Hamamatsu Photonics C11440-42U30 User manual

A4610301-02
ORCA-Flash4.0 LT+
Digital CMOS Camera
C11440-42U30 / C11440-42U31
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. The manual
describes the correct handling method of the camera and provides
instructions that should be followed to avoid accidents. Read this
manual carefully before using this camera. After reading this manual,
store it in a location where you can refer to it at any time.
Ver. 1.2
Feb. 2018
HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.

~ Blank page ~

C11440-42U30/C11440-42U31 Instruction manual_Ver.1.2
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1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1-1 SYMBOLS
The following symbols can be found on this camera:
Direct current
Alternating current
1-2 CLASSIFICATION OF WARNINGS
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 follow 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 followed when
handling the camera. Read the contents carefully to ensure correct and
safe use.
This symbol indicates an action that is forbidden. Read and follow the
instructions carefully.
This symbol indicates a compulsory action or instruction. Read and follow
the instructions carefully.

C11440-42U30/C11440-42U31 Instruction manual_Ver.1.2
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Power supply
Use the camera with the indicated voltage on the rating sticker. Using a
different voltage can damage the camera and lead to fire or electric shock.
Cables
Do not to place heavy objects on cables or bend them excessively. Doing
so can damage the cables and lead to fire or electric shock.
Power supply cord
Use the accessory power supply cord when using this camera.
AC adapter
Use the accessory AC adapter when this camera is used.
Do not touch the plug with wet hands. 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 or high voltage. Do not touch parts that are
not indicated in this manual.
Do not insert a foreign substance into the camera
Such as combustible substances, metal objects or water to get inside the
camera. These can damage the camera and lead to fire or electric shock.
In the event of an anomaly
Such as the image suddenly disappearing or the occurrence of a strange
noise, a strange smell or smoke coming from the camera, immediately
turn off the power switch and unplug the power supply cord and contact
Hamamatsu subsidiary or your local distributor. Do not attempt to repair
the camera yourself.

C11440-42U30/C11440-42U31 Instruction manual_Ver.1.2
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AC adapter
When unplugging the power supply cord, do not pull on the cord. Remove
the plug from the outlet to avoid causing electric shock or fire.
When unplugging the AC adapter, do not pull on the cord. Remove the
plug from the camera to avoid breakdown of the AC adapter
or the
camera.
If the camera is not in use for a long period of time, unplug the power
supply cord from the outlet to avoid damaging the cord and causing
electric shock or fire.
Connecting and disconnecting cables
Always turn off the camera before connecting and disconnecting cables.
Mounting the camera
When mounting the camera to a tripod or other fixture, use the optional
base plate. Be careful that the mounting screw does not enter more than 8
mm from the surface of the base plate. Screwing it in further can impair
normal operation.
Lenses (C11440-42U30)
Be careful not to screw the lens more than 7 mm into 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 (such as dropping it).
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.

C11440-42U30/C11440-42U31 Instruction manual_Ver.1.2
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2. CHECK THE CONTENTS OF PACKAGE
When opening the package, check that the following items are included before use. If the
contents are incorrect, insufficient, or damaged in any way, contact a Hamamatsu subsidiary or
your local distributor before attempting to operate the camera.
Camera (C11440-42U30 or C11440-42U31)
1
AC adapter
1
Power supply cord for AC adapter
1
Lens mount cap (attached to the camera)
1
C11440-42U30/C11440-42U31 Before Use (Booklet)
1
C11440-42U30/C11440-42U31 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
M9982-26
Adjuster pole
A11185-01
Base plate
A11186-01
Note
• The cable listed in option is highly recommended for use with the camera. The camera
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, please refer to the respective installation
manual.

C11440-42U30/C11440-42U31 Instruction manual_Ver.1.2
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3. INSTALLATION
Avoid using or storing this camera in the following places
• Places where the temperature is not the operating temperature indicated in the
specifications.
• Places where the temperature is not the storage temperature indicated in the
specifications.
• Places where the temperature varies greatly.
• In direct sunlight or near a heater.
• Places where the humidity levels are not the operating humidity levels indicated
in the specifications and where the system may be exposed to liquid.
• Places where the humidity levels are not the storage humidity levels indicated in
the specifications and where the system may be exposed to liquid.
• Close to a strong source of magnetism or ratio waves.
• Places where there are vibrations.
• Places where the system may come into contact with corrosive gases (such as
chlorine or fluorine).
• Places 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 any other material, or in any way allow the camera’s
ventilation ports to become blocked. If the camera is being operated in
a closed environment, ensure clearance of at least 10 cm from both the
intake and exhaust vents when setting up.

C11440-42U30/C11440-42U31 Instruction manual_Ver.1.2
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C
Co on nt te en nt ts s
1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS............................................................................ 1
1-1 SYMBOLS..............................................................................................................1
1-2 CLASSIFICATION OF WARNINGS......................................................................1
2. CHECK THE CONTENTS OF PACKAGE................................................... 4
3. INSTALLATION........................................................................................... 5
4. OVERVIEW.................................................................................................. 8
5. FEATURES.................................................................................................. 8
6. NAME AND FUNCTION OF PARTS......................................................... 10
7. CONNECTION........................................................................................... 13
7-1 CONNECTING OF CABLES...............................................................................13
8. OPERATIONS ........................................................................................... 14
8-1 OPERATING PRECAUTIONS.............................................................................14
8-2 PREPARING FOR IMAGING ..............................................................................14
8-3 IMAGING..............................................................................................................14
8-4 END OF IMAGING...............................................................................................14
9. DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS FUNCTIONS ............................................. 15
9-1 THEORY OF THE CMOS IMAGE SENSOR.......................................................15
9-2 NORMAL AREA MODE ......................................................................................17
9-2-1 Readout method (Scan mode) ..................................................................... 17
9-2-2 Camera operation modes............................................................................. 18
9-2-3 Frame rate calculation.................................................................................. 19
9-2-4 Configuring exposure time............................................................................ 22
9-2-5 Timing chart of camera operation modes..................................................... 23
9-3 W-VIEW MODE....................................................................................................35
9-3-1 Readout method (scan mode)...................................................................... 35
9-3-2 Camera operation modes............................................................................. 36
9-3-3 Frame rate calculation.................................................................................. 36
9-3-4 Configuring exposure time............................................................................ 39
9-3-5 Timing chart of camera operation modes..................................................... 40
9-4 REAL-TIME CORRECTION FUNCTIONS..........................................................43
10. PRECAUTION WHEN USING the CMOS IMAGE SENSOR .................... 44
11. MAINTENANCE ........................................................................................ 45
11-1 CARE ...................................................................................................................45
12. TROUBLESHOOTING............................................................................... 46
12-1 IMAGE IS NOT TRANSFERRED........................................................................46
12-2 ALTHOUGH IMAGES ARE TRANSFERRED ....................................................46
13. SPECIFICATIONS..................................................................................... 47
13-1 CAMERA SPECIFICATIONS..............................................................................47
13-2 SPECTRAL RESPONSE CHARACTERISTICS(TYP.) ......................................50

C11440-42U30/C11440-42U31 Instruction manual_Ver.1.2
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14. DIMENSIONAL OUTLINES....................................................................... 51
14-1 C11440-42U30 for C-mount...............................................................................51
14-2 C11440-42U31 for F-mount................................................................................52
15. WARRANTY.............................................................................................. 53
15-1 BASIC WARRANTY............................................................................................53
15-2 REPAIRS..............................................................................................................53
16. CONTACT INFORMATION ....................................................................... 54

C11440-42U30/C11440-42U31 Instruction manual_Ver.1.2
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4. OVERVIEW
C11440-42U30/C11440-42U31 is equipped with the new scientific image sensor, 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 fps (frames/s) (and up to 25 000 fps 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 makes 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 fps with
2048 pixels × 2048 pixels) with very low readout noise, which was impossible, can now
be achieved.
(2) Cooling structure
In the camera, the CMOS image sensor is cooled down by a 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 CMOS image 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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(5) Frame rate
The CMOS image sensor realizes both low noise (0.9 electrons (median) 1.5 electrons
(r.m.s)) and high speed readout (30 fps 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 the CMOS image
sensor 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 fps.
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.

C11440-42U30/C11440-42U31 Instruction manual_Ver.1.2
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6. NAME AND FUNCTION OF PARTS
(1) C11440-42U30 for C-mount
(2) C11440-42U31 for F-mount
• Do not place the rear panel of the camera, which connectors are
located, to be at the bottom (Do not block ventilation openings.).
①
②
③
④
⑤
⑥
⑦
⑧
⑨
①
②
③
④
⑤
⑥
⑦
⑧
⑨

C11440-42U30/C11440-42U31 Instruction manual_Ver.1.2
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①Lens mount
C11440-42U30 can be attached to C-mount lens or an optics system.
C11440-42U31 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.
②USB 3.0 interface connector [USB 3.0]
This is connected to the USB 3.0 interface connector on the computer.
③Trigger 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.)
④Timing 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.
⑤DC power input connector [DC IN]
This is the power supply terminal. Use the accessory AC adapter.
⑥Power 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 orange.
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.
⑦STATUS lamp [STATUS]
The LED indicates status of camera.
Lighting color
Status of power distribution
Turn off (no color)
Power off
Orange (Blinking)
Initialization
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.

C11440-42U30/C11440-42U31 Instruction manual_Ver.1.2
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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.
• If the camera is being operated in an enclosed environment, ensure to keep
clearance at least 10 cm from both intake and exhaust vents when setting up.
⑨Installation 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.

C11440-42U30/C11440-42U31 Instruction manual_Ver.1.2
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7. CONNECTION
7-1 CONNECTING OF CABLES
Refer to the figure below when connecting the various cables.
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.
•
Do not place the rear panel of the camera, which connectors are located,
to be at the bottom (Do not block ventilation openings.).
①AC adapter
This is the cord to supply a power supply. Use the accessory AC adapter.
②USB 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 USB 3.0
interface cable. Be careful that the camera with other interface cable may not fulfill
the EMC directive requirements.
Camera(Rear)
Computer
②USB 3.0 interface cable
USB 3.0 port
①AC adapter

C11440-42U30/C11440-42U31 Instruction manual_Ver.1.2
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8. OPERATIONS
8-1 OPERATING 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 CMOS
image sensor 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 CMOS image sensor 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
This camera’s thermoelectric cooling device is protected by a thermal protection circuit.
If the internal temperature of the camera becomes abnormally hot, the protection circuit
operates to inform the user by a buzzer alarm (beep tone) and lighting the camera’s red
LED light while simultaneously cutting the current supply to the Peltier element. As
soon as this protection is implemented, turn off the power switch and unplug the AC
supply. Then remove the cause of the overheating.
8-2 PREPARING 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.

C11440-42U30/C11440-42U31 Instruction manual_Ver.1.2
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9. DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS FUNCTIONS
9-1 THEORY OF THE CMOS IMAGE SENSOR
The pixel of the 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 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 CMOS
image sensor 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 CMOS image sensor

C11440-42U30/C11440-42U31 Instruction manual_Ver.1.2
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The exposure and the readout method of the CMOS image sensor 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 Exposure timing of Rolling shutter
Figure 9-3 Exposure timing of Rolling shutter (at W-VIEW Mode)

C11440-42U30/C11440-42U31 Instruction manual_Ver.1.2
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9-2 NORMAL AREA MODE
9-2-1 Readout method (Scan mode)
With normal area mode, the camera reads out the CMOS image sensor from the center line to
the top and from the center line to the bottom simultaneously (center line is depicted in red line in
the diagram).
Figure 9-4 Readout method of normal area 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 9-2-3 [FRAME RATE CALCULATION] about the frame rate of each readout
mode. However, Rapid Rolling mode is different from other modes.

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9-2-2 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.
①Edge trigger mode / Global reset edge trigger mode
The edge trigger mode is used so that the exposure starts according to an external signal.
②Level trigger mode / Global reset level trigger mode
The level trigger mode is used to control both exposure start timing and exposure time length
by inputting external trigger pulses.
③Synchronous 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 9-2-5 [TIMING CHART OF CAMERA OPERATION MODES] about the detail
of timing chart of these modes.