Oxford Instruments ANDOR iVac Series Installation instructions

Covering iVac 316 & 324 models
iVac series Hardware Guide
andor.com © Andor Technology Ltd. 2017.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................... 9
1.1 TECHNICAL SUPPORT.......................................................................................................... 10
1.2 DISCLAIMER .......................................................................................................................... 11
1.3 COPYRIGHT AND PROTECTIVE NOTICES........................................................................... 11
1.4 TRADEMARKS AND PATENT INFORMATION....................................................................... 11
1.5 SUPPLIED COMPONENTS .................................................................................................... 12
1.5.1 iVac Model options..................................................................................................... 13
1.5.2 iVac accessories ......................................................................................................... 13
1.5.3 software required ..................................................................................................................13
SECTION 2: PRODUCT OVERVIEW................................................................................................... 14
2.1 EXTERNAL FEATURES OF THE IVAC ................................................................................... 14
2.2 REAR PANEL .......................................................................................................................... 15
2.3 POWER REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................................................... 16
2.3.1 caMera power connection pinouts ............................................................................. 17
SECTION 3: INSTALLATION ............................................................................................................... 18
3.1 TRANSPORT AND STORAGE INFORMATION ...................................................................... 18
3.2 MOUNTING THE IVAC............................................................................................................ 18
3.3 SPECTROGRAPH COMPATIBILITY....................................................................................... 19
3.4 ATTACHING USING THE MOUNTING POST......................................................................... 19
3.5 CONNECTING THE IVAC TO THE PC.................................................................................... 19
3.6 CONNECTING THE IVAC TO THE CAMERA CONTROL UNIT AND POWER SUPPLY........ 20
3.7 INSTALLING SOFTWARE....................................................................................................... 20
3.7.1 MiniMuM coMputer requireMents ................................................................................ 20
3.7.2 installing solis software and usB driVers ................................................................ 20
3.7.3 new Hardware wizard ................................................................................................ 20
SECTION 4: OPERATION .................................................................................................................. 22
4.1 EMERGENCY MAINS DISCONNECTION .............................................................................. 22
4.2 POWER-UP SEQUENCE........................................................................................................ 22
4.3 POWER-DOWN SEQUENCE.................................................................................................. 22
4.4 USING THE IVAC .................................................................................................................... 22

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SECTION 5: MAINTENANCE.............................................................................................................. 23
5.1 REGULAR CHECKS ............................................................................................................... 23
5.2 ANNUAL ELECTRICAL SAFETY CHECKS ............................................................................ 23
5.3 GENERAL CLEANING & DECONTAMINATION INFORMATION............................................ 23
5.4 CLEANING THE CAMERA WINDOW..................................................................................... 23
5.4.1 tools required ........................................................................................................... 23
5.4.2 window cleaning procedure ....................................................................................... 24
5.5 FUSE REPLACEMENT ........................................................................................................... 24
SECTION 6: TROUBLESHOOTING .................................................................................................... 25
6.1 QUICK TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE.................................................................................... 25

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APPENDIX A: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS................................................................................... 26
APPENDIX B: MECHANICAL DRAWINGS......................................................................................... 28
APPENDIX C: REFERENCE INFORMATION...................................................................................... 29
APPENDIX D: GLOSSARY.................................................................................................................. 31
APPENDIX E: OTHER INFORMATION ............................................................................................... 39

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Revision HistoRy
Version Released Description
1.0 15 Apr 2009 Initial Release.
1.1 15 Nov 2010 Updates throughout to align with software and general changes.
2.0 26 Jan 2017
Combined content for both 316 and 324 models. Aligned regulatory and
compliance content to the latest. Updated the structure of the manual to the
latest style and format. Software content removed as this is ket up to date in the
separately supplied software (e.g. SDK2 or Solis).
Updates to tHe ManUal
Changes are periodically made to the product and these will be incorporated into new editions of the manual. Please
check for new releases of the manual in MyAndor: http://my.andor.com/login.aspx. If you nd an issue in this manual
please contact your customer support representative (Section 1.1) with a description of the issue.

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safety and WaRning infoRMation
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. Before using the system, please follow and adhere to all warnings, safety, manual handling and operating
instructions located either on the product or in this Hardware Guide.
3. Users must be authorised and trained personnel only; otherwise this may result in personal injury, and/ or
equipment damage and impaired system performance.
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. Do not position this product so that it is difcult to operate the Mains disconnecting device. See SECTION 4.1
“Emergency Mains Disconnection” Section.
6. Protective earth is an integral part of the protection against electric shock in this product, and is provided via
the earth pin of the external power supply. Ensure that this is plugged into the building earth system via the
mains socket. Do not tamper with any of the earthing measures.
7. Only the correctly specied mains supply should be used.
8. Only the AC/DC external power supply provided with the product should be used.
9. Only the power supply cord provided with the product should be used. Should this not be correct for your
geographical area, contact your local Andor representative.
10. Make sure the power supply cord is located so that it will not be subject to damage. If replacement of the
detachable power supply cord is required, ensure replacement is of same type and rating.
11. Always disconnect the power supply from the product before replacing a fuse.
12. Replace fuse with fuse of same type and rating.
13. Performance of the system may be adversely affected by rapidly changing environmental conditions or
operation outside of the operating conditions specied in APPENDIX A “TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS”
14. While running an experiment, try to keep temperature as stable as possible.
15. This equipment has not been designed and manufactured for the medical diagnosis of patients.
16. Electromagnetic Compatibility: This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause
electromagnetic interference, in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.
17. This product has been designed and tested to perform successfully in a normal (basic) electromagnetic
environment, e.g. a typical life science test laboratory, as per the EU EMC Directive. It is not designed to
operate in a harsh electromagnetic environment, e.g. close to the following equipment: EMI/RFI generators,
electrostatic eld generators, electromagnetic or radioactive devices, plasma sources, arc welders, x-ray
instruments, intense pulsed sources, or other similar sources of high energy elds whose emissions are not
within the normal range expected under the EU EMC Directive.
18. 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.
19. Your product is a precision scientic instrument containing fragile components. Always handle it with care.

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20. Do not wet or spill liquids on the product, and do not store or place liquids on the product.
21. If spillage occurs on the product, switch off power immediately, and wipe off with a dry, lint-free cloth.
22. If any ingress of liquids has occurred or is suspected, unplug the mains cables, do not use, and contact Andor
Customer Support.
23. See SECTION 5.3, “Cleaning and Decontamination”.
24. Do not expose the product to extreme hot or cold temperatures.
25. Do not expose the product to open ames.
26. Do not allow objects to fall on the product.
27. Keep this Hardware Guide in a safe place for future reference.
WaRning and safety labels
The following are explanations of the safety symbols found on this product:
Caution, potential hazard
Caution, risk of electric shock

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Unpacking infoRMation
Carefully unpack the unit and retain the packaging materials to transport or return equipment if required:
• If the equipment appears damaged in any way, return it to sales outlet in its original packaging.
• No responsibility for damage arising from the use of non-approved packaging will be accepted.
• Ensure all items and accessories specied at the time of ordering and as detailed on the packing list are
present: if any items are missing, please contact your sales representative.

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SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
This manual includes a description of the main features of the iVac series, installation, routine operation and
troubleshooting. It also provides a summary of some of the technical features of the iVac series. For further information
on operation and control of the iVac refer to the relevant software guide e.g. Solis, or SDK2 and to the andor website for
further technical information to help you get the best from your camera.
Figure 1: The iVac (316) spectroscopy camera

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1.1 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 Ltd.
7 Millennium Way
Springvale Business Park
Belfast
BT12 7AL
Northern Ireland
Tel. [phone]
Fax. [phone]
Andor Technology
425 Sullivan Avenue
Suite # 3
South Windsor
CT 06074
USA
Tel. [phone]
Fax. [phone]
Asia-Pacic China
Andor Technology (Japan)
IS Building
3-32-42 Higashi-Shinagawa
Shinagawa-ku,
Tokyo 140-0002
Japan
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Andor Technology
Unit 1, Building A,
66 Zhufang Rd, Haidian Dist.
Beijing 100085
China
Tel: [phone]
Fax. [phone]
* The latest contact details for your local representative can be found on the Contact and Support page of our website.

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1.2 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.
1.3 copyRigHt and pRotective notices
The copyright in this document and the associated drawings are the property of Andor Technology Ltd. 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 Ltd. or any third party.
1.4 tRadeMaRks and patent infoRMation
Andor and the Andor logo are trademarks of Andor Technology Ltd. Andor Technology Ltd. is an Oxford Instruments
company. All other marks are property of their owners.
iVac Manufacturers Information
Andor Technology Ltd., Belfast, BT12 7AL, UK.

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1.5 sUpplied coMponents
Description Quantity
iVac CCD Camera
(model as ordered: refer to Section 1.5.1) 1
* Any accessories (shown below) must be specied at time of ordering as the iVac is used in many OEM applications where the
customer may not need either PSU, cables or other accessories:
Software CD
(Solis and SDK are ordered
separately)
*Hardware Guide in
electronic format *
USB 2.0 Cable
(2m) *Quick Start Guide *
PSU *Performance Booklet 1
An extensive range of products and optional accessories are available for spectroscopy and other applications - please contact your nearest
Andor representative for further information.

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1.5.1 ivac Model options
There are two models of iVac, based on either the “316” or the “324” sensor (see APPENDIX A: Technical Specications
or the iVac specications sheet for more details).
iVac 316 Model
Sensor Type
Description
316 LDC-DD Back-Illuminated CCD, Deep-Depletion with anti-fringing, low dark current.
2000 x 256, 15 x 15 μm pixels
iVac 324 Model
Sensor Type
Description
324 FI Front illuminated, red enhanced CCD. Optimized sensor for Near IR applications.
1650 x 200, 16 x 16 μm
1.5.2 ivac accessoRies
The iVac may be ordered as a camera alone, or with a range of accessories is available for the iVac (see table below). The iVac
is intended only for use with accessories supplied and recommended by Andor. Please contact your local Andor representative
if further information is required.
Description Code
+ 12V single line power supply PS-12
High speed USB 2.0 cable, 3 metre, with tted ferrite ASE-01188
SMA to BNC triggering cable, 2 metre ACC-CABL-BNC020SMA
1.5.3 softWaRe ReqUiRed
Camera control software is required, e.g. Andor Solis or SDK2.
Description
SDK
Solis for Spectrography
Andor Driver Licence (ANDOR-DRV-LIC) Individual driver licence for Andor detectors & spectrographs. Required for
integration into OEM bespoke product lines.

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SECTION 2: PRODUCT OVERVIEW
This section provides an overview of the iVac. The iVac series is comprised of two models: the iVac 316 and the iVac
324. The iVac has been designed to serve as an optimum platform for a wide range of research benchtop, industrial
process control, or spectrally-assisted medical diagnosis instruments. It is compact, robust, has UltraVacTM for effective
and reliable cooling of a high performance sensor. It features a convenient USB 2.0 connection and is easily integrated
into other instruments.
The iVac 316 features a back illuminated Low Dark Current Deep-Depletion, ‘LDC-DD’ sensor which provides
exceptionally slow background noise, high QE and anti-fringing.
The iVac 324 features a front illuminated red enhanced sensor optimised sensor for the near IR.
Refer to Technical Specications for further information.
2.1 exteRnal featURes of tHe ivac
Figure 2: iVac 316 (left) and iVac 324 (right) (front view)
Mounting Flange (Mounting Holes)
The standard mounting ange has 4 x mounting holes 4 mm [0.16”] Ø thru. An O-ring helps provide a light tight seal
against the mounting surface.
Sensor
The iVac features either the 316 back illuminated or 324 front illuminated sensor, and Andor’s unique UltraVacTM. UltraVac
provides a permanent hermetically sealed enclosure for maximum QE and cooling performance over many years
operation.
Camera Window
The iVac features a Single AR coated UV grade silica window for optimum transmission. For more information on camera
windows please see http://www.andor.com/learning-academy/camera-windows-optimizing-for-different-spectral-
regions.
Mounting
holes (x4)
Sensor
Camera
Window

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2.2 ReaR panel
Figure 3: Rear Panel iVac 316 (left) and iVac 324 (right)
USB 2.0
Connects the iVac to the control PC via a USB 2.0 cable.
TTL / Logic
The TTL/Logic connection permit connection to other devices for synchronisation and control of re, trigger and shutter
operations. Connector type: SMA, provided with SMA - BNC cable Fire (Output), External Trigger (Input), Shutter
(Output). These are used to send or receive Triggering and Firing signals. The SMA outputs (Fire & Shutter) are CMOS
compatible & Series terminated at source (i.e. in the camera head) for 50Ω cable.
NOTE: The termination at the customer end should be high impedance (not 50Ω) as an incorrect impedance match
could cause errors with timing and triggering. The SMA Ext Trig input is TTL level & CMOS compatible and has 470Ω
impedance.
USB 2.0
Power
Input
TTL
Logic
Cooling
Fans

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In the Solis Shutter control options, the TTL buttons, TTL Low & TTL High, let you instruct the system as to how it should
control the opening and closing of the shutter.
If you select TTL Low, the system will cause the output voltage from the iVac to go ‘low’ to open the shutter.
If you select TTL High, the system will cause the output voltage from the iVac to go ‘high’ to open the shutter.
The documentation supplied by the shutter manufacturer will show whether your shutter opens at a high or a low TTL
level.
Power
Power input connection for connection to a PSU. Refer to Section 2.3.
Cooling Fans
The iVac features TE cooling so that the sensor may be cooled to as low as -60°C. As the iVac is air cooled it is important
that the cooling inlet and exhaust vents are kept clear of obstruction to ensure full cooling performance.
Notes:
Minimum cable clearances required at rear of camera: 45 mm (right-angled USB cable), 60 mm (standard USB cable).
2.3 poWeR ReqUiReMents
The PSU (if the PS-12 is not used) and power supply should meet the specications outlined in this section.
Alternative Power Supply Unit Low Voltage Output Specications
Voltage + 12V ± 5%
Voltage Ripple 200 mV maximum
Steady State
Current 2.1A minimum
In-rush Current
Capability 42.2 A minimum into a 1 Ohm load (contact PSU manufacturer)
Overcurrent
Protection
Current must be inherently limited to less than 8A, or there must an overcurrent
protection device that breaks after not more than 120 s when exposed to a current of
10.4 A or less
Certication Certied by the relevant certication body, e.g. UL, TÜV, etc., to IEC 60950-1, or a
similar appropriate safety standard
Output Connector 4 pin connection to iVac (see below)

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2.3.1 caMeRa poWeR connection pinoUts
Camera Socket Power Supply Plug
Camera input socket Cable connector
Tyco Electronics Part # 6-1437719-4 Tyco Electronics Part # 3-1437719-3
NOTES:
1. In the UK (or other countries using UK standard electrical systems), the mains input into the PSU must be
tted with a 240V 5A fuse.
2. The power connector is keyed for correct orientation. The power connection should be made before
connecting to the mains supply. Ensure the key is in the correct position before inserting as forcing in
incorrectly may result in damage.

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SECTION 3: INSTALLATION
WARNINGS:
• PRIOR TO COMMENCING INSTALLATION, THE USER SHOULD REFER TO THE SAFETY AND WARNING
INFORMATION AND UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS MANUAL.
• TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY MUST MEET THE SPECIFICATIONS DEFINED IN TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS.
• AS PART OF THE SAFETY FEATURES OF THE IVAC SYSTEM, THE PRODUCT IS DESIGNED TO HAVE
A PROTECTIVE EARTH CONNECTED VIA THE EARTH PIN ON THE MAINS PLUG. IT IS IMPORTANT TO
ENSURE THAT THIS IS CONNECTED TO THE BUILDINGS PROTECTIVE EARTH SYSTEM
• THE EQUIPMENT SHOULD BE POSITIONED SO THAT THE MAINS SUPPLY PLUG/CORD CAN BE EASILY
ACCESSED FOR DISCONNECTION
3.1 tRanspoRt and stoRage infoRMation
The iVac is packed in normal protective transport packaging for shipping.
Storage
• Storage Temperature: -25°C to 50°C.
• Store in a cool dry place.
3.2 MoUnting tHe ivac
To prevent damage to the iVac, other equipment and/or personnel the camera must be securely mounted before use.
This can be using either the mounting ange or using the mounting hole on the base of the iVac.
• The 4-off through-holes in the front face of the camera (use with M3 or 6/32 screws)
Figure 4: Mounting Holes located on the mounting ange
To mount this camera to an Andor Shamrock spectrograph, 4 off M3 x 10 or 6/32-1/2 UNC cap-head screws are
required.
¼ -20 UNC threaded mounting hole

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Figure 5: An iVac shown attached to a HoloSpec (left) and a Shamrock spectrograph (right) using the four mounting holes on the mounting plate.
3.3 spectRogRapH coMpatibility
The iVac series is fully compatible with Andor’s Shamrock spectrograph (163 - 750 mm focal lengths) family and
the HoloSpec. Spectrograph mounting anges and software control are available for a wide variety of 3rd party
spectrographs including, McPherson, JY/Horiba, PI/Acton, Chromex/Bruker, Oriel/Newport, Photon Design, Dongwoo,
Bentham, Solar TII and others.
Andor produce a range of echelle spectrographs such as the Mechelle 5000 and provides integrated anges for these
spectrographs if required.
3.4 attacHing Using tHe MoUnting post
• A ¼ -20 UNC threaded hole located on the underside/base of the unit- Refer to APPENDIX B.
• 10.0 mm [0.37] depth
• Note the iVac weighs approx 1.4 kg [3lbs 13 oz] ensure that the mounting is suitable to support the iVac if this
mounting method is used.
3.5 connecting tHe ivac to tHe pc
The iVac may be connected to the control PC via a USB 2.0 compatible cable.
USB
• Connect the USB 2.0 cable from the iVac to a suitable USB slot on the control PC.

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3.6 connecting tHe ivac to tHe caMeRa contRol Unit and poWeR sUpply
• Connect the power cable between the PSU (or suitable power source) and the Camera power input (rear panel).
• When using a PSU, connect the mains power cable between the PSU and the mains power supply.
• Ensure that any alternative power supply meets the required specications outlined in Section 2.
• For connector and pin-out information please refer to Section 2.
3.7 connecting otHeR devices
Other devices should be connected to the control PC e.g. Spectrograph via a USB cable or other specied connection.
Refer to the manual supplied with the device for further instructions.
3.8 installing softWaRe
Camera control software such as Andor Solis or SDK must be ordered separately. Solis and SDK provide simultaneous
control of the Andor iVac, Shamrock, and Mechelle, as well as a range of 3rd party motorised spectrographs. The
following guidelines are provided for Andor SDK software. Please refer to the instructions supplied with your software for
further information.
3.8.1 MiniMUM coMpUteR ReqUiReMents
• 3.0 GHz single core or 2.4 GHz dual or quad core processor
• 2 GB RAM
• 100 MB free hard disc to install software (at least 1 GB recommended for data spooling)
• USB 2.0 High Speed Host Controller capable of sustained rate of 40 MB/s
• Windows (7, 8 and 10) or Linux
3.8.2 installing solis softWaRe and Usb dRiveRs
1. Terminate & exit any applications which are running on the PC.
2. Insert the Andor Solis CD. The InstallShield Wizard should now start. If it does not start automatically, run the
le setup.exe directly from the CD.
3. Select appropriate location for installation of software and drivers on your computer / network.
Connect to suitable
external power supply
PSU
iVac power cable
Alternative power supply (meeting
specied parameters)
OR