Hamamatsu Photonics C11440-42U User manual

Digital Camera
C11440-42U / C11440-42U01
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. 1.1
February 2014
HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
97710301-01

~ Blank page ~

C11440-42U/C11440-42U01 Instruction manual_Ver.1.1
1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1-1 INDICATION OF THE SYMBOLS
The following symbols can be found on this camera:
Direct current
Alternating current
1-2 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.
WARNING
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.
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C11440-42U/C11440-42U01 Instruction manual_Ver.1.1
WARNING
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.
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C11440-42U/C11440-42U01 Instruction manual_Ver.1.1
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 to a tripod or other fixture, use the optional base
plate. Be careful that the fitting screw does not enter more than 8 mm from
the surface of the base plate. Screwing it in excessively can impair normal
operation.
Lenses (C11440-42U)
Be careful not to screw the lens more than 7 mm onto the C-mount of the
camera. 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.
Operating environment
This system 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 system 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.
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C11440-42U/C11440-42U01 Instruction manual_Ver.1.1
4
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.
Camera (C11440-42U or C11440-42U01) 1
AC adaptor 1
Power supply cord for AC adaptor 1
Lens mount cap (attached to the camera) 1
C11440-42U/C11440-42U01 Before Use (Booklet) 1
C11440-42U/C11440-42U01 Instruction manual (CD-ROM) 1
[Option]
SMA-BNC cable A12106-05
SMA-SMA cable A12107-05
USB 3.0 A to Micro B cable A12046-03
USB 3.0 interface board M9982-22
Adjuster pole A11185-01
Base plate A11186-01
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
• If you use the adjuster pole and the base plate, see each installation manual.

C11440-42U/C11440-42U01 Instruction manual_Ver.1.1
3. INSTALLATION
Avoid using or storing this camera in the following places
• When the ambient temperature for using this system might fall below 0 °C or rise
above + 40 °C
• When 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 70 % or more or where there is dripping water
• Close to a strong source of magnetism or ratio 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
How to place the camera (when the camera is placed on a table)
Do not place the camera the rear panel of the camera, which connectors
are located, to be at the bottom. (Do not block ventilation openings.)
Do not block ventilation openings
To prevent overheating in the camera’s interior, do not wrap the camera
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 2 cm from both the intake and
exhaust vents when setting up.
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C11440-42U/C11440-42U01 Instruction manual_Ver.1.1
6
C
Co on nt te en nt ts s
1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS............................................................................ 1
1-1 INDICATION OF THE SYMBOLS ....................................................................... 1
1-2 CLASSIFICATION OF WARNING ...................................................................... 1
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. CONNECTION........................................................................................... 13
7-1 CONNECTING OF CABLES ............................................................................. 13
8. OPERATION.............................................................................................. 14
8-1 PRECAUTIONS................................................................................................. 14
8-2 PREPARATION FOR IMAGING........................................................................ 14
8-3 IMAGING ........................................................................................................... 14
8-4 END OF IMAGING............................................................................................. 14
9. DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS FUNCTIONS ............................................. 15
9-1 THEORY OF CMOS IMAGE SENSOR ............................................................. 15
9-2 READOUT METHOD (SCAN MODE) ............................................................... 17
9-3 CAMERA OPERATION MODES....................................................................... 18
9-4 FRAME RATE CALCULATION......................................................................... 19
9-5 CONFIGURING EXPOSURE TIME................................................................... 22
9-6 TIMING CHART OF CAMERA OPERATION MODES...................................... 23
9-6-1 FREE RUNNING MODE......................................................................................... 23
9-6-2 EXTERNAL TRIGGER MODE................................................................................ 25
9-6-3 TRIGGER OUTPUT................................................................................................ 30
9-6-4 GLOBAL RESET..................................................................................................... 33
9-7 REAL-TIME CORRECTION FUNCTIONS ........................................................ 34
10. PRECAUTION WHEN USING FL-400....................................................... 35
11. MAINTENANCE ........................................................................................ 36
11-1 CARE................................................................................................................. 36
12. TROUBLESHOOTING CHECKLIST ......................................................... 37
12-1 IMAGE IS NOT TRANSFERRED ...................................................................... 37
12-2 ALTHOUGH IMAGES ARE TRANSFFERED ................................................... 37
13. SPECIFICATIONS ..................................................................................... 38
13-1 CAMERA SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................ 38
13-2 SPECTRAL RESPONSE CHARACTERISTICS ............................................... 40
14. DIMENSIONAL OUTLINES....................................................................... 41
14-1 C11440-42U for C-mount ................................................................................. 41

C11440-42U/C11440-42U01 Instruction manual_Ver.1.1
14-2 C11440-42U01 for F-mount ............................................................................. 42
15. WARRANTY .............................................................................................. 43
REPAIRS ............................................................................................................................. 43
16. CONTACT INFORMATION ....................................................................... 44
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C11440-42U/C11440-42U01 Instruction manual_Ver.1.1
4. OVERVIEW
C11440-42U/C11440-42U01 is equipped with the new scientific image sensor “FL-400”, an
advanced CMOS device that realizes the multiple benefits of high resolution, high readout speed,
and low noise all at once.
The camera provides 4.0 megapixels resolution at 30 frame/s (and up to 25 000 frame/s by
sub-array readout) while achieving 0.9 electrons (median) 1.5 electrons (r.m.s) readout noise
performance. Moreover, the camera delivers high sensitivity through its on-chip micro lens, 33
000:1 high dynamic range 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.
The camera is the new scientific digital camera for life science microscopy, semiconductor
inspection, x-ray scintillator readout or industrial imaging.
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 are greatly
minimized. In addition, there is on-chip CDS (correlated double sampling) circuit, which
plays an important role in achieving low noise. Moreover, the sensor features a split
readout scheme in which the top and bottom halves of the sensor are readout
independently, and the data of each horizontal line is read by 2 lines of column
amplifier and A/D in the top and the bottom 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 (0.9 electrons (median), 1.5 electrons (r.m.s))
than the conventional cooled CCD camera. Moreover, high-speed readout (30 frame/s
with 2048 pixels × 2048 pixels) with very low readout noise, which was impossible, can
now be achieved.
(2) Cooling structure
In the camera, the FL-400 is cooled down by the peltier element to suppress the dark
current. The camera has a special chamber structure to avoid the condensation.
(3) Pixel number and pixel size
The FL-400 sensor has 6.5 µm x 6.5 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 is about 3 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.
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C11440-42U/C11440-42U01 Instruction manual_Ver.1.1
(5) Frame rate
The FL-400 realizes both low noise (0.9 electrons (median) 1.5 electrons (r.m.s)) and
high speed readout (30 frame/s with 2048 pixels x 2048 pixels) simultaneously, by a
split readout scheme in which the top and the bottom halves of the sensor are readout
independently, and the data of each horizontal line is read by 2 lines of column
amplifier and A/D in the top and the bottom in parallel and simultaneously.
(6) Real-time correction functions
When using the camera, there is a case that shading caused by uneven illumination or
optics is not negligible in the image. Also, there are a few pixels in FL-400 that have
slightly higher readout noise performance compared to surrounding pixels. For those
cases, 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 sacrificing the readout speed at all.
(7) Interface
This camera has USB 3.0 interface.
USB 3.0 interface is able to transfer 4 megapixels image with 30 frame/s. It is versatile
interface. It transfers image with moderate transfer speed.
(8) Camera operation modes
The camera has three operation modes: 1) the free running mode, in which the
exposure and readout timing are controlled by the internal microprocessor, and 2) the
external trigger mode, in which the exposure and readout timing are decided by an
external trigger. 3) the start trigger mode is used to start operating the camera by a
trigger input for a continuous imaging.
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C11440-42U/C11440-42U01 Instruction manual_Ver.1.1
6. NAME AND FUNCTION OF THE PARTS
(1) C11440-42U for C-mount
(2) C11440-42U01 for F-mount
①②③④
⑧⑨
⑤⑥⑦
①②③④
⑧⑨
⑤⑥⑦
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C11440-42U/C11440-42U01 Instruction manual_Ver.1.1
11
CAUTION • Do not place the rear panel of the camera, which connectors are
located, to be at the bottom (Do not block ventilation openings.).
① Lens mount
C11440-42U can be attached to C-mount lens or an optics system.
C11440-42U01 can be attached to F-mount lens or an optics system.
Note
• The depth of the C-mount is 7 mm. Screwing in the mount too far
can scratch the glass surface.
② USB 3.0 interface connector [USB 3.0]
This is connected to the USB 3.0 interface connector on the computer.
③ Trigger 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 an external trigger is input, the trigger is activated at the falling or rising edge of the
signal. (You can choose external trigger polarity between Negative and Positive.)
④ Timing out connector 1,2,3 [TIMING 1,2,3]
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 SN74AVC8T245.
Output impedance is 33 Ω.
Note
• Determine termination according to cable length and so on.
⑤ DC power input connector [DC IN]
This is the power supply terminal. Use the accessory AC adaptor.
⑥ Power switch [POWER]
The power is turned on/off.
When the power switch is set to "ON", the camera turns on and starts initialization and the lamp
blinks in green.
When the initialization is completed , the lamp color stays in green.
When the camera transfers data and the lamp color is orange.
When the power switch is set to "OFF", the camera returns to the power off state and the lamp
turns off.
⑦ STATUS lamp [STATUS]
The LED indicates status of camera.
Lighting color Status of power distribution
Turn off (no color) Power off
Green (Blinking) Initialization
Green (lighting) Power on
Orange (lighting) Data transfer
Red (lighting) Heat up
CAUTION
• When the camera heats up, stop operation and unplug the AC
adaptor immediately.

C11440-42U/C11440-42U01 Instruction manual_Ver.1.1
⑧ Air 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.
• If the camera is being operated in an enclosed environment, ensure to keep
clearance at least 2 cm from both intake and exhaust vents when setting up.
⑨ Installation holes for Base plate
These are the holes to install the base plate.
• If you use the adjuster pole and the base plate, see each installation manual.
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C11440-42U/C11440-42U01 Instruction manual_Ver.1.1
7. CONNECTION
7-1 CONNECTING OF CABLES
Refer to the figure when connecting the various cables.
Camera (Rear)
Figure 7-1
• When you connect cables, turn off the power supply of the camera and the peripheral devices.
• If you use the adjuster pole and the base plate, see each installation manual.
CAUTION
• Do not place the rear panel of the camera, which connectors are located,
to be at the bottom (Do not block ventilation openings.).
① AC adaptor
This is the cord to supply a power supply. Use the accessory AC adaptor.
② USB 3.0 interface cable (Option)
This is the cable to connect the USB 3.0 interface connector of the camera and the USB 3.0
interface connector on the computer.
Note
• Hamamatsu recommends A12046-03 optional USB 3.0 interface cable for this
camera. The camera complies with EMC direction with using A12467-03 Camera
Link interface cable. Be careful that the camera with other interface cable may not
fulfill the EMC directive requirements.
Computer
①AC adaptor
②USB 3.0 Interface cable
USB 3.0 Interface board
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C11440-42U/C11440-42U01 Instruction manual_Ver.1.1
14
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-400
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 between 20 ºC and
25 °C. Thus, the maximum temperatures to which the FL-400 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
and stopping current supply to Peltier element simultaneously.
When the protection circuit is activated immediately turn off the power switch. Then
investigate cause and remove the cause of the overheating and restart the camera.
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 5 minutes after cooling begins.
• When the cables are connected, confirm the power switch of peripheral device is in the OFF position.
8-3 IMAGING
Start the control and imaging with the application software.
Note
• Please refer to the instruction manual attached to the software for the way of using it and the details.
8-4 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.

C11440-42U/C11440-42U01 Instruction manual_Ver.1.1
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. 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 FL-400 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, the
FL-400 realizes both low noise and high speed readout simultaneously, by a split readout
scheme in which the top and the bottom halves of the sensor are readout independently, and the
data of each horizontal line is read by 2 lines of column amplifier and A/D in the top and the
bottom in parallel and simultaneously.
Figure 9-1 Structure of the FL-400
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C11440-42U/C11440-42U01 Instruction manual_Ver.1.1
The exposure and the readout method of FL-400 is 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 is very small.
Figure 9-2 Readout timing of Rolling shutter
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C11440-42U/C11440-42U01 Instruction manual_Ver.1.1
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9-2 READOUT METHOD (SCAN MODE)
The camera has the following scan modes.
(1) Normal readout
Perform charge readout from camera individually for all pixels.
(2) Binning readout
With this camera, 2×2 binning readout and 4×4 binning are available by adding the
signal of adjacent pixels in the digital domain, Binning readout is a method for
achieving high sensitivity in exchange for losing resolution.
(3) Sub-array readout
Sub-array readout is a procedure only a region of interest is scanned. It is possible to
increase the frame rate by reducing the number of vertical lines scanned. When a
target area is placed in the center of the screen, sub-array readout can perform the
fastest readout. In sub-array readout, binning configuration is enabled.
Size and a position of the readout area can be configured according to the table below.
Settings
Horizontal Vertical
Binning Size Position Size Position
1×1 (Normal readout) 512 pixels 32 pixels 8 lines 4 lines
2×2 binning readout 256 pixels 16 pixels 4 lines 2 lines
4×4 binning readout 128 pixels 8 pixels 2 lines 1 lines
(4) Rapid Rolling Mode
This readout mode is preferred to be used when acquiring images of fast moving
samples in order to minimize distortion come from rolling shutter.
Note
• Please refer to 9-4 [FRAME RATE CALCULATION] about the frame rate of each readout
mode. However, Rapid Rolling mode is different from other modes.

C11440-42U/C11440-42U01 Instruction manual_Ver.1.1
18
9-3 CAMERA OPERATION MODES
The camera has the following operation modes.
(1) Free running mode
The camera has the free running mode which the exposure and readout timing can be
set by software command and controlled by an 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.
(2) External trigger mode
The camera has various external trigger functions to synchronize the camera with the
external equipment. In the external trigger mode, the external equipment becomes a
master and the camera becomes a slave.
① Edge trigger mode
The edge trigger mode is used so that the exposure starts according to an external signal.
② Level trigger mode
The level trigger mode is used to control both exposure start timing and exposure time length
by inputting external trigger pulses.
③ Synchronous readout trigger mode
The 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.
(3) Start trigger mode
The start trigger mode is to start operating the camera by a trigger input for a
continuous imaging.
Note
• Please refer to 9-6 [TIMING CHART OF CAMERA OPERATION MODES] about the detail of
timing chart of these modes.