Hamamatsu Photonics C11440-10C User manual

Digital Camera
C11440-10C
Instruction manual
Thank you for your purchase
CAUTION
• Follow the safety precautions in Chapter 1 in order to avoid personal
injury and damage to property when using this camera. Be sure to read
this Instruction manual beforehand in order to use the digital camera
correctly. The manual describes the correct method of handing the
camera and provides cautions in order to avoid accidents.
• After reading, keep the manual where it can be referred to at any time.
Ver.1.2
November 2010
HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
90090301-02

~ Blank page ~

C11440-10C Ver.1.2
1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1-1 CLASSIFICATION OF WARNING
We have classified the warnings symbols that appear in this instruction manual and on the
camera as follows for your convenience. Make sure that you fully understand them and obey
the instructions they contain.
WARNIN
G
Improper handling of the camera without observing these
warnings could lead to serious injury to the user and even
death.
CAUTION Improper handling of the camera without observing these
cautions could lead to personal injury to the user or damage to
property.
Note
This symbol indicates a note to help you get the best performance from the camera.
Read the contents of the note carefully to ensure correct and safe use. Failure to
observe one of these notes might impair the performance of the camera.
This symbol indicates a cautionary item that should be obeyed when handling the
camera. Read the contents carefully to ensure correct and safe use.
This symbol indicates an action that is forbidden. Read the contents carefully and be
sure to obey them.
This symbol indicates a compulsory action or instruction. Read the contents carefully
and be sure to obey them.
1

C11440-10C Ver.1.2
WARNIN
G
Power supply
Use the camera with the voltage indicated on the rating sticker. Using a
different voltage can damage the camera and lead to fire or electric shock.
Cables
Be careful not to place heavy objects on cables or bend it excessively.
Doing so can damage the cable and lead to fire or electric shock.
Power supply cord
Use the accessory of the AC adaptor when this camera is used.
Do not touch the plug with wet hand. Doing so can lead to electric shock.
Do not attempt to dismantle or modify the camera
Doing so can also lead to damage and even injury, as some internal
components become very hot. Only touch parts as indicated in this
manual.
Do not insert a foreign substance into the camera
Do not allow foreign objects such as combustible substances, metal
objects or water to get inside the camera. They can damage the camera
and lead to fire or electric shock.
If an abnormality occurs
Such as the image suddenly disappearing or a strange noise, smell or see
smoke coming from the camera, stop the power supply immediately and
contact Hamamatsu subsidiary or local distributor. Never attempt to repair
the camera yourself.
2

C11440-10C Ver.1.2
CAUTION
AC adaptor
When unplugging the AC adaptor, always pull by the plug, not the cord.
Doing so can lead to fire or electric shock.
Remove the AC adaptor from the outlet when not using the camera for long
periods of time. Doing so can damage the cable and lead to fire or electric
shock.
Connecting and disconnecting cables
Always turn off the power supply of the peripheral device before
connecting and disconnecting cables.
Fixed the camera
When fitting the camera head to a tripod or other fixture, use the When
fitting the camera head to a tripod, for example, use the screw (1/4-20UNC)
in the center of a camera mount. Be careful that the fitting screw does not
enter more than 8 mm from the surface of the mount. Screwing it in
excessively can impair normal operation.
Lenses
Be careful not to screw the lens more than 7 mm onto the C-mount of the
camera head. Doing so can scratch the protective glass. (Some wide-angle
lenses in particular can have a thread of 7 mm or more.)
Shipping precautions
When transporting the camera by truck, ship, airplane, etc., wrap it
securely in packaging material or something similar.
Strong impact
Do not subject the camera to strong shocks by dropping it, for example.
Doing so can damage the camera.
Disposal
When disposing of the system, take appropriate measures in compliance
with applicable regulations regarding waste disposal and correctly
dispose of it yourself, or entrust disposal to a licensed industrial waste
disposal company. In any case, be sure to comply with the regulations in
your country, state, region or province to ensure the system is disposed of
legally and correctly.
Operating environment
This equipment is designed and tested for use in an industrial
environment. If this system is used in residential areas, EMI
(electro-magnetic interference) may occur. This equipment must not be
used in residential areas..
3

C11440-10C Ver.1.2
2. CHECK THE CONTENTS OF PACKAGE
When you open the package, check that the following items are included before use. If the
contents are incorrect, insufficient or damaged in any way, contact your local dealer without
attempting to operate the camera.
C11440-10C camera 1
AC adaptor 1
Power supply cord for AC adaptor 1
Lens mount cap *attached to the camera 1
C11440-10C Before Use 1
C11440-10C Instruction manual CD 1
[Option]
CameraLink interface cable A10514-05
Note
• The cable listed in option is highly recommended for use with the camera. The camera
system may not confirm to CE marking regulation if other type of cable is used with.
3. INSTALLATION
Avoid using or storing this camera in the following places
• Where the ambient temperature might fall below 0 °C or rise above 40 °C
• Where the temperature varies extremely
• In direct sunlight or near a heater
• Where the humidity is 70 % or more or where there is dripping water
• Close to a strong source of magnetism or radio waves
• Where there is vibration
• Where it might come into contact with corrosive gases (such as chlorine or
fluorine)
• Where there is a lot of dust
Do not block ventilation openings
• To prevent overheating in the camera’s interior, do not wrap the device in
cloth or other material, or in any way allow the camera’s ventilation ports to
become blocked. If the camera is being operated in an enclosed
environment, ensure clearance of at least 10 cm from both the intake and
exhaust vents when setting up.
4

C11440-10C Ver.1.2
C
Co on nt te en nt ts s
1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS............................................................................ 1
1-1 CLASSIFICATION OF WARNING ......................................................................1
2. CHECK THE CONTENTS OF PACKAGE................................................... 4
3. INSTALLATION........................................................................................... 4
4. OVERVIEW.................................................................................................. 7
5. FEATURES.................................................................................................. 8
6. NAME AND FUNCTION OF THE PARTS................................................. 10
7. CONNECTION........................................................................................... 12
7-1 CONNECTING OF CABLES.............................................................................12
7-2 WHEN THE CAMERA HEAD IS FIXED............................................................12
8. OPERATION.............................................................................................. 13
8-1 PRECAUTIONS.................................................................................................13
8-2 PREPARATION FOR IMAGING........................................................................13
8-3 END OF IMAGING.............................................................................................13
9. DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS FUNCTIONS ............................................. 14
9-1 THEORY OF CMOS IMAGE SENSOR .............................................................14
9-2 READOUT METHOD (SCAN MODE) ...............................................................15
9-3 CONFIGURING EXPOSURE TIME...................................................................16
9-4 FREE RUNNING MODE....................................................................................17
9-4-1 NORMAL READOUT MODE................................................................................................17
9-4-2 ELECTRICAL SHUTTER MODE..........................................................................................17
9-5 EXTERNAL CONTROL MODE......................................................................... 18
9-5-1 EDGE TRIGGER MODE ......................................................................................................18
9-5-2 LEVEL TRIGGER MODE .....................................................................................................19
9-5-3 SYNCHRONOUS READOUT TRIGGER MODE..................................................................20
9-5-4 START TRIGGER MODE.....................................................................................................22
9-5-5 EXTERNAL TRIGGER DELAY FUNCTION..........................................................................24
9-6 TRRIGER OUTPUT...........................................................................................24
9-6-1 GLOBAL EXPOSURE TIMING OUTPUT.............................................................................24
9-6-2 PROGRAMMABLE TIMING OUTPUT..................................................................................24
9-6-3 TRIGGER READY OUTPUT................................................................................................24
9-7 ANALOG GAIN FUNCTION..............................................................................25
9-8 REAL-TIME CORRECTION FUNCTIONS ........................................................25
10. PRECAUTION WHEN USING FL-280....................................................... 26
11. MAINTENANCE ........................................................................................ 26
11-1 CARE.................................................................................................................26
12. TROUBLESHOOTING CHECKLIST......................................................... 27
12-1 IMAGE IS NOT TRANSFERRED......................................................................27
12-2 ALTHOUGH IMAGES ARE TRANSFFERED ...................................................27
13. SPECIFICATIONS..................................................................................... 28
5

C11440-10C Ver.1.2
13-1 CAMERA SPECIFICATIONS............................................................................28
13-2 INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................................30
13-2-1 TIMING I/O CONNECTOR PIN ASSIGNMENTS [TIMING I/O]............................................30
13-2-2 CAMERALINK INTERFACE.................................................................................................31
13-2-3 OUTPUT TIMING SPECIFICATIONS...................................................................................33
14. DIMENSIONAL OUTLINES....................................................................... 34
15. WARRANTY.............................................................................................. 35
16. CONTACT INFORMATION....................................................................... 36
6

C11440-10C Ver.1.2
4. OVERVIEW
At its core, C11440-10C is equipped with the new scientific image sensor FL-280, an
advanced CMOS device that finally realizes the multiple benefits of high resolution, high
readout speed, and low noise all at once.
C11440-10C provides 2.8 megapixel resolution at 45 frames/s (and up to 1273 frames/s by
sub-array readout) while achieving 3 electrons r.m.s. readout noise performance. Moreover,
the camera delivers high sensitivity through its on-chip micro lens, 4500:1 high dynamic
range, on-chip analog gain and various correction features that make the camera suitable
for almost any scientific application from bright field imaging to low-light fluorescence
imaging across a wide spectral range. Various external trigger functions and timing output
functions ensure proper timing control with peripheral equipment to cover a wide range of
applications.
C11440-10C is the new scientific digital camera for life science microscopy, semiconductor
inspection, x-ray scintillator readout or industrial imaging.
7

C11440-10C Ver.1.2
5. FEATURES
(1) Readout noise
In the camera, the pixel amplifier is optimized: it has high gain from optimizing the
semiconductor process, and the difference among pixel amplifiers is greatly minimized.
In addition, there is the on-chip CDS (correlated double sampling) circuit, which plays
an important role in achieving low noise. Moreover, the data of one horizontal line is
read by the on-chip column amplifier andA/D in parallel and simultaneously.As a result,
it achieves very fast readout speed while keeping very good low-noise performance.
The camera has lower readout noise (3 electrons r.m.s.) than the conventional cooled
CCD camera. Moreover, high-speed readout (45 frame/s with 1920 pixels × 1440
pixels) with very low readout noise, which was impossible, can now be achieved.
(2) Cooling structure
In the camera, the FL-280 is cooled down by the peltier element to suppress the dark
current. If FL-280 is exposed to the atmosphere, condensation of the moisture from the
air might occur. The camera has a special hermetic chamber structure to isolate the
sensor from the atmosphere, and the chamber is filled with nitrogen gas.
(3) Pixel number and pixel size
The FL-280 equipped in the camera has 3.63 µm x 3.63 µm pixel size that is about half
of the conventional CCD image sensor (2/3 inch, 1.3 megapixels). When using the
camera with a microscope, the number of photons coming to one pixel can be made
equal to the conventional CCD image sensor (2/3 inch, 1.3 megapixels) if 0.5x relay
lens is used. Also, the camera can observe a wider field of view because the pixel
number is about 2 times that of the conventional CCD image sensor (2/3 inch, 1.3
megapixels)
(4) Readout method
The camera has a variety of readout modes. In addition to full resolution readout mode,
sub-array readout and binning readout are supported.
(5) Frame rate (readout speed)
The FL-280 realizes both low noise (3 electrons r.m.s.) and high speed readout (45
frame/s with 1920 pixels x 1440 pixels) simultaneously, owing to 1 line parallel
simultaneous readout using columnA/D.
(6) Real-time correction functions
When using the camera, there is a chance that shading caused by uneven illumination
and optics is not negligible in the image. Also, there are a few pixels in FL-280 that
have slightly higher readout noise performance compared with surrounding pixels.
Therefore, the camera has real-time offset level, shading and defective pixel correction
features to further improve image quality. The correction is performed in real-time
without scarifying the readout speed at all.
(7) CameraLink interface
The camera realizes 45 frames/s high-speed data transfer for 2.8 megapixels by using
the CameraLink interface. Data is output with 75 MHz x 2 tap (12 bits) that follows the
Base Configuration standard of CameraLink interface, and images can be transferred
into a personal computer by using a CameraLink interface board available in the
market.
8

C11440-10C Ver.1.2
(8) Camera operation modes
The camera has two operation modes: 1) the free running mode, in which the exposure
and readout timing are controlled by the internal microprocessor, and 2) the external
control mode, in which the exposure and readout timing are decided by an external
trigger.
Free running mode Normal readout trigger
mode
Electrical shutter mode
External control
mode Edge trigger mode Normal edge trigger mode
Global exposure edge
trigger mode
Level trigger mode Normal level trigger mode
Global exposure level
trigger mode
Synchronous readout
trigger mode Normal synchronous readout trigger mode
Current synchronous
readout trigger mode
1 1 1 1
Start trigger mode Normal start trigger mode
Current start trigger mode
9

C11440-10C Ver.1.2
6. NAME AND FUNCTION OF THE PARTS
①②③
②②
②②
⑦④⑤ ⑥
Figure 6-1
① Lens mount
C-mount lens or an optics system with C-mount can be attached.
Note
• The depth of the C-mount is 7 mm. Screwing in the mount too far
can scratch the glass surface.
② Air outlet
This is the outlet for the heat ventilation.
• To prevent overheating in the camera’s interior, do not wrap the
device in cloth or other material, or in any way allow the camera’s
ventilation ports to become blocked.
• If the camera is being operated in an enclosed environment, ensure
clearance of at least 10 cm from both the intake and exhaust vents
when setting up.
10

C11440-10C Ver.1.2
③ Timing I/O connector [TIMING I/O]
The connector is used to output various signals.
Note
• Please see 12-2 [TIMING OUTPUT SETTING] for details.
④ Camera connector [DIGITAL OUT]
This is used to connect the camera to the computer.
⑤ DIP switch
• Do not change the setup of the switch.
⑥ DC power input connector
This is the power supply terminal. Use the accessory AC adaptor.
⑦ Camera attachment stand
This is used to secure the camera in place when using a tripod.
Note
• Be careful not to allow the fitting screw to enter more than 8 mm from
the surface of the mount. Screwing this in excessively may impair
normal operation.
11

C11440-10C Ver.1.2
7. CONNECTION
7-1 CONNECTING OF CABLES
Refer to the figure when connecting the various cables.
Camera
①AC adaptor
Computer
②CameraLink interface
cable (Option)
Figure 7-1
• When the cables are connected, confirm the power switch of peripheral device is in the OFF position.
① AC adaptor
This is the cord to supply a power supply. Use the accessory AC adaptor.
② CameraLink interface cable (Option)
This is the cable to connect the camera and the CameraLink interface board on the computer.
Note
• Hamamatsu recommends A10514-05 optional CameraLink interface cable for
this camera. The camera complies with EMC direction with using A10514-05
CameraLink interface cable. Be careful that the camera with other interface
cable may not fulfill the EMC directive requirements.
7-2 WHEN THE CAMERA HEAD IS FIXED
The camera head is fixed by using the fitting screw at the bottom of the camera head.
Fix the camera head with a tool such as a laboratory jack so that a load may not be imposed
to the part of C-mount when the camera is fixed by C-mount.
Note
• Be careful not to allow the fitting screw to enter more than 8 mm from the surface of the mount.
Screwing this in excessively may impair normal operation.
12

C11440-10C Ver.1.2
8. OPERATION
8-1 PRECAUTIONS
Be careful of the following when you operate the camera.
(1) Cooling method
Cooling of this equipment is done using a Peltier element. With a Peltier element,
when current is supplied, one surface is cooled, and the other surface is heated. The
FL-280 is positioned on the cooling side, and cooling is done by discharging the heat
from the heated surface. This cooling method is passive air-cooling.
(2) Ambient temperature
The recommended ambient temperature for camera operation is 20 °C. Thus, the
maximum temperatures to which the FL-280 can be cooled, and the stability of the
cooled temperature, are affected by the ambient temperature. The ambient
temperature should be maintained at a constant temperature in order for cooling to be
effective.
(3) Protection circuit
A double protection circuit protects this camera’s thermoelectric cooling device. If the
heat dissipater becomes abnormally hot, the protection circuit sets off a buzzer alarm
from the camera while simultaneously cutting the current supply to the peltier element.
When the protection circuit operates like this, immediately turn off the power switch.
Then locate and remove the cause of the overheating and restart.
8-2 PREPARATION FOR IMAGING
Use the following procedure when starting operating of the camera.
(1) Connect devices as shown in Figure 7-1 before you start operation.
(2) Turn on the computer's power switch.
The cooling temperature becomes stable about 15 minutes after cooling begins.
• When the cables are connected, confirm the power switch of peripheral device is in the
OFF position.
8-3 END OF IMAGING
Carry out the procedure below when imaging is finished.
(1) End the imaging or transmission of image data with the application software.
(2) Turn off the power to the peripheral device.
13

C11440-10C Ver.1.2
9. DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS FUNCTIONS
9-1 THEORY OF CMOS IMAGE SENSOR
The pixel of a CMOS image sensor is composed of the photodiode and the amplifier that
converts the charge into voltage. The entering light is converted into charge and converted
into voltage in the pixel. The voltage of each pixel is output by switching the switch one by
one. (Figure 9-1)
FL-280 that the scientific CMOS image sensor used in this camera has an on-chip CDS
(correlated double sampling) circuit, which plays an important role in achieving low noise. In
addition, FL-280 realizes both low noise and high speed readout simultaneously, owing to 1
line parallel simultaneous readout using column A/D.
Digital data out
CDSCDSCDS
A
/D
A
/D
A
/D
Amp
Figure 9-1 Structure of the FL-280
14

C11440-10C Ver.1.2
The exposure and the readout method of FL-280 adopt the rolling shutter.
In the rolling shutter, the exposure and readout are done line by line. Therefore, the
exposure timing is different on one screen. (Figure 9-2) But even if the object moves during
the exposure, the affect of rolling shutter shows very little afterglow or smear in many cases.
Rolling shutter
Exposure length is same for all lines
Exposure timing is different for all lines
Figure 9-2 Readout timing of rolling shutter
9-2 READOUT METHOD (SCAN MODE)
(1) 1×1 Normal readout
Perform charge readout from camera individually for all pixels.
The frame rate of all pixel readout is 45 Hz.
(2) 2×2 binning readout
With this camera, 2x2 binning readout is available by adding the signal of adjacent
pixels in the digital domain, and is a method of achieving high sensitivity as a tradeoff
for resolution. The frame rate of all pixel readout is 45 Hz same as 1x1 normal readout.
The digital output can be selected 14bit or 12bit when the 2x2 binning readout is
selected.
(3) Sub-array readout
Sub-array readout is a function to select an vertical area from among an effective
all pixel, and to read only the signal in the selection part from the FL-280. The
readout time of one frame can be shortened by using this function, and the frame
rate can be increased.
15

C11440-10C Ver.1.2
Typical examples of vertical area width and frame rate are shown in the following.
Vertical width Frame rate
1080 60.0 Hz
768 83.0 Hz
600 104.7 Hz
480 128.6 Hz
240 236.8 Hz
80 540.0 Hz
8 1273.6 Hz
The Sub-array setting is specified by the vertical offset from 1st line and width, and
the selectable range is as follows.
Minimum Maximum Step
Vertical offset 8 1336 8
Vertical width 8 1336 8
Vertical offset + Vertical width 16 1344
9-3 CONFIGURING EXPOSURE TIME
The exposure time setting can be done by absolute value. The actual exposure time setting
is defined by the following formula, and the camera automatically calculate a larger and
closest value from the specified exposure time setting.
Vn × 14.81 µs + 20.94 µs Vn: integer number (0 to 675)
Available setting range of the exposure time is 20.94 µs to 10 s.
16

C11440-10C Ver.1.2
9-4 FREE RUNNING MODE
The camera has the free running mode in which the exposure and readout timing can be set
by software command and controlled by the internal microprocessor. The free running mode
has normal readout mode (in which the exposure time is longer than the 1 frame readout
time) and electrical shutter mode (in which the exposure time is shorter than the 1 frame
readout time). These readout modes are automatically switched depending on the exposure
time setting.
9-4-1 NORMAL READOUT MODE
The normal readout mode is suitable for observation, monitoring, field of view and focus
adjustment, and animation because it can operate at 45 fps with full resolution, which is faster
than the video rate. In addition, the exposure time can be extended to collect more signals and
increase the signal-to-noise ratio if the object is dark. In the normal readout mode, the exposure
time is the same or longer than the 1 frame readout time. In this mode, the frame rate depends
on the exposure time, and it becomes frame rate = 1/exposure time. The maximum exposure
time is 10 s.
Figure 9-3
9-4-2 ELECTRICAL SHUTTER MODE
The electrical shutter mode is used to get a proper signal level when signal overflow
happens due to too much input photons in normal readout mode. In this mode, the frame
rate is 45 Hz at full resolution even when the exposure time is short.
Figure 9-4
17

C11440-10C Ver.1.2
9-5 EXTERNAL CONTROL MODE
The camera has various external control functions to synchronize the camera with the
external equipment. In the external control mode, the external equipment becomes a master
and the camera becomes a slave.
9-5-1 EDGE TRIGGER MODE
The edge trigger mode is used so that the exposure is synchronized with an external signal.
9-5-1-1 Normal edge trigger mode
The normal edge trigger mode is used so that the exposure starts according to an external signal.
Exposure time is set by software commend. In this mode, the exposure of the first line begins on
the edge (rising/falling) timing of the input trigger signal into the camera. (0H in Figure 9-5) The
exposure of the second line is begun after the readout time of one line passes (1H in Figure 9-5),
and the exposure is begun one by one for each line. The example timing chart below shows a
rising edge trigger.
Figure 9-5
9-5-1-2 Global exposure edge trigger mode
The global exposure edge trigger mode is used when imaging with a pulsed light source such as
pulsed laser or flash lamp. The exposure time can be set by software command. In this mode,
the camera combines the frames right before and after the global exposure trigger signal
(falling/rising edge) into one frame and output them as one frame of data. The exposure time of
this second frame can be set by software command. Minimum value of exposure time setting is
about 22 ms (1 frame readout time).
18