Hamamatsu Photonics C9300-124 User manual

8100172-02
Digital CCD Camera
C9300-124
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. The manual
describes the correct method of handling C9300-124 camera and
provides cautions in order to avoid accidents. Read this manual
carefully beforehand use the camera correctly.
• After reading the manual, store it in a location where you can refer to it
at any time.
Ver. 1.4
April 2007
HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.

C9300-124 Ver.1.4
1
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.
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.

C9300-124 Ver.1.4
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WARNING
Power Supply
Use the camera with the voltage indicated on the rating.
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.
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, turn the power off immediately and
contact Hamamatsu subsidiary or local distributor. In case the repair is
needed, it should be always treated at Hamamatsu side.

C9300-124 Ver.1.4
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CAUTION
Connecting and disconnecting cables
Always turn off the power before connecting and disconnecting cables.
Fixing the camera
When fitting the camera 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 5 mm from the surface of the mount.
Screwing it in excessively can impair normal operation.
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.

C9300-124 Ver.1.4
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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.
Digital CCD camera 1
Lens mount cap *attached to the camera 1
C9300-124 instruction manual (this booklet) 1
[Option]
AC adaptor (Accessories: Power supply cord) A3472-06
Camera cable A9071-05 (5 m)
CameraLink interface cable A9262-05 (5 m)
A9262-10 (10 m)
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
Do not use or store the camera these locations.
• Where the ambient temperature may fall below 0 °C or rise above 40 °C
• Where the temperature fluctuates sharply
• In direct sunlight, or near a source of heat
• Where the humidity exceeds 70 %, or where it is exposed to water
• Near sources generating strong magnetic or electrical fields
• Where there is vibration
• Where it comes in contact with corrosive gases (chlorine, fluorine, etc.)
• Dusty locations

C9300-124 Ver.1.4
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C
Co on nt te en nt ts s
DIGITAL CCD CAMERA.................................................................................... 0
C9300-124.......................................................................................................... 0
INSTRUCTION MANUAL .................................................................................. 0
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.................................................................................................. 7
6. NAME AND FUNCTION OF THE PARTS................................................... 8
6-1 CAMERA.............................................................................................................8
7. CONNECTING CABLES........................................................................... 10
8. OPERATION.............................................................................................. 11
8-1 PRECAUTIONS.................................................................................................11
8-2 PREPARATION FOR IMAGING........................................................................11
8-3 IMAGING...........................................................................................................11
8-4 END OF IMAGING.............................................................................................11
9. IMAGE ACQUISITION............................................................................... 12
9-1 THEORY OF CCD.............................................................................................12
9-2 OVERVIEW OF CAMERA MODES...................................................................13
9-3 DETAIL OF CAMERA MODES.........................................................................14
9-3-1 DIGITAL OUTPUT BIT COUNT ............................................................................................ 14
9-3-2 CCD OUTPUT MODE .......................................................................................................... 14
9-3-3 DETAIL ON CCD SCANNING (SCAN MODE) ..................................................................... 14
9-3-4 EXPOSURE TIME SETTING ............................................................................................... 15
9-3-5 FAST REPETITION MODE .................................................................................................. 20
10. COMMAND SPECIFICATIONS................................................................. 23
10-1 TRANSMISSION INTERFACE..........................................................................23
10-2 COMMAND FORMAT .......................................................................................23
10-3 CAMERA RESPONSE TO COMMANDS..........................................................23
10-4 OVERVIEW OF COMMANDS...........................................................................25
10-5 COMMAND INITIAL SETTING..........................................................................27
10-6 DETAIL OF COMMANDS .................................................................................28
11. PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING THE CCD................................................ 33
12. MAINTENANCE ........................................................................................ 33
12-1 CARE.................................................................................................................33
13. TROUBLESHOOTING CHECKLIST......................................................... 34
13-1 IMAGE NOT TRANSFERRED ..........................................................................34
13-2 ALTHOUGH IMAGES ARE TRANSFERRED...................................................34

C9300-124 Ver.1.4
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14. SPCIFICATIONS ....................................................................................... 35
14-1 CAMERA SPECIFICATIONS............................................................................35
14-2 SPECTRAL RESPONSE CHARACTERISTICS ...............................................36
14-3 CAMERALINK INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS ..............................................37
14-3-1 CAMERALINK INTERFACE ................................................................................................. 37
14-3-2 TIMING I/O CONNECTOR PIN ASSIGNMENTS [TIMING I/O] ............................................ 39
14-3-3 CAMERA CONNECTOR PIN ASSIGN MENT [POWER] ..................................................... 39
14-4 IMAGE DATA OUTPUT TIMING SPECIFICATIONS........................................40
15. DIMENSIONAL OUTLINES....................................................................... 41
15-1 CAMERA...........................................................................................................41
16. WARRANTY.............................................................................................. 42
17. CONTACT INFORMATION....................................................................... 43
TECHNICAL SHEET 1..................................................................................... 44
TECHNICAL SHEET 2..................................................................................... 45

C9300-124 Ver.1.4
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4. OVERVIEW
C9300-124 is a small size and high performance digital CCD camera with 12 bit output. The
camera meets the demand in the industrial/scientific field for high accuracy and high quality
imaging. The camera adopts the small-size hermetic vacuum shield head, which makes it
possible to cool down the CCD to +10 °C and to minimize the dark current and noise. And it
is based on CameraLink and can output the image data into the CameraLink board on
market.
5. FEATURES
(1) High resolution
Equipped with a high-resolution solid-state imaging device having 4000 (horizontal) ×
2672 (vertical) pixels. Pixels are square, facilitating image processing for measurement
purposes.
(2) Dual readout
The CCD has dual readout amplifiers for the half left side area of the CCD and right
side. (When using single readout mode, only left side amplifier is used.) So you can
obtain the image data with quite high frame rate.
Note • Dual readout mode uses two separated readout Amp whose
performance is not perfectly same. Due to the readout Amp
characteristics variation, you may see little intensity gap between right
side and left side in one image even though the fine adjustment is done
at factory before shipping. Single readout mode is recommended to
achieve the best possible image quality.
(3) Digital output
Image signals are converted from analog to digital in the camera and output externally
as 12 bit digital data. (Transmission line length: max. 10 m, based on CameraLink.)
(4) Small Head
Small, lightweight camera allows for a construction that is extremely easy to use in
such applications as microscopic measurement and spectrometry.
(5) Lens mount
F-mount used for the lens mount.
(6) Hermetic vacuum shield head
The camera adopts the small-size hermetic vacuum shield head, which makes it
possible to cool down the CCD to + 10 °C (when ambient operation temperature is
20 °C) and to minimize the dark current and noise.

C9300-124 Ver.1.4
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6. NAME AND FUNCTION OF THE PARTS
6-1 CAMERA
① ① ④
③ ⑤ ⑥ ②
Fig. 6-1
① Lens mount
F-mount lens or optical system with F-mount can be attached.
② Camera connector [POWER]
The camera is supplied a power supply from this connector. Following is the specifications of
the power supply.
Camera Peltier
Power supply voltage DC 12 V ± DC 0.6 V DC 12 V ± DC 0.6 V
Electric current capacity + 1 A + 1 A
Ripple noise Peak to peak 150 mV Peak to peak 150 mV
• Be sure to supply the camera power supply and the peltier power
supply at the same time.
• Use low ripple noise power supplies since ripple noise may affect
camera performance.
CAUTION • Power supply must satisfy the above specifications to
prevent trouble with the camera.

C9300-124 Ver.1.4
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The camera employs Hirose model HR10A-10R-12PB connector.
Number Signal Pin connection
1 GND (Camera)
2 12 V (Camera)
3 NC
4 NC
5 NC
6 NC
7 NC
8 NC
9 NC
10 GND (Peltier)
11 12 V (Peltier)
12 NC
HR10A-10R-12PB
③ Camera mount
Jig for fixing the camera. Used when mounting the camera on a tripod or other fixture.
Note • Be careful not to allow the fitting screw to enter more than 5 mm
from the surface of the mount. Screwing this in excessively may
impair normal operation.
④ CameraLink interface connector [DIGITAL OUT]
Connector used for connecting the camera to the CameraLink interface board.
⑤ Timing I/O connector [TIMING I/O]
The connector is used as the external trigger input (1st-pin, 2nd-pin).
• Do not connect anything to pins from 3 to 6 because they are
reserved for options.
⑥ Mode switching switch
This switch is for the camera maintenance.
• All positions are set to “OFF”. Do not change this.

C9300-124 Ver.1.4
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7. CONNECTING CABLES
Refer to the figure below when connecting the various cables.
③Power supply cord
Camera AC adaptor (Option)
①Camera cable (Option)
PC
CameraLink
interface board
②CameraLink interface cable
NORMAL CO
O
LING
CAMER
A
Fig. 7-1
• When cables are connected, confirming the power switch is in the OFF position.
① Camera cable (Option)
This connects the camera to the COOLING connector of the AC adaptor (A3472-06).
• Do not connect this cable to the NORMAL connector of the AC adaptor
(A3472-06).
② CameraLink interface cable (Option)
This connects the CameraLink interface connector to the CameraLink interface board mounted
on the host computer.
③ Power supply cord (Option: The accessories of A3472-06)
Note • Hamamatsu recommends optional interface for the camera.
- AC adaptor: A3472-06
- Camera cable: A9071-05
- CameraLink interface cable: A9262-05
Depending on type of interface cables, the camera may not keep CE marking
compliance in terms of EMC directive.

C9300-124 Ver.1.4
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8. OPERATION
8-1 PRECAUTIONS
(1) Ambient temperature
This camera is cooled using a peltier element. In a peltier element, one side is cooled
and the other side heated by the flow of electric current. A CCD chip is installed on the
cooled side, and the heated side undergoes forced air-cooling. The recommended
ambient temperature is 20 °C.
Note • The temperature rises above 20 °C and operation becomes unstable.
8-2 PREPARATION FOR IMAGING
(1) Connect the equipment as shown in Fig.7-1 before starting operating of the
camera.
(2) Switch the camera's power switch to ON.
After turning the power switch on, wait over 30 minutes for aging; this completes
preparation for imaging.
8-3 IMAGING
The camera works with following setting after power is switched ON.
CCD output mode Single output
Scan mode Normal readout
Exposure time setting Normal setting
Contrast enhancement gain 0
Digital data output bit count 12
The camera mode and parameters can be changed by command from the host computer,
which transmitted via the CameraLink interface.
8-4 END OF IMAGING
(1) End imaging or transmission of image data with the control software when imaging
is finished.
(2) Turn off the power to the camera and peripheral equipment.

C9300-124 Ver.1.4
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9. IMAGE ACQUISITION
9-1 THEORY OF CCD
The all-pixel-readout interline transfer CCD used in this camera is arranged as shown in
Figure 9-1. Incident light at the CCD is converted by photosensors to electrical charges
which are transmitted through a shielded vertical transfer CCD (VCCD) and a horizontal
transfer CCD (HCCD) to a final output charge-voltage conversion amp. The sensor gate is
opened by the readout signal, and the charges generated by all of the photosensors are
transmitted unmixed to the VCCD, completing the exposure.
In addition, an electronic shutter signal is applied to the CCD, allowing any accumulated
charge in the photosensors to be discharged.
Photo-diode
Vertical CCD Sensor gate
On-chip AMP Horizontal CCD
Fig. 9-1
Exposure time
CCD exposure
Readut signal
from CCD chip
Digital data
output
Readout period
Fig. 9-2
● Exposure Time:
When set to the normal CCD scanning mode, this is as shown in Figure 9-2.Exposure time is the elapsed time
between one readout signal and the next; this interval is at least as long as the time necessary for all of the charges
from the CCD to be readout.
● Dual readout:
The CCD has dual readout amplifiers for the half left side area of the CCD and right side as shown in Figure 9-1.
When using single readout mode, only left side amplifier is used. And when using dual readout mode, these two
amplifiers are used at the same time for readout, so you can obtain the image data with quite high frame rate.

C9300-124 Ver.1.4
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9-2 OVERVIEW OF CAMERA MODES
This camera features many different operational modes. Furthermore, all modes involve the
CameraLink interface’s built-in microprocessor, providing control and setting for all modes.
Of the numerous different modes, the modes used for obtaining images are broadly
classified into the two categories below.
(1) Free running mode
Exposure and readout is performed repeatedly, controlled by the internal
microprocessor. Some operations for which the commands can be used are shown
below.
CCD output mode Single/Dual
Scan mode Normal/Sub-array
Exposure time settings Normal /Electronic Shutter/Absolute Time
Digital data output bit count 12 bit/10 bit/8 bit
(2) External control mode
An external control (trigger) pulse input the internal microprocessor and the repeating
exposure and readout. Exposure start timing and length of exposure can be controlled
with the external trigger pulse. In addition, commands can be used the following.
CCD output mode Single/Dual
Scan mode Normal/Sub-array
Exposure time settings Internal (Electronic Shutter or Absolute Time)/External
Digital data output bit count 12 bit/10 bit/8 bit
External control pulse polarity Negative/Positive

C9300-124 Ver.1.4
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9-3 DETAIL OF CAMERA MODES
9-3-1 DIGITAL OUTPUT BIT COUNT
Select the output bit count for the digital data output by the camera.
Output Command
12 bit digital data, output at DB0 to DB11. ADS 12
The 10 most significant bits of the 12 bit digital data are output to DB0 to DB9. ADS 10
The 8 most significant bits of the 12 bit digital data are output to DB0 to DB7. ADS 8
9-3-2 CCD OUTPUT MODE
Select the output mode of CCD.
Output Command
Single output TNS 1
Dual output TNS 2
Note • Dual readout mode uses two-separated readout Amp whose performance is not perfectly same. Due
to the readout Amp characteristics variation, you may see little intensity gap between right side and
left side in one image even though the fine adjustment is done at factory before shipping. Single
readout mode is recommended to achieve the best possible image quality.
9-3-3 DETAIL ON CCD SCANNING (SCAN MODE)
Select either normal readout or binning readout.
(1) Normal readout .................................................................................... SMD N
Electrical charges from the CCD are readout in the normal, standard scanning. The
time required for CCD readout of all of the CCD’s pixels is approximately 406 ms at
single output mode and 221 ms at dual output mode.
(2) Sub-array readout ................................................................................SMD A
In this mode, only a required area is readout at the normal speed while the remaining
areas are rapidly cleared. This operation allows the frame rate to be increased.

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9-3-4 EXPOSURE TIME SETTING
The exposure time and the methods used for making the exposure time settings are different for
the free running mode and the external control mode.
The following explains more about each mode.
9-3-4-1 Free running mode [AMD N]
(1) Exposure time setting: Normal .......................................................... NMD N
Exposure and readout are performed repeatedly according to the sequence set
internally. Exposure timing and exposure time is as following.
[Exposure timing]
Readout period
CCD exposure
Readout signal
from CCD chip
Digital data
output
Exposure time
[Exposure time at each readout mode]
Scan mode Single output Dual output
Normal readout Approx. 406 ms (2.5 Hz) Approx. 221 ms (4.5 Hz)
Sub-array readout Depend on area setting Depend on area setting

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(2) Exposure time setting: Electronic Shutter ............................NMD S, SHT n
Exposure and readout repeat along with the operation of the electronic shutter
according to the sequence set internally. The exposure time is set with the SHT n
command. This setting is made in units of one horizontal scan cycle for each scan
mode. Exposure timing and exposure time is as following.
[Exposure timing]
CCD exposure
Readout signal
from CCD chip
Digital data
output
Exposure time = SHT n
Readout period
Electrical
shutter signal
[Exposure time at each readout mode]
Scan mode Single output Dual output
Normal readout 199.3 µs + (n-1) ×149.3 µs
(n = 1 to 6698)
131.4 µs + (n-1) ×81.4 µs
(n = 1 to 12 285)
(3) Exposure time setting: Absolute Time ..........................NMD T, AET ss.xxx
Exposure and readout repeat along with the operation of the electronic shutter
according to the sequence set internally. The exposure time is set with the AET ss.xxx
command (where s = seconds, x = milliseconds). The actual length of exposure time is
the specified time taken as a value expressed in horizontal scan units. Exposure time
longer than 1 s is not possible.

C9300-124 Ver.1.4
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9-3-4-2 External control mode [AMD E]
The external trigger pulse is input via the timing I/O connector on the rear panel and the polarity
is selected from “N” (negative: Low-level active) or “P” (positive: High-level active). The external
trigger pulse should be TTL level and the minimum active period is 1 µs and the repeat cycle
must match the selected mode.
Note • Images are not output correctly if the pulse input is shorter than 1 µs.
The following text describes the external control mode with the external trigger pulse polarity
set to “N” (negative). If “P” (positive) is selected, the rise and fall of each pulse is reversed
(inverted), with the LO interval becoming the HI interval. Descriptions enclosed in brackets ({ })
indicate cases where “P” (positive) is selected.
(1) Exposure time setting: Internal / Electronic Shutter ............ EMD E, EST n
Exposure begins within 2 μs from the fall {rise} of the external trigger pulse, the
exposure is made using the time set with the EST n command, and readout follows.
After readout, the system waits for the external trigger pulse to fall {rise} again. The
exposure time is set with the EST n command. This setting is made in units of one
horizontal scan cycle. The repeat cycle is controlled by the external control pulse's
repeat cycle, but the minimum cycle is calculated as shown below. Set the external
control pulse's repeat cycle so that it is longer than the minimum cycle.
Minimum repetition time = readout time + set exposure time
[Exposure timing]
CCD exposure
Readout signal
from CCD chip
Digital data
output
External trigger
pulse
Electrical
shutter signal
min. 1 µs
Readout period
Exposure time = EST n
max. 2 µs
[Exposure time at each readout mode]
Scan mode Single output Dual output
Normal readout 199.3 µs + (n-1) ×149.3 µs
(n = 1 to 6698)
131.4 µs + (n-1) ×81.4 µs
(n = 1 to 12 285)
[Readout time at each readout mode]
Scan mode Single output Dual output
Normal readout Approx. 406 ms (2.5 Hz) Approx. 221 ms (4.5 Hz)

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(2) Exposure time setting: Internal / Absolute Time.......... EMD T, AET ss.xxx
Exposure begins within 2 µs from the fall {rise} of the external trigger pulse, the
exposure is made using the time set with the AET ss.xxx command, and readout
follows. After readout, the system waits for the external trigger pulse to fall {rise} again.
The exposure time is set with the AET ss.xxx command (where s = seconds, x =
milliseconds). The actual length of exposure time is the specified time taken as a value
expressed in horizontal scan units. Exposure time longer than 1 s is not possible. The
repeat cycle is controlled by the external control pulse’s repeat cycle, but the minimum
cycle is calculated as shown below. Set the external control pulse’s repeat cycle so that
it is longer than the minimum cycle.
Minimum repetition time = readout time + set exposure time
[Readout time at each readout mode]
Scan mode Single output Dual output
Normal readout Approx. 406 ms (2.5 Hz) Approx. 221 ms (4.5 Hz)

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(3) Exposure time setting: External .........................................................EMD L
Exposure begins within 2 µs from the fall {rise} of the external trigger pulse. After this,
when external trigger pulse rises {falls} again, the exposure is stopped within 27 µs,
and the data is read out. After readout, the system waits for the external trigger pulse to
fall {rise} again. The exposure time is controlled according to the external control
pulse’s LO interval {HI interval}. The repeat cycle is controlled by the external control
pulse’s repeat cycle, but the minimum cycle is calculated as shown below. Set the
external control pulse’s repeat cycle so that it is longer than the minimum cycle.
Maximum exposure time is 1 s. When the external control pulse's LO interval {HI
interval} exceeds 1 s, the exposure is stopped and the data is read out (exposure
cannot exceed 1 s).
Note • The external control pulse's LO interval {HI interval} must be at least 100 μs.
Minimum repetition time = readout time + external control pulse’s LO interval {HI
interval} (exposure time)
[Exposure timing]
CCD exposure
Readout signal
from CCD chip
Digital data
output
External trigge
r
pulse
Electrical
shutter signal
Pulse width
min. 199.3
Readout
p
eriod
max. 2 µs
max.149.3 µs
[Readout time at each readout mode]
Scan mode Single output Dual output
Normal readout Approx. 406 ms (2.5 Hz) Approx. 221 ms (4.5 Hz)