Hamamatsu Photonics C11440-36U User manual

A1210300-01
Digital CMOS Camera
C11440-36U
Instruction Manual
Thank you for your purchase
•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.1.1
Nov 2015
HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.

~ Blank page ~

C11440-36U Instruction Manual Ver.1.1
1
1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
INDICATION OF THE SYMBOLS1-1
The following symbols can be found on this camera:
Direct current
Alternating current
CLASSIFICATION OF WARNING1-2
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.
Improper handling of the camera without observing these
warnings could lead to serious injury to the user and even death.
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.

C11440-36U Instruction Manual Ver.1.1
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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 adapter 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.

C11440-36U Instruction Manual Ver.1.1
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AC adapter
When unplugging the AC adapter, always pull by the plug, not the cord.
Doing so can lead to fire or electric shock.
Remove the AC adapter 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 devi
ce before
connecting and disconnecting cables.
Fixed the camera
When fitting the camera to a tripod or other fixture, use the screw hole in
the camera bottom. Be careful that the fitting screw does not enter more
than 8 mm. Screwing it in excessively can damage the camera.
Lenses
Be careful not to screw the lens more than 5 mm onto the C-mount of the
camera. Screwing it in excessively can damage the camera.
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.
Operating environment
This camera
is designed and tested for use in an industrial environment. If
this camera is used in residential areas, EMI (electro-magnetic
interference) may occur. This camera
must not be used in residential
areas.
Disposal
When disposing of the camera, 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 camera is disposed of
legally and correctly.

C11440-36U Instruction Manual Ver.1.1
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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 Hamamatsu subsidiary
or local distributor without attempting to operate the camera.
C11440-36U camera
1
AC adapter
1
Power supply cord for AC adapter
1
Lens mount cap (attached to the camera)
1
C11440-36U Before Use (Booklet)
1
C11440-36U Instruction manual (CD-ROM)
1
[Option]
SMA-BNC cable
A12106-05
SMA-SMA cable
A12107-05
USB 3.0 interface board*
M9982-26
USB 3.0 MicroB interface cable (3 m)
A12046-03
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.
Note
* A12046-03 (USB 3.0 MicroB interface cable) is included, when M9982-26 (USB 3.0
interface board) is ordered.

C11440-36U Instruction Manual Ver.1.1
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3. INSTALLATION
Avoid using or storing this camera in the following places
•
Where the ambient temperature for using this system might fall below 0 °C or rise
above +40 °C
•Where the ambient temperature for storing this system might fall below -10 °C or
rise above +50 °C
•Where the temperature varies extremely
•In direct sunlight or near a heater
•Where the humidity is 30 % or less or 80 % or more or where there is dripping water
•Where the dew condensation might generate
•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 allow the ventilation ports to become blocked
Do not allow the ventilation ports to become blocked
To prevent overheating in the camera’s
interior, do not wrap the unit in
cloth or other material, or in any way allow the power supply unit’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 the camera.

C11440-36U Instruction Manual Ver.1.1
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Contents
1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS............................................................................ 1
INDICATION OF THE SYMBOLS .........................................................................11-1
CLASSIFICATION OF WARNING ........................................................................11-2
2. CHECK THE CONTENTS OF PACKAGE................................................... 4
3. INSTALLATION........................................................................................... 5
4. OVERVIEW.................................................................................................. 8
5. FEATURES.................................................................................................. 8
6. NAME AND FUNCTION OF THE PARTS ................................................. 10
7. CONNECTING CABLE.............................................................................. 12
CONNECTING CABLE........................................................................................127-1
8. OPERATION.............................................................................................. 13
PREPARATION FOR IMAGING..........................................................................138-1
END OF IMAGING ...............................................................................................138-2
9. DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS FUNCTIONS ............................................. 14
THEORY OF CMOS IMAGE SENSOR ...............................................................149-1
READOUT METHOD...........................................................................................159-2
FREE RUNNING MODE ......................................................................................169-3
9-3-1 Normal readout mode................................................................................16
9-3-2 Electrical shutter mode ..............................................................................16
EXTERNAL TRIGGER MODE.............................................................................179-4
9-4-1 Edge trigger mode .....................................................................................17
9-4-2 Level trigger mode.....................................................................................18
9-4-3 Synchronous readout trigger mode ............................................................18
9-4-4 Start trigger mode......................................................................................20
9-4-5 Trigger delay function ................................................................................20
SOFTWARE TRIGGER MODE ...........................................................................209-5
CONFIGURING EXPOSURE TIME.....................................................................219-6
FRAME RATE CALCULATION...........................................................................219-7
TRIGGER OUTPUT .............................................................................................229-8
9-8-1 Global exposure timing output ...................................................................22
9-8-2 Programmable timing output ......................................................................22
9-8-3 Trigger ready output ..................................................................................23
ANALOG GAIN FUNCTION ................................................................................239-9
REAL-TIME CORRECTION FUNCTIONS ..........................................................239-10
10. PRECAUTION USING CMOS IMAGE SENSOR....................................... 24
11. MAINTENANCE......................................................................................... 25
CARE ...................................................................................................................2511-1
12. TROUBLESHOOTING CHECKLIST ......................................................... 26
IMAGE IS NOT TRANSFERRED ........................................................................2612-1
ALTHOUGH IMAGES ARE TRANSFFERED.....................................................2612-2
13. SPECIFICATIONS ..................................................................................... 27

C11440-36U Instruction Manual Ver.1.1
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CAMERA SPECIFICATIONS ..............................................................................2713-1
14. DIMENSIONAL OUTLINES....................................................................... 30
15. WARRANTY .............................................................................................. 31
16. CONTACT INFORMATION ....................................................................... 32

C11440-36U Instruction Manual Ver.1.1
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4. OVERVIEW
C11440-36U is a USB 3.0 Output and non-cooling digital camera, which is equipped with
Global Shutter CMOS image sensor. C11440-36U realizes the multiple benefits of high
resolution, high readout speed, and low noise all at once.
C11440-36U provides 2.3 megapixels resolution at 64.9 fps (and up to 2008.9 fps by
sub-array readout) while achieving 6.6 electrons (r.m.s.) readout noise performance.
Moreover, the camera delivers high sensitivity through its on-chip micro lens, 5000:1 high
dynamic range, on-chip analog gain and correction feature 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.
C11440-36U is the new scientific digital camera for life science microscopy, semiconductor
inspection, x-ray scintillator readout or industrial imaging.
5. FEATURES
(1) Readout noise
With the CMOS image sensor 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 and A/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 (6.6 electrons) than the conventional CCD
camera. Moreover, high-speed readout (64.9 fps with 2.3 megapixels) with very low
readout noise can now be achieved.
(2) Global shutter
In general, rolling shutter method is commonly used as the exposure and the readout
mode of the CMOS image sensor. In this method, the exposure timing is varied by
each line. This variation can cause distortion when capturing a moving subject.
On the other hand, a global shutter method is applied in this camera. Thereby the
exposure timing is same at the all lines.
(3) Pixel number and pixel size
The CMOS image sensor has 5.86 µm x 5.86 µm pixel sizes that is equivalent to
conventional CCD image sensor (2/3 inch, 1.3 megapixels). Also, the camera can
observe a wider field of view because the pixel number, 1.3 megapixels, is about 1.7
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.

C11440-36U Instruction Manual Ver.1.1
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(5) Frame rate (readout speed)
The sensor of this camera realizes both low noise (6.6 electrons) and high speed
readout (64.9 fps with all pixels) simultaneously, owing to 1 line parallel simultaneous
readout using column A/D.
(6) Real-time correction functions
There are a few pixels in the CMOS image sensor of this camera that have slightly
higher readout noise performance compared with surrounding pixels. When using the
camera, there is a chance that the data from variant pixels caused by uneven
illumination and optics is not negligible in the image. Therefore, the camera has variant
pixel correction feature to further improve image quality. The correction is performed in
real-time without scarifying the readout speed at all.
(7) USB 3.0 bus Interface
Image signals undergo A/D conversion inside the camera, and are transmitted
externally via the USB 3.0 bus interface as 12 bit digital data. The camera can also be
controlled via this bus.
(8) Camera operation modes
The camera has three operation modes: 1) Free running mode, in which the exposure
and readout timing are controlled by the internal microprocessor, 2) External trigger
mode, in which the exposure and readout timing are decided by External trigger and 3)
Software trigger mode, in which the exposure and readout timing are decided by
application software.
Free running mode Normal readout trigger
mode
Electrical shutter mode
External control
mode Edge trigger mode
Level trigger mode
Synchronous readout
trigger mode
Start trigger mode
Software control
mode Edge trigger mode
Start trigger mode

C11440-36U Instruction Manual Ver.1.1
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6. NAME AND FUNCTION OF THE PARTS
Figure 6-1 Name and function of the parts
①Lens mount
C-mount lens or an optics system with C-mount can be attached.
•Be careful not to screw the lens more than 5 mm onto the C-mount of the camera.
Screwing it in excessively can damage the camera.
②STATUS lamp [STATUS]
The LED indicates status of camera.
Lighting color
Status of power distribution
Turn off (no color)
Power off
Green (lighting)
Power on
Orange (lighting)
Data transfer
Red (lighting)
Heat up
•
When the camera heats up, stop operation and unplug the AC
adapter immediately.
①
② ③ ④
⑤
⑥
⑦⑧
⑨
Front Side Rear
Under

C11440-36U Instruction Manual Ver.1.1
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③Power switch [POWER]
The power is turned on/off.
When the power switch is pressed once, the camera is powered on and the lamp color stays in
green.
When the camera transfers data and the lamp color is orange.
When the power switch is pressed once again, the camera returns to the power off state and
the lamp turns off.
④DC power input connector [DC IN]
This is the power supply terminal. Use the accessory AC adapter.
⑤Timing out connector [TIMING]
This is used when peripheral device(s) require synchronization with the camera.
Output is 3.3 V LVCMOS level, and it is output though BUS TRANSCEIVER IC
“SN74LVC541APW”. Output impedance is 33 Ω.
⑥Trigger input connector [EXT.TRIG]
This is used when the camera is being operated using external synchronization.
Input is 3.3 V LVCMOS level, and input impedance is 10 kΩ.
When External trigger is input, the trigger is activated at the falling or rising edge of the signal.
(External trigger polarity is selectable between Negative and Positive.)
⑦USB 3.0 interface connector [USB 3.0]
This is connected to the USB 3.0 interface connector on the computer.
•When the USB 3.0 cable is connected, the application software must be closed
and the camera must be turned off.
⑧Air outlet
This is the outlet for the heat ventilation.
•To prevent overheating inside the camera, do not wrap the camera in cloth or
other material, or block the camera’s ventilation.
⑨Mounting screw hole
This is the screw hole for fixing the camera to a tripod or other fixture.
•When fitting the camera to a tripod or other fixture, be careful that the fitting
screw does not enter more than 8 mm. Screwing it in excessively can be
damaged the camera.

C11440-36U Instruction Manual Ver.1.1
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7. CONNECTING CABLE
CONNECTING CABLE7-1
Figure 7-1 Connecting cable
①AC adapter
This is the cord to supply a power supply. Use the accessory AC adapter.
②USB 3.0 MicroB interface cable (Option)
This is the cable to connect the camera and the computer.
•Connect the cable to the connector of the computer corresponding to USB 3.0.
•When the USB 3.0 cable is connected, the application software must be closed
and the camera must be turned off.
•Hamamatsu recommends A12046-03 optional USB 3.0 MicroB interface cable
for this camera. The camera complies with EMC direction with using A12046-03
USB 3.0 MicroB interface cable. Be careful that the camera with other interface
cable may not fulfill the EMC directive requirements.
USB 3.0 interface board
Computer
②USB 3.0 MicroB interface cable
①AC adapter
Camera （Rear）

C11440-36U Instruction Manual Ver.1.1
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8. OPERATION
PREPARATION FOR IMAGING8-1
Use the following procedure when start operating the camera.
(1) Connect the cable as shown in Figure 7-1 before you start operation.
(2) Turn on the power of computer.
END OF IMAGING8-2
Follow the procedure as below when imaging is finished.
(1) End the imaging and transmission of image data.
(2) Close the application software.
(3) Turn off the peripheral devices.

C11440-36U Instruction Manual Ver.1.1
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9. DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS FUNCTIONS
THEORY OF CMOS IMAGE SENSOR9-1
The pixel of a CMOS image sensor is composed of the photodiode and the amplifier that
converts the charge into voltage. Entered light is converted to charge and converted to voltage in
the pixel. The voltage of each pixel is output by switching the switch one by one. (Figure 9-1)
The 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, the data of one
horizontal line is read by the on-chip column amplifier and A/D in parallel and simultaneously.
Therefore, the CMOS image sensor realizes both low noise and high speed readout
simultaneously.
Figure 9-1 Structure of the CMOS image sensor
In general, rolling shutter method is commonly used as the exposure and the readout mode of
the CMOS image sensor. In this method, the exposure timing is varied by each line. This
variation can cause distortion when capturing a moving subject.
On the other hand, a global shutter method is applied in this camera. Thereby the exposure
timing is same at the all lines.
Amp
A/D
A/D
A/D
Digital data out
CDS
CDS
CDS

C11440-36U Instruction Manual Ver.1.1
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READOUT METHOD9-2
(1) Full resolution readout
Perform charge readout from the CMOS image sensor individually for all pixels.
The frame rate of all pixels readout is 64.9 fps at maximum.
(2) 2×2 Digital binning readout
With this camera, 2×2 digital binning readout are available by adding the signal of
adjacent pixels in the digital domain. The flame rate of all pixel readout is same as 1x1
Normal readout.
(3) Sub-array readout
This camera supports sub-array-scanning operation in each mode.
Sub-array scanning is a procedure in which only a portion of the image is scanned. It is
possible to increase the frame rate by reducing the number of lines scanned. The
frame rate is determined only by vertical width, the horizontal width does not affect to
the frame rate.
The Sub-array scan setting is specified by the offset from 1st pixel on upper-left and
width, and the selectable range is as follows.
Settable range
Minimum
value
Maximum
value
Minimum
step
Unit
Full resolution
readout
Horizontal offset
0
1918
2
pixel
Horizontal width
2
1920
2
Horizontal offset
＋
Horizontal width
2
1920
-
Vertical offset
0
1118
2
line
Vertical width
2
1200
2
Vertical offset
＋
Vertical width
2
1200
-
2x2
Digital binning
readout
Horizontal offset
0
959
1
pixel
Horizontal width
1
960
1
Horizontal offset
＋
Horizontal width
1
960
-
Vertical offset
0
559
1
line
Vertical width
1
600
1
Vertical offset
＋
Vertical width
1
600
-

C11440-36U Instruction Manual Ver.1.1
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FREE RUNNING MODE9-3
The camera has Free running mode which the exposure and readout timing can be set by
software command and controlled by an internal microprocessor. 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.
•Please contact to Hamamatsu subsidiary or local distributor for the detail of the timing
information.
9-3-1 NORMAL READOUT MODE
Normal readout mode is used so that the exposure time can be extended to collect more signals
and increase the signal-to-noise ratio if the object is dark.
Figure 9-2 Normal readout mode
9-3-2 ELECTRICAL SHUTTER MODE
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.
Figure 9-3 Electrical shutter mode
Internal exposure time
setting
Readout start signal
0H
1H
2H
・
・
(LAST-1)H
(LAST)H
Sensor readout
Camera data output
Global exposure timing
output
Exposure time
Exposure time Exposure time Exposure time
*1
*1 The memory standby time = 10H (
≈
124.4 µs)
Internal exposure time
setting
Readout start signal
0H
1H
2H
・
・
(LAST-1)H
(LAST)H
Sensor readout
Camera data output
Global exposure timing
output
Exposure Exposure Exposure Exposure
*1
*1 The memory standby time = 10H (
≈
124.4 µs)

C11440-36U Instruction Manual Ver.1.1
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EXTERNAL TRIGGER MODE9-4
The camera has various external trigger functions to synchronize the camera with the external
equipment. In External trigger mode, the external equipment becomes a master and the camera
becomes a slave.
•
Please contact to Hamamatsu subsidiary or local distributor for the detail of the timing
information.
9-4-1 EDGE TRIGGER MODE
Edge trigger mode is used so that the exposure starts according to an external signal. Exposure
time is set by software command. In this mode, the exposure begins on the edge (rising / falling
edge) timing of the input trigger signal into the camera. The sample of timing chart for the rising
edge is shown in figure 9-4.
Figure 9-4 Edge trigger mode (Rising edge)
*1 Delay + Jitter = 3H (≈ 37.3 µs) + up to 1H (≈ 12.4 µs)
*2 The memory standby time = 10H (≈ 124.4 µs)
Internal exposure time
setting
Exposure start signal
0H
1H
2H
・
・
(LAST-1)H
(LAST)H
Sensor readout
Camera data output
Global exposure timing
output
Trigger ready output
External trigger
Exposure Exposure
*1 *2

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9-4-2 LEVEL TRIGGER MODE
Level trigger mode is used to control both exposure start timing and exposure time length by
inputting external trigger pulses. In the mode, the camera starts exposure at the start of high or
low period of the input trigger pulse and stops exposure at the end of high or low period of the
input trigger pulse. The example below is for the trigger level High. The exposure begins when
the trigger signal becomes High. The exposure is finished when the trigger signal becomes Low,
and signal readout is begun. The exposure time of each line is defined by the time that the level
of input trigger becomes High to Low.
Figure 9-5 Level trigger mode (Rising edge)
•Input pulse width should be subtracted 13.73 µs from the desired exposure time.
•Jitter which is up to ±1H (≈12.4 µs) might be included in exposure time.
9-4-3 SYNCHRONOUS READOUT TRIGGER MODE
Synchronous readout trigger mode is used for continuous imaging when it is necessary to control
the exposure start timing of each frame from an external source. It is useful for confocal
microscopy. For example, when the camera is used with a spinning disk confocal microscope
and the camera exposure time is synchronized to the spinning disk's rotation speed, it is possible
to eliminate uneven illumination (called banding noise) caused by variation of the spinning disk
rotation speed. Also, it is useful for securing as long exposure time as possible while controlling
the exposure start timings by external trigger signals.
•Input pulse width should be subtracted 13.73 µs from the desired Exposure time
•Jitter which is up to ±1H (≈12.4 µs) might be included in exposure time
*1 Delay + Jitter = 3H (≈ 37.3 µs) + up to 1H (≈ 12.4 µs)
*2 The memory standby time = 10H (≈ 124.4 µs)
Exposure start signal
0H
1H
2H
・
・
(LAST-1)H
(LAST)H
Sensor readout
Camera data output
Global exposure timing
output
Trigger ready output
External trigger
Exposure Exposure
*1 *2