Hamamatsu Photonics ORCA-Fire C16240-20UP User manual

B5220301-03
ORCA-Fire
Digital CMOS Camera
C16240-20UP / C16240-20UP01
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.1.3
Oct. 2023

~ Blank page ~

Digital CMOS Camera C16240-20UP / C16240-20UP01 Instruction manual_Ver.1.3
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1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1-1 SYMBOLS
The symbols shown below are used for 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.
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.
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.

Digital CMOS Camera C16240-20UP / C16240-20UP01 Instruction manual_Ver.1.3
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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 using this camera.
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 allow foreign objects
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 a Hamamatsu subsidiary or
your local distributor. Do not attempt to repair the camera yourself.

Digital CMOS Camera C16240-20UP / C16240-20UP01 Instruction manual_Ver.1.3
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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 power supply cord, do not pull on the cord, but remove the
plug from the camera to avoid breakdown of the AC adapter
or the camera.
Connecting and disconnecting cables
Always turn off the power supply of the peripheral device before connecting and
disconnecting cables.
Mounting the camera
When mounting the camera to a tripod or other fixture, use the 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.
Mounting the C-mount Lens (C16240-20UP)
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.)
When using F-mount (C16240-20UP01)
An F-mount adapter can be subject to light leaks due to the mating flange
mechanism. When used with a high sensitivity, long exposure camera, such the
ORCA-Fire, it may be possible to detect photons originating from the F-mount
light leakage. In this case, it is recommended to create a dark condition for the
camera such as a dark room, dark box or wrap the F-mount flange area with a
dark cloth. Be careful maintain the clearance distances in the venting areas of
the camera for proper cooling air flow.
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.

Digital CMOS Camera C16240-20UP / C16240-20UP01 Instruction manual_Ver.1.3
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FCC Rules
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to
cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his own expense.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Digital CMOS Camera C16240-20UP / C16240-20UP01 Instruction manual_Ver.1.3
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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.
Digital CMOS Camera: C16240-20UP or C16240-20UP01
1
AC adapter
1
Power supply cord for AC adapter
1
Lens mount cap (attached to the camera)
1
C16240-20UP / C16240-20UP01Before Use (Booklet)
1
C16240-20UP / C16240-20UP01 Instruction manual (CD-ROM)
1
QC sheet
1
Base plate
(Dimensions: 100.6 mm × 68 mm × 8 mm, Weight: 140 g)
1
Screws for base plate
4
Hexagonal wrench
1
[Option]
External trigger cable SMA-BNC 5 m
A12106-05
External trigger cable SMA-SMA 5 m
A12107-05
Frame grabber board CoaXPress 4BNC
M9982-30
CoaXPress cable DIN-BNC 5 m Set of 4
A14590-05-40
Frame grabber board with USB 3.0 A-B 3 m Cable
M9982-25
USB 3.0 cable A-B 3 m
A12467-03
• The cable listed in option is highly recommended for use with the camera. The camera and camera system
may not confirm to CE marking and FCC regulations if other type of cable is used with.
• If you use the above options, refer to the each installation manual.

Digital CMOS Camera C16240-20UP / C16240-20UP01 Instruction manual_Ver.1.3
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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 camera may be exposed to liquid
• Places where the humidity levels are not the storage humidity levels indicated in the
specifications and where the camera may be exposed to liquid
• Close to a strong source of magnetism or radio waves
• Places where there are vibrations
• Places where the camera 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)
Place the camera with the ventilation ports to upward.
Ensure that there is sufficient airflow through the camera fan.
(Do not block ventilation openings.)
Do not allow the ventilation ports to become blocked.
To prevent the camera from overheating, 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 the camera.
Weight of the camera
Be careful not to drop the camera when moving it as the weights of C16240-20UP
and C16240-20UP01 are approx. 1.4 kg and 1.3 kg respectively.

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Contents
1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS...................................................................................1
1-1 SYMBOLS ........................................................................................................................... 1
1-2 CLASSIFICATION OF WARNINGS .................................................................................... 1
2. CHECK THE CONTENTS OF PACKAGE..........................................................5
3. INSTALLATION..................................................................................................6
4. OVERVIEW.........................................................................................................9
5. FEATURES.........................................................................................................9
6. NAME AND FUNCTION OF PARTS ................................................................12
7. CONNECTION..................................................................................................15
8. BASE PLATE ...................................................................................................17
8-1 ATTACHMENT OF BASE PLATE ..................................................................................... 17
8-2 REMOVEMENT THE BASE PLATE.................................................................................. 18
9. OPERATIONS ..................................................................................................19
9-1 OPERATING PRECAUTIONS .......................................................................................... 19
9-2 PREPARATING FOR IMAGING........................................................................................ 20
9-3 IMAGING ........................................................................................................................... 20
9-4 END OF IMAGING............................................................................................................. 20
9-5 STARTUP DCAM CONFIGURATOR ................................................................................ 21
9-6 UPDATE PROCEDURE OF COAXPRESS INTERFACE BOARD ................................... 23
10. DESCRIPTION OF CMOS IMAGE SENSOR ...................................................24
10-1 THEORY OF CMOS IMAGE SENSOR .............................................................................24
10-2 READOUT METHOD OF CMOS IMAGE SENSOR.......................................................... 25
10-3 PRECAUTION WHEN USING CMOS IMAGE SENSOR.................................................. 25
11. DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS FUNCTIONS ....................................................27
11-1 AREA READOUT MODE ................................................................................................... 27
11-2 LIGHTSHEET READOUT MODE...................................................................................... 44
11-3 REAL-TIME DEFECT PIXEL CORRECTION ................................................................... 54
11-4 DATA REDUCTION FUNCTIONS..................................................................................... 55
11-5 MASTER PULSE ............................................................................................................... 56
12. MAINTENANCE................................................................................................57
12-1 CARE................................................................................................................................. 57
13. TROUBLESHOOTING......................................................................................58

Digital CMOS Camera C16240-20UP / C16240-20UP01 Instruction manual_Ver.1.3
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13-1 IMAGE IS NOT TRANSFERRED ...................................................................................... 58
13-2 ALTHOUGH IMAGES ARE TRANSFFERED ...................................................................58
14. SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................59
14-1 CAMERA SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................ 59
14-2 SPECTRAL RESPONSE CHARACTERISTICS (TYP.) .................................................... 62
15. DIMENSIONAL OUTLINES ..............................................................................63
15-1 C16240-20UP .................................................................................................................... 63
15-2 C16240-20UP01 ................................................................................................................ 64
15-3 BASE PLATE..................................................................................................................... 64
16. WARRANTY .....................................................................................................65
16-1 BASIC WARRANTY .......................................................................................................... 65
16-2 REPAIRS ........................................................................................................................... 65
17. CONTACT INFORMATION ..............................................................................66

Digital CMOS Camera C16240-20UP / C16240-20UP01 Instruction manual_Ver.1.3
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4. OVERVIEW
The Digital CMOS camera (C16240-20UP / C16240-20UP01) utilizes a image sensor (scientific
CMOS image sensor: sCMOS) using the latest CMOS design technologies and ultra-small
semiconductor technologies and realizes low readout noise.
The camera provides 10.5 megapixels resolution at 115 fps (frames/s) while achieving 1.0 electrons
(rms) readout noise performance.
Moreover, the adoption of the back side illuminated sensor improves quantum efficiency over a wide
wavelength range from blue to near-infrared that realizes high quantum efficiency of 86 % at the
peak wavelength. It makes the camera more suitable for high quality image acquisition in low light
level imaging than conventional the front side illuminated sensor.
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) Pixel number and pixel size
The Digital CMOS image sensor has 10.5 megapixels. the pixel number is about 1.98 times that
of the conventional scientific CMOS image sensor. The pixel size is 4.6 µm × 4.6 µm for high
resolution imaging and is smaller than that of the conventional scientific CMOS camera (6.5 µm ×
6.5 µm).
(2) Readout noise
The Digital CMOS camera adopts the CMOS image sensor using the latest CMOS design
technologies and ultra-small semiconductor technologies and realizes low readout noise (1.0
electrons (rms)).
(3) Quantum efficiency
The adoption of the back side illuminated and deep trench isolation technologies between pixels
improves the quantum efficiency over a wide wavelength range from blue to near-infrared with
minimum crosstalk achieving a high quantum efficiency of 51 %, 86 % and 33 % at 300 nm, 460
nm and 900 nm wavelength, respectively.
(4) Readout methods
The camera has a variety of readout modes. In addition to full resolution readout mode (1×1), sub-
array readout and binning readout (2×2, 4×4) are supported.
(5) Frame rate
This camera realizes both low noise (1.0 electrons (rms)) and high-speed readout (115 fps with
10.5 megapixels) simultaneously, by optimized and accelerated column amplifier and A/D.
(6) Cooling structure
In the camera, the CMOS image sensor is cooled down by a peltier element to suppress the dark
current. This achieves a low dark current of 0.6 electrons/pixel/s.

Digital CMOS Camera C16240-20UP / C16240-20UP01 Instruction manual_Ver.1.3
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(7) Real-time correction functions
There are a few pixels in CMOS image sensor that have brighter or darker intensity, when
compared to surrounding pixels. The camera has a real-time variant (defective) pixel correction
feature to further improve image quality. The correction can be performed in real-time without
sacrificing any of the readout speed.
(8) Interface
This camera has both CoaXPress interface and USB 3.1 Gen 1 interface.
CoaXPress Interface:
With 6.25 Gbps × 4 lane connection, it is possible to transfer image data of 10.5 megapixels image
with 115 fps. In order to use this interface, a CoaXPress interface board which supports "6.25
Gbps x 4 lane" is required.
USB 3.1 Gen 1 Interface:
USB 3.1 Gen 1 interface is able to transfer a 10.5 megapixels image as a rate of 15.7 fps. It is
versatile interface which is suitable to use when fast data transfer is not required.
This interface does not require a CoaXPress interface board. It transfers image with moderate
transfer speed.
• Do not connect CoaXPress and USB interface simultaneously.
• When a connection interface is changed from CoaXPress to USB, and vice versa, the
application software must be closed and the camera must be turned off.

Digital CMOS Camera C16240-20UP / C16240-20UP01 Instruction manual_Ver.1.3
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(9) Camera readout modes
The camera has two kinds of readout mode, Area readout mode and Lightsheet readout mode.
The camera also has four readout direction in Lightsheet readout mode.
(Camera readout modes) (Scan speed) (Readout direction)
Area readout mode Standard scan
Lightsheet readout mode Standard scan Top to Bottom
Bottom to Top
Bidirectional Mode
Reverse
Bidirectional Mode
(10) 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 an external trigger, and 3) Start trigger mode is used
to start operating the camera by a trigger input for a continuous imaging.
(Camera readout modes) (Camera operation modes) (External trigger modes)
Area readout mode
Free running mode
External trigger mode Edge trigger mode
Start trigger mode
Global reset
Edge trigger mode
Level trigger mode
Global reset
Level trigger mode
Synchronous readout
trigger mode
Light sheet readout mode Free running mode
External trigger mode Edge trigger mode
Start trigger mode

Digital CMOS Camera C16240-20UP / C16240-20UP01 Instruction manual_Ver.1.3
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6. NAME AND FUNCTION OF PARTS
(1) C16240-20UP (C-mount type)
Figure 6-1
(2) C16240-20UP01 (F-mount type)
Figure 6-2
•
Place the camera the ventilation ports to be lateral side. Do not place the
rear panel of the camera, which connectors are located, to be at the
bottom (Do not block ventilation openings.).

Digital CMOS Camera C16240-20UP / C16240-20UP01 Instruction manual_Ver.1.3
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Lens mount
C16240-20UP can be attached to C-mount lens or an optics system.
C16240-20UP01 can be attached to F-mount lens or an optics system.
• The depth of the C-mount is 7 mm. Screwing in the C-mount too deeply might
scratch the glass surface.
Trigger input connector [EXT.TRIG]
This is used when the camera is being operated using external synchronization.
Input is TTL or 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.)
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. Output impedance is 33 Ω.
• Determine termination according to cable length and so on.
CoaXPress interface connector 1 - 4 [CoaXPress 1 - 4]
The connector 1 to 4 are connected to the CoaXPress interface connector 1 to 4 on the computer,
respectively.
• When a connection interface is changed from CoaXPress to USB, and vice versa,
the application software must be closed and the camera must be turned off.
• Do not connect CoaXPress and USB interface simultaneously.
STATUS 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.
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 orange.
- When the initialization is completed, the lamp color stays in green.
- When the camera transfers data, and the lamp color turns orange.
- When the power switch is set to "OFF", the camera returns to the power off state and the lamp turns
off.
DC power input connector [DC IN]
This is the power supply terminal. Use the accessory AC adapter.
USB interface connector [USB 3.1 Gen 1]
This is connected to the USB interface connector on the computer.

Digital CMOS Camera C16240-20UP / C16240-20UP01 Instruction manual_Ver.1.3
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• When a connection interface is changed from CoaXPress to USB, and vice versa,
the application software must be closed and the camera must be turned off.
• Do not connect CoaXPress and USB interface simultaneously.
Air inlet / outlet
These are the inlet and the outlet for the heat 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.
• To prevent overheating inside the camera, do not wrap the camera in cloth or other
material, or block the camera’s ventilation.

Digital CMOS Camera C16240-20UP / C16240-20UP01 Instruction manual_Ver.1.3
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7. CONNECTION
Refer to the figure when connecting the various cables.
(1) CoaXPress interface
Figure 7-1
(2) USB interface
Figure 7-2

Digital CMOS Camera C16240-20UP / C16240-20UP01 Instruction manual_Ver.1.3
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•
Place the camera the ventilation ports to be upward. Do not place the rear
panel of the camera, which connectors are located, to be at the bottom (Do
not block ventilation openings.).
• When you connect cables, turn off the power supply of the camera and the peripheral devices.
• If you use the above options, see each installation manual.
AC adapter
This is the cord to supply a power supply. Use the accessory AC adapter.
CoaXPress interface cable 1 - 4 (Option)
These are the cables to connect the CoaXPress interface connector 1 to 4 of the camera and the
CoaXPress interface connector 1 to 4 on the computer, respectively.
• When a connection interface is changed from CoaXPress to USB, and vice versa, the
application software must be closed and the camera must be turned off.
• Do not connect CoaXPress and USB interface simultaneously.
•
Hamamatsu recommends A14590-05-40 optional CoaXPress interface cable for this
camera. The camera complies with EMC and FCC regulations with using A14590-05-40
CoaXPress interface cable. Be careful that the camera with other interface cable may not
fulfill the EMC and FCC directive requirements.
USB interface cable (Option)
This is the cable to connect the USB interface connector of the camera and the USB interface connector
on the computer.
• When a connection interface is changed from CoaXPress to USB, and vice versa, the
application software must be closed and the camera must be turned off.
• Do not connect CoaXPress and USB interface simultaneously.
• Hamamatsu recommends A12467-03 optional USB interface cable for this camera. The
camera complies with EMC and FCC regulations
with using A12467-03 USB interface cable. Be careful that the camera
with other interface cable may not fulfill the EMC and FCC directive requirements.

Digital CMOS Camera C16240-20UP / C16240-20UP01 Instruction manual_Ver.1.3
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8. Base plate
• Do this procedure on the stable working space and conditions.
• Do not use other screws nor other wrench which were not included.
8-1 ATTACHMENT OF BASE PLATE
1. Prepare a C16240-20UP.
Put the base plate on the plane where the base plate is fixed.
• Base plate should be placed as shown in the above picture. (More screw holes should be
in camera front side)
• Do not install the baseplate on a surface with fan vents.
2. Fasten screws.
Insert 4 screws into 4 holes marked in the following picture.

Digital CMOS Camera C16240-20UP / C16240-20UP01 Instruction manual_Ver.1.3
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A hexagonal wrench is perpendicularly inserted to a screw.
Fasten screws by hexagonal wrench while holding the camera.
3. Confirm the base plate is firmly fixed.
4. Attach the camera onto tripod or lab jack.
8-2 REMOVEMENT THE BASE PLATE
Remove the base plate in the reverse procedure of 8-1clause.
• Keep base plate, screws (4 pcs), hexagonal wrench together in order not to lost any of them