Oxford Instruments ANDOR PCUB-110 User manual

PCUB-110
User Guide
Precision Control Unit PCUB-110
for the ALC-601 in Revolution XD
and WD systems
andor.com © Andor Technology 2015
Version 2.2 revised 19 Mar 2015

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................... 8
1.1 ABOUT THE PCUB-110 ........................................................................................................... 8
1.2 INTENDED USE ........................................................................................................................ 8
1.3 TECHNICAL SUPPORT............................................................................................................ 9
1.4 DISCLAIMER ......................................................................................................................... 10
1.5 COPYRIGHT AND PROTECTIVE NOTICES........................................................................... 10
1.6 TRADEMARKS AND PATENT INFORMATION....................................................................... 10
SECTION 2: PRODUCT OVERVIEW................................................................................................... 11
2.1 ANDOR IQ SOFTWARE.......................................................................................................... 11
2.2 THE PCUB-110 PRECISION CONTROL UNIT....................................................................... 12
2.3 PCI DAC CARD....................................................................................................................... 13
SECTION 3: SPECIFICATIONS........................................................................................................... 14
3.1 POWER SUPPLY .................................................................................................................... 14
3.2 OPERATING CONDITIONS .................................................................................................... 14
3.3 INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS .............................................................................................. 15
3.3.1 Front Panel Interface ................................................................................................ 15
3.3.1.1 Digital I/O Ports (TTL Triggers)................................................................ 16
3.3.1.2 AOTF Control ........................................................................................... 17
3.3.1.3 Analogue Piezo Control........................................................................... 18
3.3.2 Rear Panel Interface ................................................................................................. 19
3.3.2.1 Active Blanking Control........................................................................... 19
3.3.2.2 DAC Card Connector............................................................................... 20
3.4 MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................................................... 20
3.5 TRANSPORT & STORAGE SPECIFICATIONS....................................................................... 20

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SECTION 4: INSTALLATION ............................................................................................................... 21
4.1 INSTALLATION OF THE PCU UNIT........................................................................................ 21
4.1.1 Location and Mounting............................................................................................. 21
4.1.2 Ventilation.................................................................................................................. 21
4.1.3 Assembly................................................................................................................... 21
4.1.4 Power Connection and Protective Earthing ............................................................ 21
4.2 INSTALLING THE DAC CARD................................................................................................ 22
4.2.1 DIP Switch Settings .................................................................................................. 22
4.2.2 Installing the PCI Card.............................................................................................. 23
4.3 INSTALLATION OF CABLING................................................................................................. 25
4.3.1 Power Cabling........................................................................................................... 25
4.3.2 DAC Card Cabling..................................................................................................... 25
4.3.3 ALC AOTF Cabling.................................................................................................... 26
4.3.4 Active Blanking Cabling............................................................................................ 26
4.3.5 MPU Cabling ............................................................................................................. 27
4.3.6 FRAPPA Cabling ....................................................................................................... 28
4.3.7 Analogue Piezo Cabling ........................................................................................... 28
4.4 INSTALLING THE SOFTWARE............................................................................................... 28
SECTION 5: OPERATION ................................................................................................................... 29
5.1 EMERGENCY DISCONNECTION ......................................................................................... 29
5.2 INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE ..................................................................................................... 29
5.2.1 Operating Controls.................................................................................................... 29
SECTION 6: MAINTENANCE.............................................................................................................. 31
6.1 CLEANING AND DECONTAMINATION .................................................................................. 31
6.2 REGULAR CHECKS ............................................................................................................... 31
6.3 ANNUAL ELECTRICAL SAFETY CHECKS ........................................................................... 31
6.4 FUSE REPLACEMENT ........................................................................................................... 31

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APPENDIX A: GLOSSARY.................................................................................................................. 32
APPENDIX B: OTHER INFORMATION ............................................................................................... 33

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Revision History
Version Released Description
1.0 04 Jul 2008 Initial Release
1.1 30 Sep 2008 Updated to Andor presentation
2.0 30 Nov 2010 Updated format and document structure.
Warning information updated from general to product specic warning.
2.1 05 Dec 2010 Updated China ofce contact details.
Removed terms and conditions of sales link.
2.2 19 Mar 2014 Updated presentation to latest format (All sections)

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Safety and Warning Information
PLEASE READ THIS INFORMATION FIRST
1. If the equipment is used in a manner not specied by Andor, the protection provided by the equipment may be
impaired.
2. The RF and Therm connectors on the front panel must be connected before power-on.
3. See Section 5.1, “Emergency Disconnection”.
4. There are no user-serviceable parts inside the product and the enclosure must not be opened. Only authorised
service personnel may service this equipment.
5. This product is powered by the mains and includes mains components. If you open the enclosure, you expose
yourself to electric shock hazards.
6. Protective earth is an integral part of the protection against electric shock in this product. Do not tamper with
any of the earthing measures, e.g. the earth bonding point on the rear panel.
7. Only the correctly specied mains power supply and fuse must be used.
8. A number of screws on the device may have been marked with red paint to prevent tampering. If you adjust
these screws your warranty will be void.
9. The product contains components that are extremely sensitive to static electricity and radiated electromagnetic
elds, and therefore should not be used, or stored, close to EMI/RFI generators, electrostatic eld generators,
electromagnetic or radioactive devices, or other similar sources of high energy elds. The types of equipment
that can cause problems are plasma sources, arc welders, radio frequency generators, x-ray instruments, and
pulsed discharge optical sources.
10. Operation of the system close to intense pulsed sources (lasers, xenon strobes, arc lamps, and the like) may
compromise performance, if shielding is inadequate.
11. Please note that this product is not designed to provide protection from ionising radiation. Any customer using
this product in such an application should provide their own protection.
12. Your product is a precision scientic instrument containing fragile components. Always handle it with care.
13. Do not wet or spill liquids on the product. Do not store or place liquids on the Cabinet worktop. If spillage
occurs on the product, switch off power immediately, and wipe off with dry, lint-free cloth. If any ingress has
occurred or is suspected, unplug mains cable, do not use, and contact Andor service.
14. The product is only to be used as part of a Revolution XD or WD Microscope System. Users must be authorised
and trained personnel only; otherwise this may result in personal injury, and/ or equipment damage and
impaired system performance.
15. See Section 6.1, “Cleaning and Decontamination”.
16. See Section 4.1.2, “Ventilation”.
17. See the “Manual Handling” section below.
18. To ensure correct and safe operation of this product, please read this manual before use. Keep this user guide
in a safe place for future reference.

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General Safety SymbolS
The following are explanations of the safety symbols found on this product:
Caution, risk of electric shock.
Caution, risk of danger.
Caution, consult technical manual before servicing.
manual HandlinG
Due to the delicate nature of some of the components within, care must be exercised when handling this product.
Proper manual handling techniques are important when installing the Revolution XD or WD system to ensure that the
integrity of the product is safeguarded and individuals involved are not exposed to unnecessary manual handling risks,
such as:
• Lifting a load which is too heavy
• Poor posture or technique during lifting
• Dropping a load
• Lifting objects with sharp edges
The PCU is suitable for 1-person installation into an Andor Cabinet.

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INTRODUCTION
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing an Andor Precision Control Unit (PCU).
This manual is aimed at covering the installation, operation and maintenance of the PCUB-110, which is the control unit
for Andor Revolution XD and WD systems.
Before you start to use the product, read this manual thoroughly and follow the instructions given. After reading this
manual, please keep it in a safe place for future quick reference.
The contents of this manual are subject to change without notice. Although every effort has been made to ensure
the accuracy of this manual, errors and/ or inconsistencies may remain. If you note any points that are unclear please
contact your representative.
This product forms part of the Revolution XD or WD system, and so to use any other equipment with this product,
read the other manuals too. Some of the equipment described in this manual may not be included in the set you have
purchased.
Figure 1: The PCUB-110 Precision Control Unit
1.1 about tHe PCub-110
Andor’s PCU provides synchronisation for all Revolution components, ensuring the iXon, CSU-X or CSU-W, ALC, MPU,
FRAPPA and Piezo stages remain in precise temporal alignment. This minimises specimen exposure times and allows
the highest frame rates to be achieved while ensuring precision components are stabilised for high quality imaging.
The PCU also provides an interface for system expansion enabling Revolution to be synchronised with other equipment.
1.2 intended uSe
This product is intended to be used as part of a Revolution XD or WD microscopy system and should only be used
indoors.

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INTRODUCTION
1.3 teCHniCal SuPPort
If you have any questions regarding the use of this equipment, please contact the representative* from whom your
system was purchased, or:
Europe USA
Andor Technology
7 Millennium Way
Springvale Business Park
Belfast
BT12 7AL
Northern Ireland
Tel. [phone]
Fax. [phone]
www.andor.com/contact_us/support_request
Andor Technology
425 Sullivan Avenue
Suite # 3
South Windsor
CT 06074
USA
Tel. [phone]
Fax. [phone]
www.andor.com/contact_us/support_request
Asia-Pacic China
Andor Technology (Japan)
4F NE Sarugakucho Building
2-7-6 Sarugaku-Cho
Chiyoda-Ku
Tokyo 101-0064
Japan
Tel. [phone]
Fax. [phone]
www.andor.com/contact_us/support_request
Andor Technology
Room 1213, Building B
Luo Ke Time Square
No. 103 Huizhongli
Chaoyang District
Beijing,100101 P.R.
China
Tel: [phone]
Fax. [phone]
www.andor.com/contact_us/support_request
* The latest contact details for your local representative can be found on our website.

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INTRODUCTION
1.4 diSClaimer
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS PROVIDED “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY, CONDITION OR
REPRESENTATION OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO, ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, NON-INFRINGEMENT OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE.
IN NO EVENT SHALL ANDOR BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE, WHETHER DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHERWISE HOWSOEVER CAUSED WHETHER ARISING IN CONTRACT TORT
OR OTHERWISE, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OF THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN.
1.5 CoPyriGHt and ProteCtive notiCeS
The copyright in this document and the associated drawings are the property of Andor Technology and all rights are
reserved. This document and the associated drawings are issued on condition that they are not copied, reprinted or
reproduced, nor their contents disclosed.
The publication of information in this documentation does not imply freedom from any patent or proprietary right of
Andor Technology or any third party.
1.6 trademarkS and Patent information
Andor and the Andor logo are trademarks of Andor Technology. Andor Technology is an Oxford Instruments company. All
other marks are property of their owners. Borealis includes technology covered by the following patents: US Patent No.
8,275,226, EP Patent No. 2196839, US Patent No. 8,670,178 and CA Patent No. 2779146.
Changes are periodically made to the product and these will be incorporated into new editions of the manual. New
versions of all Andor manuals will be made available through MyAndor http://my.andor.com/login.aspx. If you do not
have an account please register at http://my.andor.com/Register.aspx.

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PRODUCT OVERVIEW
SECTION 2: PRODUCT OVERVIEW
The Revolution XD and WD Systems provide a framework for Andor’s laser spinning disk, live-cell confocal microscopy
solutions, which combine our award winning iXon Electron Multiplying CCD (EMCCD) camera with the renowned
Yokogawa CSU-X1 and CSU-W1.
The Revolution XD System (shown below) encompasses a range of complementary components, both hardware and
software, that t seamlessly together creating a complete confocal microscopy solution. A exible component focus also
allows us to provide key pieces of hardware stand-alone.
Figure 2: Example of a typical Revolution XD Confocal Microscopy System Diagram
See the ALC User Guide and other user guides provided with this manual for more information.
2.1 andor iQ Software
Andor iQ (Image and Quantify) is our agship live cell imaging software, designed with exibility and power in mind. iQ
occupies a central role in our Revolution product range and provides optimised control of Andor’s award winning iXon
EMCCD cameras and automation hardware for a range of bio imaging applications.
Continuous development and improvement ensures that Andor iQ represents a powerful and exible core for live cell
imaging systems.
See the iQ User Guide supplied with this product for more information.

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PRODUCT OVERVIEW
2.2 tHe PCub-110 PreCiSion Control unit
The PCUB-110 is the main control unit of the Revolution XD Microscopy System.
Figure 3: PCUB-110 Precision Control Unit
The PCUB-110 has the following functions:
• Control of the AOTF (Acousto-Optical Tuneable Filter) in the ALC, including active blanking, which allows laser
light though the AOTF only when the camera is in Live mode, or acquiring an image.
• Provision to control an external analogue Piezo stage.
• 8 digital inputs and 8 digital outputs that are used to trigger the lasers in the ALC, to control the MPU, or for
other user-dened purposes.

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PRODUCT OVERVIEW
2.3 PCi daC Card
The PCU is controlled via PC software (usually Andor iQ) using a PCI “DAC card”, which is the Measurement Computing
PCIM-DDA06-16.
Figure 4: Measurement Computing PCIM-DDA06-16 PCI DAC Card

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SPECIFICATIONS
SECTION 3: SPECIFICATIONS
3.1 Power SuPPly
PLEASE NOTE that this product does not currently use a universal power supply. It has been set in production to
use either the nominal European, etc., mains supply voltage, or the North America, etc., mains supply voltage.
This product must be powered via the rear 3-pin IEC C14 connector from an a.c. mains power supply with the following
ratings:
Parameter Specication
Voltage Range (Europe etc.) 220-260 VAC
Voltage Range (North America, etc.) 100-130 VAC
Frequency Range 47-63 Hz
Power Rating 36 W
Ovbervoltage Category CAT II*
* Note that this is a technical term to say that the product will expect to be plugged into a typical mains socket and experience the typical
transient voltages that appear there.
3.2 oPeratinG ConditionS
The product has been designed for the following operating conditions:
Parameter Specication
Location Indoor use
Operating Temperature 23°C ± 5°C
Storage Temperature -30°C to +50°C
Operating Relative Humidity 80% (non-condensing)
Altitude Up to 2000 m
Pollution Degree 2*
* Note that this is a technical term to say that normally only non-conductive pollution occurs; occasionally, however, a temporary conductivity
caused by condensation must be expected.
• This product has not been designed to operate correctly in direct sunlight, so it should be avoided.
• The term “indoor use” also implies that it is not designed to expect water spills.

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SPECIFICATIONS
3.3 interfaCe SPeCifiCationS
This section is focused on the electrical specications of the interfaces, rather than their operation. Information on
operation (including switches) may be found in Section 5, “Operation”.
The following pictures show the front and rear panels of the product with the connectors referred to in this section.
3.3.1 front Panel interfaCe
Figure 5: Front panel interfaces of the PCUB-110
Power ON LED
and Power
Switch
Digital I/O Ports
(TTL Triggers)
Analogue
Piezo Control
AOTF
Control

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SPECIFICATIONS
3.3.1.1 diGital i/o PortS (ttl triGGerS)
These ports can be used for digital inputs (8 dedicated ports) or outputs (separate 8 dedicated ports) under the control
of software. These are opto-isolated for protection.
Inputs
Connector Type: BNC Female (50 ohm size)
Signal Type: Digital Input
Electrical Specication:
Digital Trigger Inputs Recommended Operating Range
Parameter Description Min Typ Max Units
VIH High-level input voltage 1.1 - 5.1 V
VIL Low-level input voltage -0.6 0 0.8 V
IIH High-level input current 0.4 10 mA
IIL Low-level input current 0 mA
Digital Trigger Inputs Absolute Maximum Ratings
Parameter Description Min Max Units
VI abs Absolute rating for input voltage -5 5.5 V
II abs Absolute rating for input current 50 mA
Outputs
Connector Type: BNC Female (50 ohm size)
Signal Type: Digital output
Electrical Specication:
Digital Trigger Outputs
Parameter Description Min Typ Max Units
VOH High-level output voltage 4 4 V
VOL Low-level output voltage 0 V
IOH High-level output current 170 mA
IOL Low-level output current -5 mA

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SPECIFICATIONS
3.3.1.2 aotf Control
This interface is used for control of the AOTF (Acousto-Optical Tuneable Filter) in the ALC.
RF Out
Connector Type: SMA Female
Signal Type: RF output
Electrical Specication: This is a dedicated connection to the “RF In” connector of the ALC and is not designed for other
uses.
Therm
Connector Type: SMC Male
Signal Type: Power
Electrical Specication: This is a dedicated connection to the “Therm” input of the ALC and is not designed for other
uses.
Remote
Connector Type: USB Series B Receptacle
Signal Type: Bi-directional USB
Electrical Specication: This is a dedicated connection for the AA Opto-electronics MDS Remote Control supplied with
the PCU and is not designed for other uses.
RS-232
Connector Type: 9-pin Male D-type
Signal Type: RS-232
Electrical Specication: This is a dedicated connection for optional RS-232 AOTF non-iQ control and is not designed for
other uses.

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SPECIFICATIONS
3.3.1.3 analoGue Piezo Control
This interface is used for control of an analogue controlled Piezo Z-stage.
A5 – Piezo
Connector Type: BNC Female (50 ohm size)
Signal Type: Analogue Output
Electrical Specication:
Parameter Specication
Resolution 16 bits
Voltage ranges ±10 V, ±5, 0 to 10 V, 0 to 5 V. Ranges are switch selectable
D/A pacing Software paced
Data transfer Programmed I/O
Monotonicity 15 bits guaranteed over temperature
Slew rate 1.7 V/μs minimum, 2.4 V/μs typical.
Current drive ±5 mA min
Output short-circuit duration Indenite
Power-on reset voltage 0 V ±15 mV
Absolute accuracy ±2.0 LSB max
Typical accuracy ±1.0 LSB max
Gain error Trimmable by potentiometer to 0
Offset error Trimmable by potentiometer to 0
Integral linearity error ±1.0 LSB max, ±0.5 LSB typ.
Differential linearity error ±1.0 LSB max, ±0.5 LSB typ.

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SPECIFICATIONS
3.3.2 rear Panel interfaCe
Figure 6: Rear panel of the PCUB-110
3.3.2.1 aCtive blankinG Control
This interface is used for control of the active blanking function of the AOTF in the ALC. If any of these inputs is asserted
high, then active blanking will activated.
Fire 1, Fire 2 and Aux:
Connector Type: BNC Female (50 ohm size)
Signal Type: Digital TTL Input
Electrical Specication
Recommended Operating Range
Parameter Description Min Typ Max Units
VIH High-level input voltage 2 5 V
VIL Low-level input voltage 0 0.8 V
IIH High-level input current 20 µA
IIL Low-level input current -0.6 mA
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Parameter Description Min Max Units
VI abs Absolute rating for input voltage -0.5 7 V
II abs Absolute rating for input current -30 5 mA
Fan exhaust
vent
DAC Card D-type
connector
Mains IEC C14
connector with fuse
Active Blanking Control
(Aux, Fire 1, Fire 2 and On/
Off switch

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SPECIFICATIONS
3.3.2.2 daC Card ConneCtor
This is a dedicated connection to the Measurement Computing PCIM-DDA06-16 PCI DAC card and is not designed for
other uses.
Parameter Specication
PCI Standard PCI 2.1
PCI Supply Voltage 5V
PCI Supply Current 965 mA typical, 1206 mA maximum
PCI Bus Width 32-bit
PCI Bus Speed 33 MHz
Form Factor Half-length card (de facto standard)
Dimensions 174.4 mm (L) x 100.6 mm (W) x 11.65 mm (H)
3.4 meCHaniCal SPeCifiCationS
Parameter Specication
Enclosure Type
19” Sub-rack BS EN 60297
Aluminium Construction
Width 84 HP (465 mm)
Height 3U (133 mm)
Depth 315 mm (excluding connected cables front & rear)
Weight 8.9 kg
Finish Painted: Housing, Front Panel
Ingress Protection IP20†
† Protection against ngers or other object not greater than 80 mm in length and 12 mm in diameter. Not protected from harmful entry of various
forms of moisture (e.g. dripping, spraying, submersion, etc.)
3.5 tranSPort & StoraGe SPeCifiCationS
• The packaging used for the original delivery should be retained for further use.
• This product must be shipped in accordance with the international standard ETS 300119 Class 2.1.
• During shipping the temperature range should not exceed +70°C or fall below -40°C.
• The crate must be protected from excesses of weather.
• Shipping crate(s) must be wheeled, wooden and conform to ISPM15 regulations.
• Relative humidity must not exceed 90% (non-condensing).
Parameter Specication
Shipped Dimension 650 × 580 × 430 mm (25.6 × 22.83 × 16.93 inches)
Approximate Shipped Weight 14 kg
Please note that the product’s cardboard box will be packed along with other boxes inside a larger wooden crate.