

TECHNICAL MANUAL FOR
DVC-16000 CAMERAS
Manual Number: 86-016K-01
Release Date: March 31, 2009

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1. INTRODUCTION ...............................................................................................................4
2. RECEIVING AND UNPACKING.....................................................................................5
3. EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED..................................................................................................5
3.1. I MPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION REGARDING THE POWER SUPPLY ...............................5
3.2. O PTIONAL ITEMS ................................................................................................................5
4. INSTALLATION ................................................................................................................5
4.1. H OST COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS ......................................................................................5
4.1.1. Operating system:.......................................................................................................5
4.1.2. Hardware, Camera Link and Gigabit Ethernet configurations: ................................5
4.2. I NSTALLING THE G IGABIT E THERNET OR C AMERA L INK HOST INTERFACE BOARD ..........6
4.3. I NSTALLING THE S OFTWARE ..............................................................................................6
4.4. I NSTALLING THE CAMERA HARDWARE ..............................................................................6
5. CAMERA FUNCTIONS.....................................................................................................6
5.1. O PERATING SPEED AND SINGLE / DUAL PORT OPTION .........................................................7
5.1.1. 20 MHz operation.......................................................................................................7
5.1.2. 40 MHz operation.......................................................................................................7
5.1.3. Single-port and dual-port options ..............................................................................7
5.2. O PERATIONAL MODES ........................................................................................................7
5.2.1. Continuous, overlapped exposure mode with electronic shuttering...........................7
5.2.2. Continuous, overlapped, extended-exposure mode ....................................................8
5.2.3. Edge-triggered exposure (single frame capture) mode ..............................................8
5.2.4. Bulb (pulse-width exposure) mode .............................................................................9
5.3. B INNING .............................................................................................................................9
5.4. R EGION OF I NTEREST .......................................................................................................10
6. CCD PHENOMENA .........................................................................................................10
6.1. B LOOMING .......................................................................................................................10
6.2. S MEAR ..............................................................................................................................10
7. MAINTENANCE ..............................................................................................................11
IMPORTANT WARRANTY INFORMATION .......................................................................11
7.1. C LEANING G UIDELINES ....................................................................................................11
7.1.1. Cleaning the lens or optical assembly ......................................................................11
7.1.2. Cleaning the infra-red filter (if included).................................................................11
7.1.3. Infra-red filter removal and installation...................................................................12
7.1.4. Cleaning the CCD faceplate.....................................................................................12
8. WARRANTY AND AFTER-SALE SERVICE ..............................................................14
9. COPYRIGHT INFORMATION......................................................................................15
APPENDIX A: EXPOSURE TIMING DIAGRAMS................................................................16
APPENDIX B: DESCRIPTION OF DVC-16000 AUXILIARY AND POWER SUPPLY
CONNECTORS............................................................................................................................21

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A UXILIARY CONNECTOR .............................................................................................................21
Auxiliary Connector Pin Signal list: .......................................................................................21
Pin 1, ENL...............................................................................................................................21
Pin 2, DIFF_RESET_OUT......................................................................................................21
Pin 3, TTL_RESET..................................................................................................................22
Pin 4, GND..............................................................................................................................22
Pin 5, ENF...............................................................................................................................22
Pin 6, STROBE (and programmable output) ..........................................................................22
P OWER SUPPLY CONNECTOR PIN ASSIGNMENTS .........................................................................22

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1. Introduction
The DVC-16000 cameras are based on the Kodak KAI-16000 interline CCD, which provides 4904x3280
pixel resolution and 7.4 µm square pixels with high quantum efficiency and low noise. The DVC-16000
is offered in both standard and cooled configurations, with a choice of Gigabit Ethernet or Camera Link
interface.
Additionally, the DVC-16000 is bundled with the full complement of DVC software. For developers,
DVC also offers a software developer’s kit, which includes a comprehensive API to streamline the
integration of any DVC camera into your system. After software installation, the SDK can be found in
the /dvcco/docs directory.
For end-users, the DVCView imaging application provides full control of up to 8 cameras
simultaneously through an intuitive user interface, and it allows the user to acquire, pan, zoom, analyze,
and save imagery and metadata. DVCView also provides direct-to-disk video streaming, time-lapse
capture, image averaging, image background subtraction, and flat-fielding.
This manual is a functional overview of the camera, and it is meant to be a companion to the DVCView
User Manual and the SDK.

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2. Receiving and Unpacking
Your DVC-16000 camera was thoroughly tested and carefully packed at the factory. Once the camera
shipment is accepted for delivery, the carrier assumes full responsibility for its safe arrival. Should you
receive your shipment with any damage—concealed or apparent—please contact the carrier at once. The
carrier will instruct you on how to initiate a damage claim. If a visual inspection reveals damage upon
receipt, it must be noted on the freight bill or express receipt and the notation signed by the carrier’s
agent. Failure to do so can result in the carrier refusing to honor the claim.
To return your camera to DVC for service, you must first contact the DVC Customer Service
Department in the United States at 512-301-9564 and request a Return Material Authorization (RMA).
Returns will not be accepted without an RMA. See Section 8 for details.
3. Equipment Supplied
The following is a list of equipment that may be supplied with the DVC-16000 camera, depending on
your order configuration:
•DVC-16000 camera
•Camera Link or Gigabit Ethernet host interface board
•Camera Link or Gigabit Ethernet cable
•Regulated power supply
•Line cord with plug for country of service
•DVC software CD
3.1. Important safety information regarding the power supply
Dangerous voltage exists within the power supply. Do not tamper with or open the supply under
any circumstances. Doing so may expose lethal voltage to personnel and will void the warranty.
3.2. Optional items
The following items may be ordered from authorized DVC dealers and are not typically supplied
with the camera:
•Lenses or other optical elements
•Third-party image analysis software.
4. Installation
4.1. Host computer requirements
4.1.1. Operating system:
Windows XP or Windows Vista
4.1.2. Hardware, Camera Link and Gigabit Ethernet configurations:
At least a 2 GHz Pentium 4 processor, 2GB RAM, 10GB of free hard drive space, an
available slot for the interface board, and a graphics card with at least 128 MB of video
RAM and OpenGL ™ hardware support.

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4.2. Installing the Gigabit Ethernet or Camera Link host interface board
Follow the instructions included with the board
This host interface board contains sensitive electronic devices that can be damaged by static
discharge. Use appropriate static control methods when removing the board from the
antistatic shipping bag and when installing it into the host computer.
4.3. Installing the Software
Place the DVC Software installation CD in the CD or DVD drive. Launch the installer, which
will guide each installation step.
4.4. Installing the camera hardware
This camera contains sensitive electronic devices that can be damaged by static discharge.
Use appropriate static control methods when handling the camera. Avoid contact with
connector pins when cables and plugs are removed.
•Mount the camera in the desired location
IMPORTANT: To avoid dust accumulation on the CCD sensor, do not remove the
protective lens mount cap until ready to mount the camera to the optical system. The
cap should be replaced whenever the camera is removed from the optical system
•Connect the 9-pin power supply connector to the back of the camera and secure it
with the thumbscrews, finger-tight
•Connect the camera to the host with the supplied interface cable and secure it at both
ends.
•Connect the power supply line cord to the mains
•Switch the power supply on
5. Camera Functions
The DVC-16000 is a versatile, high-performance digital camera with functions tailored to scientific and
industrial markets. It is capable of both high-speed readout (40 MHz pixel rate) and low-noise readout
(20 MHz pixel rate), both at 12-bits. Readout can be configured for single-channel or dual-channel
operation. In the dual-channel mode, the KAI-16000 is split into two halves, which are read
simultaneously. This approximately doubles the frame rate of single-channel readout at a given
frequency.
The DVC-16000 has five basic operating modes described in detail below. Each mode can be operated at
either 20 or 40 MHz and can support binning and region of interest.
All operational modes are initiated by a trigger signal. In the case of continuous modes, the trigger
initiates the stream and the camera continues to run in streaming mode until explicitly disabled. The
edge-triggered, single-frame mode produces one exposure in response to the leading (default: falling)
edge of the trigger signal. Finally, in bulb mode, the camera exposes for the duration of the trigger pulse,
beginning on the leading (default: falling) edge and ending on the trailing edge. Readout occurs
immediately after the trailing edge.
The trigger signal can have three different sources: the external, TTL trigger via the auxiliary connector
(see appendix B), the software-controlled trigger via a hard-wired Camera Link camera control line, or

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the software-controlled through camera trigger command, via the Camera Link serial port. Developers
should consult the DVC Camera API documentation for further information on the software-controlled
triggers.
If the TTL, external trigger is used, the trigger signal must be active-low. The trigger point is the high-to-
low (leading edge) of the trigger signal.
5.1. Operating speed and single/dual port option
The DVC-16000 is capable of operating at pixel rates of 20MHz and 40MHz and with single or
dual-port options as described above. All camera functions (e.g. exposure mode, binning, ROI,
etc.) are operational at either speed, subject to the limitations below.
5.1.1. 20 MHz operation
20MHz operation gives the user the maximum dynamic range, minimum noise floor,
and lowest-power operation. Dynamic range refers to the maximum signal swing under
which the camera meets performance specifications, and it is expressed in the maximum
number of captured electrons on the CCD. At 20MHz, the DVC-16000 is capable of
approximately 30,000 electrons dynamic range.
5.1.2. 40 MHz operation
40MHz operating speed provides the user with the highest capture frame rates at the
expense of slightly higher noise and power dissipation. Because of amplifier limitations
on the KAI-16000 CCD, the DVC-16000 is capable of approximately 20,000 electrons
dynamic range at 40 MHz.
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5.1.3. Single-port and dual-port options
The DVC-16000 is capable of readout via a single port (all 16 million pixels read out
through a single 12-bit channel) or dual-port in which the image is split down the middle
in the “slow scan” direction and each half is read out simultaneously, using two 12-bit
channels. The port options are available in both 20 MHz and 40 MHz, and for all
operational modes. Dual-port operation can result in slight signal mismatch between the
two image halves, due to differences in the signal path components. This can be easily
compensated for in most applications.
5.2. Operational modes
The following section describes the distinct operating modes of the DVC-16000 cameras. Users
of DVCView software will find many of these modes seamlessly integrated together to make
operation of the camera as easy as possible. However, developers have full control of these
modes via the DVC camera API.
Refer to Appendix A for exposure timing diagrams.
5.2.1. Continuous, overlapped exposure mode with electronic shuttering
This mode operates the CCD in a “video” mode, in which the previous exposure is being
read out while the current exposure is underway. Once initiated via trigger, the camera
operates continuously in this fashion until halted by the host computer.
Exposure is controlled using “electronic shuttering.” Depending on the exposure setting,
electronic shuttering inhibits the CCD exposure during a specific portion of the readout

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interval. Referring to the first figure in appendix A, the shorter the desired exposure, the
longer the inhibition of exposure during the readout of the previous frame. Regardless of
exposure time, frame rate remains constant. The maximum exposure time in this mode is
the time required to read out one frame, and that frame time depends on the pixel rate,
ROI, and binning settings.
Exposure range (full-resolution—without binning or Region-of Interest):
20MHz Single-Tap Readout: Increments of 271 microseconds, ranging from 271
microseconds to 905 milliseconds.
20MHz Dual-Tap Readout: Increments of 148 microseconds, ranging from 148
microseconds to 494 milliseconds.
40MHz Single-Tap Readout: Increments of 146 microseconds, ranging from 146
microseconds to 488 milliseconds.
40MHz Dual-Tap Readout: Increments of 85 microseconds, ranging from 85
microseconds to 282 milliseconds.
5.2.2. Continuous, overlapped, extended-exposure mode
In this mode, exposure and readout are overlapped, but the exposure ranges from one
frame-time (time taken to read out entire frame) to many seconds. This mode is typically
used if intermediate exposure times are desired but with the fastest frame rate possible.
Once initiated via trigger, the camera operates continuously in this fashion until it is
halted by the host computer.
Exposure range (full-resolution— without binning or Region-of Interest):
20MHz Single-Tap Readout: Increments of 271 microseconds, ranging from 905
milliseconds to > 5 hours.
20MHz Dual-Tap Readout: Increments of 148 microseconds, ranging from 494
milliseconds to > 2 hours.
40MHz Single-Tap Readout: Increments of 146 microseconds, ranging from 488
milliseconds to > 2 hours.
40MHz Dual-Tap Readout: Increments of 85 microseconds, ranging from 282
milliseconds to > 1 hour.
5.2.3. Edge-triggered exposure (single frame capture) mode
Edge-triggered exposure mode enables the camera to initiate an exposure immediately
upon the leading (falling) edge of the external or Camera Link control lines, with an
exposure time set by software. Alternatively, the exposure can be initiated by the host
via the DVC API. The exposure and readout sequence is the same as the non-
overlapped, continuous mode and has the same exposure range, except only one frame is
generated. Once the readout of that frame has finished, the camera returns to the armed
state, awaiting the next trigger edge.

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If subsequent trigger pulses occur faster than the combined exposure and readout time,
any trigger received during the exposure or readout time will be ignored, as illustrated in
appendix A.
Exposure range (full-resolution— without binning or Region-of Interest):
20MHz Single-Tap Readout: Increments of 271 microseconds, ranging from 271
microseconds to > 5 hours.
20MHz Dual-Tap Readout: Increments of 148 microseconds, ranging from 148
microseconds to > 2 hours.
40MHz Single-Tap Readout: Increments of 146 microseconds, ranging from 146
microseconds to > 2 hours.
40MHz Dual-Tap Readout: Increments of 85 microseconds, ranging from 85
microseconds to > 1 hour.
5.2.4. Bulb (pulse-width exposure) mode
The term “bulb” mode is borrowed from photography, denoting a camera setting in
which the shutter stays open as long as the shutter button is depressed. Bulb mode in the
DVC-16000 is analogous in that the CCD exposes as long as the trigger signal is
asserted (a low logic level on the external trigger or a low command on the Camera Link
CC1 control line). Upon the rising edge of the trigger signal, readout of the exposure is
initiated. Maximum exposure time is indefinite, although dark current will set the
practical exposure time limit, depending on the operating temperature and the tolerance
of the application to dark current pattern noise.
Exposure range:
20MHz or 40MHz Readout: 5 microseconds minimum. Maximum limited by dark
current and particular application.
5.3. Binning
Binning is the process of summing adjacent lines and/or pixels in order to increase dynamic
range, sensitivity, or both. Binning can either be accomplished on the CCD itself by summing
the collected charge (on-chip binning) or in software, after A/D conversion. On-chip binning can
result in slightly lower noise relative to software binning, under certain circumstances. Because
fewer lines are actually read out when binning vertically, on-chip binning in the vertical
direction can produce a significant increase in frame rate with increasing binning ratios.
However, because the clocking cannot be accelerated in the horizontal direction, horizontal
binning provides no such speed increase.
In all modes of operation, the DVC-16000 is capable of arbitrary on-chip binning (2x, 3x, 4x,
5x…21x,…) in the vertical direction, and 2x, 3x, and 4x on-chip binning in the horizontal
direction. As vertical binning increases, anti-blooming control decreases, so the user must
control image illumination more carefully while binning. However, blooming does not cause any
damage to the camera.
As the binning factor increases, the CCD vertical registers are driven faster. This naturally
causes more heating of the CCD and driving electronics. Since dark current generation increases

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with CCD die temperature, a noticeable increase in CCD dark current can occur at very high
binning factors.
5.4. Region of Interest
Arbitrary, on-chip vertical Region of Interest (ROI) is fully supported on the DVC-16000
cameras. When ROI is enabled, the regions above and below the region of interest are “dumped”
as fast as the CCD allows. The region of interest itself is read out normally. Dumping unwanted
lines outside the ROI can significantly increase the readout rate of the camera. DVCView
software provides interactive, graphical ROI selection, and the DVC camera API provides
developers with full ROI control. On-chip horizontal ROI is not available. Simultaneous binning
and ROI is fully supported.
As in binning, the CCD vertical registers are driven faster when the region of interest is reduced.
Dark current can increase during operation with small regions of interest.
6. CCD phenomena
The Kodak KAI-16000 CCD is a high-performance image sensor with very good characteristics over a
wide operating range. To be as versatile as possible, the DVC-16000 camera exploits as much of the
CCD capability as possible and provides the user a great degree of control over the CCD functions. As a
result, it is possible to observe some interesting, low-level CCD phenomena under certain extreme
conditions.
6.1. Blooming
Blooming is the result of charge spillover in the vertical transfer regions when the signal greatly
exceeds saturation. The DVC-16000 provides anti-blooming control, which suppresses blooming
under most imaging conditions. If signal levels are extreme and such high signal levels cover a
large percentage of the field of view, blooming may occur. The result is jagged, vertical bright
streaks running below such regions. In general, anti-blooming performance decreases with
increasing binning ratios.
6.2. Smear
Smear is inherent to interline CCD sensors such as the KAI-16000. It is the result of transferring
image charge out of the pixels and into the adjacent vertical charge-transfer registers while
photons strike the CCD. Though the vertical charge-transfer registers are covered with a light
shield, unwanted signal can be introduced into them either by small amounts of light leaking
under the light shield or by signal electrons diffusing into the transfer region from the adjacent
pixels.
Smear is typically noticed during very short exposure times, when an extremely high light
intensity is incident on the CCD. The result is regions of elevated signal level extending above
and below very bright regions. Kodak interline CCDs exhibit very low smear levels, and smear
should not be noticeable under normal operating conditions.