Hamamatsu Photonics C8484-16C User manual

75100301-01
Digital CCD Camera
C8484-16C
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 handling method of C8484-16C 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. 1.5
March 2012
HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.

～ Blank page ～

C8484-16C Instruction manual Ver.1.5
1
1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1-1 CLASSIFICATION OF WARNINGS
We have classified the warning symbols that appear in this operating manual and on the
camera as follows for better comprehension of their meaning. Make sure that you fully
understand them and obey the instructions they contain.
WARNIN
G
Improper handling of the camera without observing these
warnings could lead to serious injury to the user and even death.
CA U TI O N
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.

C8484-16C Instruction manual Ver.1.5
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WARNIN
G
Power supply
Use the camera with the voltage indicated on the rating. Using a different
voltage can damage the camera lead to fire or electric shock.
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 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 strange noises, smell or see
smoke coming from the camera, contact Hamamatsu subsidiary or local
distributor quickly.

C8484-16C Instruction manual Ver.1.5
3
CA U TI O N
Connecting and Disconnecting cables
Always turn off the power before connecting and disconnecting cables.
Fixing the camera head
When fitting the camera head to a tripod or other fixture, use the screw
(1/4-20UNC) in the center of a camera mount or the threaded sleeve (M3)
about the mount's perimeter. 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.
Lenses
Be careful not to screw the lens more than 7 mm onto the C-mount of the
camera head. 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 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.

C8484-16C Instruction manual Ver.1.5
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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.
C8484-16C Camera head 1
C8484-16C Camera control unit 1
Camera head extension cable 1
Lens mount cap * attached to the camera 1
C8484-16C Instruction manual * this booklet 1
<Option>
AC adaptor
Recommendation
article of
Hamamatsu
Camera cable (5 m) A3194-01
CameraLink interface cable A9262-05
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
Avoid using or storing this camera in the following places
• Where the ambient temperature might fall below 0 C or rise above 40 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 radio waves
• Where there is vibration
• Where it might come into contact with corrosive gases (such as chlorine or
fluorine)
• Where there is a lot of dust

C8484-16C Instruction manual Ver.1.5
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C
Co on nt te en nt ts s
1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS............................................................................ 1
1-1 CLASSIFICATION OF WARNINGS .................................................................... 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 HEAD.................................................................................................. 8
6-2 CAMERA CONTROL UNIT ................................................................................. 9
7. CONNECTING CABLES ........................................................................... 10
8. OPERATION.............................................................................................. 11
8-1 PREPARATION FOR IMAGING........................................................................ 11
8-2 IMAGING ........................................................................................................... 11
8-3 END OF IMAGING............................................................................................. 11
9. IMAGE ACQUISITION............................................................................... 12
9-1 DESCRIPTION OF HOW THE CCD FUNCTIONS............................................ 12
9-2 OVERVIEW OF THE CAMERA MODES........................................................... 13
9-3 DETAILS OF CAMERA MODE ......................................................................... 14
9-3-1 DIGITAL OUTPUT PIXEL COUNT ....................................................................................... 14
9-3-2 DIGITAL OUTPUT BIT COUNT ............................................................................................ 14
9-3-3 BINNING READOUT AND BINNING SETTINGS VALUES .................................................. 14
9-3-4 CCD READOUT METHODS (SCAN MODE) ....................................................................... 15
9-4 EXPOSURE TIME SETTINGS .......................................................................... 17
9-4-1 FREE RUNNING MODE ...................................................................................................... 17
9-4-2 EXTERNAL CONTROL MODE............................................................................................. 23
10. COMMAND SPECIFICATION ................................................................... 30
10-1 TRANSMISSION INTERFACE.......................................................................... 30
10-2 COMMAND FORMAT ....................................................................................... 30
10-3 CAMERA RESPONSE TO COMMANDS.......................................................... 30
10-4 OVERVIEW OF COMMANDS ........................................................................... 32
10-5 COMMAND INITIAL SETTING.......................................................................... 34
10-6 DETAIL OF COMMANDS ................................................................................. 35
11. PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING THE CCD................................................ 40
12. MAINTENANCE ........................................................................................ 41
12-1 CARE................................................................................................................. 41
13. TROUBLESHOOTING CHECKLIST ......................................................... 42
13-1 IMAGES NOT TRANSFERRED ........................................................................ 42
13-2 ALTHOUGH IMAGES ARE TRANSFERRED (OTHER PROBLEMS) ........... 42
14. SPECIFICATION ....................................................................................... 43

C8484-16C Instruction manual Ver.1.5
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14-1 CAMERA SPECIFICATION .............................................................................. 43
14-2 SPECTRAL RESPONSE CHARACTERISTICS ............................................... 44
14-3 INTERFACE SPESIFICATION.......................................................................... 45
14-3-1 CAMERALINK INTERFACE ................................................................................................. 45
14-3-2 TIMING I/O INTERFACE ...................................................................................................... 46
14-4 IMAGE DATA OUTPUT TIMING SPECIFICATION .......................................... 47
15. DIMENSIONAL OUTLINE ......................................................................... 48
15-1 CAMERA HEAD................................................................................................ 48
15-2 CAMERA CONTROL UNIT ............................................................................... 49
16. WARRANTY .............................................................................................. 50
17. CONTACT INFORMATION ....................................................................... 51

C8484-16C Instruction manual Ver.1.5
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4. OVERVIEW
C8484-16C is a small CCD camera which provides 12 bit digital output and high resolution
for industrial/ scientific measurement, in which high accuracy and quality imaging are
required. This camera employs “CameraLink” which is used as standard interface for
industrial application.
5. FEATURES
(1) High Resolution
The camera is equipped with a high-resolution CCD Sensor featuring an effective pixel
count of 1344×1023 (horizontal × vertical) pixels. The pixels are square, thus
simplifying image processing for measurement purposes.
(2) No Mechanical Shutter Used
The all-pixel-readout interline CCD image sensor included in this camera (hereafter
referred to as CCD or all-pixel-readout CCD), eliminates the need for a mechanical
shutter.
(3) Digital Output
Image signals are converted from analog to digital in the camera control unit and
maximum signal cable length is 10 m.
(4) Low Distortion
The CCD’s pixels are laid out geometrically, ensuring nearly zero distortion.
(5) Compact Head
The camera head has been made lighter and more compact that makes the camera
easy to use in microscopic measurements, spectrophotometry, and other applications.
(6) No Burn-in
(7) Lens mount
The lens mount uses C-mount.

C8484-16C Instruction manual Ver.1.5
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6. NAME AND FUNCTION OF THE PARTS
6-1 CAMERA HEAD
Figure 6-1
① Lens mount
C-mount lens or optical system with C-mount can be attached.
Note
• C-mount has a depth of 7 mm. Screwing the lens too far into the
camera head may scratch the glass surface.
② Camera head extension connector
Connector used for connecting the camera head to the camera control unit.
③ Camera mount
Jig for fixing the camera head. Used when mounting the head on a tripod or other fixture.
• When fitting the camera head to a tripod or other fixture, use the
screw (1/4-20UNC) in the center of a camera mount or the threaded
sleeve (M3) about the mount's perimeter. 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.
[Front] [Side] [Rear]
①②
③

C8484-16C Instruction manual Ver.1.5
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6-2 CAMERA CONTROL UNIT
Figure 6-2
① Camera head extension connector
Connector used for connecting the camera head to the camera control unit.
② Camera connector [POWER]
Connector used for connecting the camera head to the AC adaptor.
Note
• The AC adaptor in an option. Use the recommendation article of Hamamatsu.
③ Camera mount
Jig for fixing the camera head. Used when mounting the camera control unit on a tripod or
other fixture.
④ Serial interface connector [SERIAL I/F]
• Do not connect it. Because this is a connector for the camera maintenance.
⑤ CameraLink interface connector [DIGITAL OUT]
Connector used for connecting the camera control unit to the CameraLink interface board.
⑥ Timing I/O connector [TIMING I/O]
This connector is used for input and output of timing signals when synchronizing with external
equipment.
⑦ Mode switching switch
• Do not change this. All positions are set to “OFF”.
①①③⑥⑦②
④
⑤

C8484-16C Instruction manual Ver.1.5
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7. CONNECTING CABLES
Refer to the figure below when connecting the various cables.
Figure 7-1
• When cables are connected, confirming the power switch of the computer is the OFF
position.
① Camera head extension cable
Cable used for connecting the camera head to the camera control unit.
② CameraLink interface cable (Option)
Cable used for connecting the CameraLink interface connector to the CameraLink interface
board mounted on the host computer.
③ Camera cable (Option)
Cable used for connecting the camera head to the AC adaptor.
Note
• Hamamatsu recommends optional interface for the camera.
- AC adaptor: Recommendation article of Hamamatsu
- Camera cable: A3194-01
- CameraLink interface cable: A9262-05
Depending on type of interface cables, the camera may not keep CE marking
compliance in terms of EMC directive.
Camera
Camera head
①Camera head extension cable
Camera control unit AC adaptor
(Recommendation article of Hamamatsu)
③Camera cable
(Option)
PC
Rear panel
②CameraLink interface cable
(Option)
CameraLink interface board
CAMERA
ＬＩＮＥ

C8484-16C Instruction manual Ver.1.5
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8. OPERATION
8-1 PREPARATION FOR IMAGING
(1) Connect the equipment as shown in Figure 7-1 before operating of the camera.
• When cables are connected, confirming the power switch of the computer is
the OFF position.
(2) After turning the power switch on, wait approximately 10 minutes for the
temperature to stabilize; this completes preparation for imaging.
8-2 IMAGING
The camera works with following setting after power is switched ON.
Digital data output pixel count 1024
Operation mode Normal readout
Exposure time setting Normal setting
Contrast enhancement gain 0
Digital data output bit count 12 bit
The camera mode and parameters can be changed by command from the host computer,
which transmitted via the CameraLink interface.
8-3 END OF IMAGING
Carry out the procedure below when imaging is finished.
(1) End imaging or transmission of image data.
(2) Turn off the power to the camera and peripheral equipment.

C8484-16C Instruction manual Ver.1.5
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9. IMAGE ACQUISITION
9-1 DESCRIPTION OF HOW THE CCD FUNCTIONS
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
Figure 9-1
Binning: Accumulated charges for a specified number of pixels in the vertical and
horizontal directions on the CCD are calculated and combined (binned), then
read out from the CCD. With this camera, binning can be set to 22, where two
pixels in the vertical and horizontal directions are combined, 44, where four
vertical and horizontal pixels are combined.
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 read out.
Readout period
CCD exposure
Readout signal
from CCD chip
Digital data
output
Exposure time
Figure 9-2

C8484-16C Instruction manual Ver.1.5
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9-2 OVERVIEW OF THE 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.
Digital output data count 1024 / 1280 / 1344
Scan mode Normal / Binning / Sub-array
Exposure time setting Normal / Electronic shutter / Frame blanking
Digital 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.
Digital output data count 1024 / 1280 / 1344
Scan mode Normal / Binning / Sub-array
Exposure time setting Internal setting / External setting
Digital output bit count 12 bit / 10 bit / 8 bit
External control pulse polarity Negative / Positive

C8484-16C Instruction manual Ver.1.5
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9-3 DETAILS OF CAMERA MODE
9-3-1 DIGITAL OUTPUT PIXEL COUNT
Select one of the numbers of effective horizontal pixel settings (1024/1280/1344) for the
camera's digital data output in accordance with the specifications of the digital input frame
grabber board being used.
Horizontal × Vertical Command
1024 × 1024 SHA K
1280 × 1024 SHA F
1344 × 1024 SHA M
9-3-2 DIGITAL OUTPUT BIT COUNT
Select the output bit count for the digital data output by the camera.
12 bit digital data, output at DB 0 to DB 11. ADS 12
The ten most significant bits of the 12 bit digital data are output to DB 0 to DB 9. ADS 10
The eight most significant bits of the 12 bit digital data are output to DB 0 to DB 7. ADS 8
9-3-3 BINNING READOUT AND BINNING SETTINGS VALUES
In addition to the normal readout, <11>, in which the digital output pixel count is read out as is,
the following readouts are available.
2×2 binning: 2 horizontal pixels combined with 2 vertical pixels SMD S, SPX 2
4×4 binning: 4 horizontal pixels combined with 4 vertical pixels SMD S, SPX 4

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9-3-4 CCD READOUT METHODS (SCAN MODE)
Select either normal readout or binning readout.
(1) Normal readout ................................................................................... SMD N
Electrical charges from the CCD are read out in the normal, standard manner. The time
required for CCD readout of all of the CCD's pixels is approximately 1/11.9 s.
(2) 2×2 binning readout ............................................................... SMD S, SPX 2
Electrical charges from the CCD are read out in 2×2 binning readout. Time for total
readout of the CCD's pixels is approximately 1/21.3 s.
(3) 4×4 binning readout ............................................................... SMD S, SPX 4
Electrical charges from the CCD are read out in 4×4 binning readout. Time for total
readout of the CCD's pixels is approximately 1/35.7 s.
Exposure time
CCD exposure
Readout signal
from CCD chip
Digital data
output
Readout period
Exposure time
CCD exposure
Readout signal
from CCD chip
Digital data
output
Readout period
Exposure time
CCD exposure
Readout signal
from CCD chip
Digital data
output
Readout period

C8484-16C Instruction manual Ver.1.5
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(4) Sub-array readout .............................................................................. SMD A
In this mode, only a required area is read out at the normal speed while the remaining
areas are rapidly cleared. This operation allows the frame rate to be increased.
Exposure time
CCD exposure
Readout signal
from CCD chip
Digital data
output
Readout period

C8484-16C Instruction manual Ver.1.5
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9-4 EXPOSURE TIME SETTINGS
The exposure time and the methods used for making the exposure time settings are
different for Free running mode and External control mode. The following explains more
about each mode.
9-4-1 FREE RUNNING MODE
9-4-1-1 Exposure time setting: Normal
(1) Normal readout
Exposure and normal readout repeat according to the sequence set internally.
Command : AMD N (Free running mode)
Scan mode : SMD N (Normal)
Exposure time : NMD N (Normal)
Exposure time : 1/11.9 s (83.8 ms)
Repeat cycle : 11.9 Hz
(2) 2×2 binning readout
Exposure and 22 binning readout repeat according to the sequence set internally.
Command : AMD N (Free running mode)
Scan mode : SMD S (Binning)
Exposure time : NMD N (Normal)
Binning : SPX 2 (2×2 binning)
Exposure time : 1/21.3 s (46.9 ms)
Repeat cycle : 21.3 Hz
Exposure time = 1/21.3 s = 46.9 ms
CCD exposure
Readout signal
from CCD chip
Digital data
output
Readout period
Exposure time
CCD exposure
Readout signal
from CCD chip
Digital data
output
Readout period

C8484-16C Instruction manual Ver.1.5
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(3) 4×4 binning readout
Exposure and 44 binning readout repeat according to the sequence set internally.
Command : AMD N (Free running mode)
Scan mode : SMD S (Binning)
Exposure time : NMD N (Normal)
Binning : SPX 4 (4×4 binning)
Exposure time : 1/35.7 s (28.0 ms)
Repeat cycle : 35.7 Hz
(4) Sub-array readout
Readout of the sub-array repeats according to the sequence set internally with the
selection of <SVO n/SVW m/SPX e>.
Command : AMD N (Free running mode)
Scan mode : SMD A (Sub-array)
Exposure time : NMD N (Normal)
Sub-array : SVO n/SVW m/SPX e
Exposure time = 1/35.7 s = 28.0 ms
CCD exposure
Readout signal
from CCD chip
Digital data
output
Readout period
Exposure time
CCD exposure
Readout signal
from CCD chip
Digital data
output
Readout period