Oxford Instruments Andor Neo 5.5 sCMOS Installation instructions

Hardware Guide
Neo 5.5 sCMOS
Version 1.7 rev 22 May 2017
andor.com © Andor Technology 2017

2
Version 1.7 rev 22 May 2017
Neo 5.5 sCMOS
Page
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................... 9
1.1 Help and TecHnical SupporT...................................................................................................... 10
1.2 diSclaimer................................................................................................................................. 11
1.3 TrademarkS and paTenT informaTion........................................................................................... 11
1.4 SpecificaTionS............................................................................................................................ 12
1.5 componenTS .............................................................................................................................. 13
1.5.1 opTional acceSSorieS ................................................................................................ 13
1.6 power Supply uniT (pSu) ......................................................................................................... 14
1.7 connecTionS overview ............................................................................................................... 15
1.7.1 mulTi i/o Timing cable pin ouTS................................................................................ 15
1.7.2 impedance informaTion................................................................................................ 16
1.7.3 oTHer connecTionS .................................................................................................... 17
1.8 cooling HoSe connecTorS ........................................................................................................ 18
1.8.1 imporTanT conSideraTionS wHen uSing cooling SySTemS .............................................. 18
SECTION 2: FEATURES AND FUNCTIONALITY................................................................................ 19
2.1 ScmoS STrucTure and operaTion ............................................................................................. 19
2.2 Te cooling .............................................................................................................................. 20
2.2.1 ulTravac™ ................................................................................................................ 20
2.2.2 effecT of Te cooling on THe noiSe floor ................................................................. 21
2.2.3 effecT of Te cooling on HoT pixel blemiSHeS .......................................................... 22
2.3 rolling and global SHuTTer ..................................................................................................... 23
2.3.1 rolling SHuTTer ........................................................................................................ 23
2.3.2 global SHuTTer ......................................................................................................... 24
2.3.3 SelecTing rolling or global SHuTTer ........................................................................ 25
2.3.3.1 exampleS of Typical applicaTionS for global SHuTTer mode ....................... 25
2.3.4 rolling and global SHuTTer mecHaniSmS ................................................................... 26
2.4 underSTanding read noiSe in ScmoS........................................................................................ 27
2.4.1 SpuriouS noiSe filTer ............................................................................................... 28
2.5 dual amplifier dynamic range .................................................................................................. 29
Table of Contents

3
Version 1.7 rev 22 May 2017
Neo 5.5 sCMOS
2.6 SenSor readouT opTimizaTion .................................................................................................... 31
2.6.1 gain cHannel conTrol .............................................................................................. 31
2.6.2 pixel readouT raTe ................................................................................................... 32
2.6.3 roi Sub-image........................................................................................................... 32
2.7 Trigger modeS ......................................................................................................................... 33
2.7.1 SofTware acquiSiTion evenTS and enHanced fire TTl Signalling ................................ 34
2.7.1.1 enHanced TTl fire Signalling..................................................................... 34
2.7.1.2 SofTware evenTS......................................................................................... 35
2.7.1.3 example SySTem uSage of acquiSiTion evenTS .............................................. 36
2.7.2 rolling SHuTTer Triggering modeS ............................................................................ 37
2.7.2.1 rolling SHuTTer inTernal Triggering (non-overlap mode) ......................... 39
2.7.2.2 rolling SHuTTer inTernal Triggering (overlap mode).................................. 41
2.7.2.3 rolling SHuTTer SofTware Triggering - SHorT expoSureS ........................... 42
2.7.2.4 rolling SHuTTer exTernal / SofTware Triggering (non-overlap mode)........ 43
2.7.2.5 rolling SHuTTer exTernal expoSure Triggering (non-overlap mode) ......... 44
2.7.2.6 rolling SHuTTer exTernal expoSure Triggering (overlap mode) ................. 45
2.7.2.7 rolling SHuTTer exTernal STarT Triggering ................................................ 46
2.7.2.8 rolling SHuTTer Triggering conSTrainTS..................................................... 47
2.7.3 global SHuTTer Triggering modeS............................................................................. 48
2.7.3.1 global SHuTTer inTernal Triggering (non-overlap mode)........................... 49
2.7.3.2 global SHuTTer inTernal Triggering (overlap mode) .................................. 51
2.7.3.3 global SHuTTer exTernal/SofTware Triggering........................................... 52
2.7.3.4 global SHuTTer exTernal expoSure Triggering (non-overlap mode) .......... 54
2.7.3.5 global SHuTTer exTernal expoSure Triggering (overlap mode) .................. 55
2.7.3.6 global SHuTTer exTernal STarT Triggering ................................................. 56
2.7.3.7 global SHuTTer Triggering conSTrainTS...................................................... 57
2.8 acquiSiTion modeS..................................................................................................................... 58
2.8.1 Single Scan ............................................................................................................... 58
2.8.2 kineTic SerieS ............................................................................................................ 58
2.8.3 accumulaTe ............................................................................................................... 58
2.8.4 run Till aborT acquiSiTion ........................................................................................ 58
2.8.5 live mode .................................................................................................................. 59
2.8.6 faST expoSure SwiTcH ............................................................................................... 59
2.8.7 frame raTe conTrol ................................................................................................. 59
Table of Contents

4
Version 1.7 rev 22 May 2017
Neo 5.5 sCMOS
SECTION 3: INSTALLATION ............................................................................................................... 60
3.1 SafeTy conSideraTionS ............................................................................................................... 60
3.2 mounTing THe camera................................................................................................................ 60
3.3 minimum compuTer requiremenTS .............................................................................................. 60
3.4 inSTalling SoliS and camera link driverS ................................................................................. 60
3.5 camera link conTroller card inSTallaTion................................................................................ 62
3.5.1 inSTalling THe camera link driver .............................................................................. 63
3.6 cHecking & SeTTing bioS opTionS (for pcSnoT Supplied by andor) ........................................... 63
3.7 coolanT HoSe connecTion and diSconnecTion ............................................................................ 64
3.7.1 connecTing THe coolanT HoSeS.................................................................................. 64
3.7.2 diSconnecTing THe coolanT HoSeS.............................................................................. 64
SECTION 4: OPERATION ................................................................................................................... 65
4.1 connecTing THe camera ............................................................................................................. 65
4.2 cooling..................................................................................................................................... 65
4.2.1 prevenTion of camera overHeaTing ............................................................................ 65
4.2.1.1 overHeaT alarm reSeT ................................................................................ 65
4.2.2 Te cooling................................................................................................................ 66
4.3 fan SeTTingS ............................................................................................................................ 67
4.4 SofTware SupporT..................................................................................................................... 68
SECTION 5: MAINTENANCE.............................................................................................................. 69
5.1 regular cHeckS ........................................................................................................................ 69
5.2 annual elecTrical SafeTy cHeckS ............................................................................................. 69
5.3 fuSe replacemenT ..................................................................................................................... 69
5.4 cooling HoSeS and connecTionS................................................................................................ 69
Table of Contents

5
Version 1.7 rev 22 May 2017
Neo 5.5 sCMOS
SECTION 6: TROUBLESHOOTING .................................................................................................... 70
6.1 camera buzzer doeS noT Sound on STarT-up ............................................................................. 70
6.2 camera iS noT recognized by pc ............................................................................................... 70
6.3 buzzer SoundS conTinuouSly .................................................................................................... 70
6.4 fan noT operaTing aS expecTed.................................................................................................. 70
6.5 camera doeS noT cool To THe required TemperaTure ................................................................. 70
6.6 prevenTing condenSaTion........................................................................................................... 71
6.7 fire, aux_ouT and arm ouTpuTS noT funcTioning correcTly................................................... 71
6.8 exTernal Trigger inpuT noT funcTioning correcTly.................................................................... 71
Table of Contents

6
Version 1.7 rev 22 May 2017
Neo 5.5 sCMOS
appendix a.1: mecHanical drawingS (neo wiTH c-mounT) ............................................... 72
appendix a.2: mecHanical drawingS (neo wiTH f-mounT) ............................................... 73
appendix b: dew poinT grapH ...................................................................................................74
appendix c.1: waSTe elecTronic and elecTrical equipmenT regulaTionS
2006 (weee) ....................................................................................................................................... 75
appendix c.2 TermS and condiTionS of Sale and warranTy informaTion ............... 75
Table of Contents

7
Version 1.7 rev 22 May 2017
Neo 5.5 sCMOS
Revision HistoRy
Version Released Description
1.0 05 Oct 2011 Initial Release
1.1 26 Jul 2013 General enhancements to presentation (all Sections).
Text revised to improve clarity of information (all Sections.
Neo Components revised to show standard supplied components more clearly (Section 1.5)
Additional accessories revised to match current options available (Section 1.5.1)
Updated timing diagrams and tables for Rolling and Global Shutter Modes (Section 2)
1.2 09 Oct 2013 Updated to show 12-bit data range and gain channels options (Sections 2.6 and 2.7)
Updated references to Neo to Neo 5.5.
1.3 15 Oct 2013 Corrected Rolling Shutter External Start Triggering (Non Overlap) (Long Exposures) (Section
2.6.2.7)
Amended Global Shutter Internal Triggering (Overlap Mode) table, and added further
explanatory text. (Section 2.8.3.2)
1.4 01 Jul 2014 Updated Branding to current format (all Sections)
Updated gures 4, 7, 15 and to improve quality (Section 1)
Added Blemish Correction Section (2.4.2)
Moved Mechanical drawings from Section 1 to Appendix A1 and A2
Added Dew Point Diagram to provide additional guidance (Appendix B)
Added support for Windows 8 (Section 3.3)
1.5 17 Apr 2015 Updated for new Neo SL150 model (rear connection panel updated) (Section 1.7)
Power supply information updated providing more detail (Section 1.4)
1.6 19 May 2016 Added BIOS options checking and setting for non-Andor supplied PCs (Section 3.6).
1.7 22 May 2017 Timing updated for sCMOS feature alignment.
Mechanical Drawings (C and F mount) updated for the FX4 models.

8
Version 1.7 rev 22 May 2017
Neo 5.5 sCMOS
Safety and Warning Information
Safety and Warning Information
1. To ensure correct and safe operation of this product, please read this guide before use and keep it in a safe
place for future reference.
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 User Guide.
3. Andor Neo 5.5 sCMOS is a precision scientic instrument containing fragile components. Always handle with
care.
4. Ensure that a minimum clearance of approximately 100mm (4”) is maintained in front of all ventilation slots and
the fan inlet.
5. Use only the power supply cord provided with the system for this unit. Should this not be correct for your
geographical area contact your local Andor representative.
6. Only the correctly specied mains supply and fuse must be used.
7. Make sure the electrical cord is located so that it will not be subject to damage.
8. Do not expose the product to open ames.
9. Do not allow objects to fall on the product.
10. Do not expose the product to extreme hot or cold temperatures.
11. Do not expose the product to moisture, wet or spill liquids on the product. Do not store or place liquids on the
product. 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 Technical
Support.
12. 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.
13. Operation of the system close to intense pulsed sources (e.g. plasma sources, arc welders, radio frequency
generators, X-ray instruments, and pulsed discharge optical sources) may compromise performance if shielding
of the Neo sCMOS is inadequate.
14. This equipment has not been designed and manufactured for the medical diagnosis of patients
15. 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.
16. If the equipment is used in a manner not specied by Andor, the protection provided by the equipment may be
impaired.
17. There are no user-serviceable parts beyond the specied user accessible areas of the product and the
enclosure must not be opened. Only authorised service personnel may service this equipment.
Regulatory Information
The Neo 5.5 sCMOS Camera complies with the requirements of the EU EMC and LV Directives
through testing to EN 61326-1 and EN 61010-1.
This product requires a DC power supply (refer to Section 1.6)
WARNING: PLEASE READ THIS SAFETY INFORMATION BEFORE USING YOUR NEO sCMOS
CAMERA.

9
Version 1.7 rev 22 May 2017
Neo 5.5 sCMOS
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing the Neo 5.5 Scientic CMOS (sCMOS) camera. You are now in possession of a revolutionary
new sCMOS camera, a breakthrough technology based on the next-generation CMOS image sensor (CIS) design and
fabrication techniques.
FiguRe 1: tHe neo 5.5 sCMos CaMeRa
The Neo 5.5 sCMOS camera offers:
• Extremely low noise 1e- read noise
• Rapid frame rates 30 fps full frame sustained (100 fps full frame Burst)
• Wide dynamic range 30,000:1 at 30 fps
• High quantum efciency Peak QE of 60%
• High resolution 5.5 megapixel
• Large eld of view 22 mm
This Hardware Guide contains useful information and advice to ensure you get the optimum performance from your new
system. Please refer also to the Software Guide for information on the imaging software to be used with your Neo 5.5
camera. If you have any questions regarding your Neo camera, please feel free to contact Andor directly, or via your local
representative or supplier.
The Neo 5.5 camera has been designed for use in research laboratories and other controlled scientic environments.
Introduction

10
Version 1.7 rev 22 May 2017
Neo 5.5 sCMOS
1.1 Help and TecHnical SupporT
If you have any questions regarding the use of this equipment, please contact the representative from whom your system
was purchased, or:
The latest contact details for your local representative can be found on our website via the following link:
http://www.andor.com/ContactSupport.aspx?type=s
Europe
Andor Technology
7 Millennium Way
Springvale Business Park
Belfast
BT12 7AL
Northern Ireland
Tel. [phone]
Fax. [phone]
Asia-Pacic
Andor Technology (Japan)
IS Building
3-32-42 Higashi-Shinagawa
Shinagawa-ku,
Tokyo 140-0002
Japan
Tel. [phone]
Fax. [phone]
USA
Andor Technology
425 Sullivan Avenue
Suite # 3
South Windsor
CT 06074
USA
Tel. [phone]
Fax. [phone]
China
Andor Technology
Unit 1, Building A,
66 Zhufang Rd, Haidian Dist.
Beijing 100085
China
Tel: [phone]
Fax. [phone]
Introduction

11
Version 1.7 rev 22 May 2017
Neo 5.5 sCMOS
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.
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.
1.3 TrademarkS and paTenT informaTion
Andor, the Andor logo, Neo and Solis are trademarks of Andor Technology. Andor is an Oxford Instruments company. All
other marks are property of their owners.
Changes are periodically made to the product and these will be incorporated into new editions of the manual. New
releases of the manual are available through MyAndor: http://my.andor.com/login.aspx.
Introduction

12
Version 1.7 rev 22 May 2017
Neo 5.5 sCMOS
1.4 SpecificaTionS*
table 1: speCiFiCations oF tHe neo 5.5 sCMos CaMeRa
parameTer SpecificaTion
Power Supply Ratings 100 - 240 VAC (± 5%), 50 - 60 Hz (± 5%)
Power Consumption
Camera only (typ./max): 30W/60W
Camera & Ext. PSU (typ./max): 34W/71W
PSU Specications
Low Voltage Output: 12 V DC. ± 10%
Low Voltage Output Ripple: 120 mV max.
Steady State Current Output: 7 A min.
In-rush Current Capability: 30 A pk (0.1 Ohm source impedance) for 350 µS pulse width (half peak)
Output Connector: Redel PAG.M0.2GL.AC52G 2-pin connector
Location to be used Indoor use only
Altitude Up to 2000 m
Operating temperature range 0°C to 40°C
Storage temperature -10°C to +50°C
Operating relative humidity < 70% non-condensing
Overvoltage category
CAT II. An overvoltage category of CAT II means that the equipment is designed to cope with transient
voltages above the rated supply that would be experienced by any product connected to a mains socket in a
building.
Pollution degree Pollution degree 2. Normally only non-conductive pollution occurs. Occasionally, however, a temporary
conductivity caused by condensation must be expected.
Ingress protection rating IP20
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
Cooling vent clearance 100 mm minimum
Dimensions 132 x 120 x 159.5 mm [5.20 x 8.70 x 6.28 inches]
Weight 3.4 kg [7 lb 8 oz]
* Specications are subject to change without notice
Introduction

13
Version 1.7 rev 22 May 2017
Neo 5.5 sCMOS
1.5 componenTS
The standard components of the Andor Neo 5.5 system are as follows:
table 2: standaRd supplied CoMponents
Description Quantity
Neo 5.5 sCMOS Camera
(C or F-mount: as selected at time of ordering) 1
Description Quantity
PCIe Camera Link
Card 1
Camera Link cable 1 x 3 m
Power Supply Unit
(PS80)
and Country specic
Power Cord
1
Multi I/O Timing cable 1 x 3 m
1.5.1 opTional acceSSorieS
There is a range of optional accessories available for your Neo camera including:
• Mounting Adapters ( C-mount to Nikon F-mount, C-mount to Olympus F-mount and C-mount to T-mount)
• Camera Link Cables (5 meter and 10 meter active including power supply)
• Fibre-optic Extenders (30 and 100m bre-optic extender solutions)
• Re-circulator and Compact Chiller Units for enhanced cooling performance
• Software Development Kit (SDK)
• Solis Image Capture and Analysis Software
• iQ Imaging Software
Please contact Andor or your local representative for further information.
Introduction
Description Quantity
Anti-static Strap 1
Individual Performance
Sheet 1
Hardware Guide
on CD 1
Quick Start
Guide 1

14
Version 1.7 rev 22 May 2017
Neo 5.5 sCMOS
1.6 power Supply uniT (pSu)
The Neo 5.5 is powered by an external 12V DC Power Supply Unit (PSU). The connection to the Neo is made via a 2 pin
connector. The External Power Supply has an IEC male socket that requires a certied mains lead with an IEC female
plug for connection to the mains electrical supply (Refer to Section 1.4 for PSU specications).
The Neo PSU is for use with Telecommunications, Computer, Industrial Controller and OA Systems and must only be
used indoors.
The Neo camera requires a Direct Current (DC) supply.
FiguRe 2: poweR supply unit
NOTES:
1. The electrical mains lead should be certied for use in your country and in applicable countries the plug
must be tted with a 240V 5A fuse
2. If users use any other power supply, they do so at their own risk
Introduction

15
Version 1.7 rev 22 May 2017
Neo 5.5 sCMOS
1.7 connecTionS overview
FiguRe 3: ConneCtions on tHe baCkplate oF tHe neo
1.7.1 mulTi i/o Timing cable pin ouTS
table 3: Multi i/o tiMing Cable pinouts 26-way d type ConneCtoR
1 External Trigger 10 Reserved 19 +5V Output
2 Reserved 11 Reserved 20 GND
3 GND 12 Reserved 21 Reserved
4 Reserved 13 Reserved 22 Reserved
5 Reserved 14 Reserved 23 AUX_OUT_2
6 GND 15 Reserved 24 Arm
7 Reserved 16 Reserved 25 GND
8 Fire 17 Reserved 26 GND
9 AUX_OUT_1 18 GND
• External Trigger is a 5v TTL input. By default it triggers on a rising edge.
• Fire,Arm, AUX_OUT_1 and AUX_OUT_2 outputs are all TTL timing outputs (please also refer to the drawing on the
next page for information on impedance matching).
• +5V Output is a 5V supply to signal to the user that the camera is powered up. Maximum current which can be
drawn from this is 500 mA and this output is fused at 1A.
• AUX_OUT_1 supplies the ‘FIRE ALL’ output by default. This is the logical AND of the FIRE pulses associated with
Row #1 and Row #n (the last row read out in the image frame). Therefore the FIRE ALL pulse represents the time
within a frame when all rows on the sensor are simultaneously exposing.
AUX_OUT_1 is also congurable as FIRE, FIRE n and FIRE ANY. The FIRE ANY pulse represents the time within
a frame when any row of the image frame is exposing. Refer to Section 2.6 for the behaviour of these signals
and to the SDK3 manual for conguring the AUX_OUT_1 output.
NOTE: This congurable output is only available on cameras with FPGA version numbers ≥ 20121002 and
Solis versions ≥ 4.22.30007.0 (SDK users require version ≥ 3.5.30007.0).
• AUX_OUT_2 output is reserved for future use (Previously labelled Shutter) and is still defaulted permanently to logic
level low.
Introduction
Camera Link Connector
USB 2 Connection
On/Off Switch
12 V DC Power Connection
Multi I/O Timing Cable TTL/
DAC 26-Way D type
Connection

16
Version 1.7 rev 22 May 2017
Neo 5.5 sCMOS
1.7.2 impedance informaTion
FiguRe 4: neo ConneCtion iMpedanCe inFoRMation
Introduction
TTL and CMOS Compatible
Neo Camera
+5V
10 Ohms
ABT
Family
TTL Signal
External
Trigger
Input
Neo Camera
Use 50 Ohm cable and high impedance
input (>1KOhm)
Fire, Arm and
AUX_OUT 1/2
outputs
470 Ohms
33 Ohms
ABT
Family

17
Version 1.7 rev 22 May 2017
Neo 5.5 sCMOS
Introduction
1.7.3 oTHer connecTionS
• USB 2.0: A USB 2.0 compatible cable can be connected between the USB socket and a PC. NOTE: The USB
cable connection is used primarily for Firmware upgrades and should not normally be connected
• CL1: Connection for 3-tap Camera Link cable. (Note: A CL2 connection is present on models manufactured
prior to May 2015 with a DC- product code, however it is not used).
• Power: 2 pin power connection (Redel PAG.M0.2GL.AC52G connector), outlined below:
FiguRe 5: neo 2-pin poweR supply ConneCtion
WARNING: Use the cable alignment key to ensure correct orientation of power connection. Never forcibly insert
the connector otherwise damage to the equipment will occur.
0V
+12V Cable alignment ‘key’

18
Version 1.7 rev 22 May 2017
Neo 5.5 sCMOS
1.8 cooling HoSe connecTorS
TThere are two connectors to allow connection of the Neo to a water cooler or re-circulator to enhance cooling:
FiguRe 6: Cooling Hose ConneCtoRs
Please refer to the mechanical drawings in Appendix A for details of connector and hose type compatibility and to
Section 3.7 for connection and disconnection information.
1.8.1 imporTanT conSideraTionS wHen uSing cooling SySTemS
• Some mains supply water is heavily mineralised, (i.e. “Hard”) which could cause deposits in the water circuit
inside the camera. This can reduce the ow-rate and cooling efciency, therefore it is recommended that de-
ionized water (without additives) is used as the coolant to prevent deposits forming.
• The specied cooling performance of the camera can be achieved with coolant ow rate of 2 litres per minute.
• The maximum recommended pressure of coolant circulating through the camera head is 2 bar.
• Always ensure that the temperature of liquid coolant circulated through the camera head is above the dew point
of the camera ambient temperature. Use of coolant at or below the dew point will result in permanent damage
to the camera head, due to formation of condensation on internal components. A Dew Point graph is shown in
Appendix B.
Introduction

19
Version 1.7 rev 22 May 2017
Neo 5.5 sCMOS
Features and Functionality
SECTION 2: FEATURES AND FUNCTIONALITY
2.1 ScmoS STrucTure and operaTion
sCMOS technology has been developed specically to overcome many of the limitations that have marred other
scientic detector technologies, resulting in an imaging detector that provides exceptional performance for many
applications.
FiguRe 7: sCMos sensoR aRCHiteCtuRe
As illustrated above, the sCMOS sensor is an ‘Active Pixel Sensor” (APS) whereby each pixel has its own integral
amplier. The sequence of operation is as follows:
1. Light hits sensor and generates charge
2. The photo-generated charge is converted to an analog voltage inside each pixel amplier
3. Pixel voltage is transferred to the column bus via a row select signal
4. The analog voltage is then converted to a digital signal via columns of A/D (analog to digital) converters
5. The nal digitized signals are then read out sequentially at a pixel readout speed of up to 280 MHz (x2 halves)
NOTES:
The diagram, above is representative- the light sensitive area is contiguous as the photodiodes for each pixel are
buried within the sensor. Each Pixel also has a microlens to maximize sensitivity to light.
For Rolling Shutter mode operation, pixels in each row are exposed and the charge converted to a voltage
simultaneously before being digitized then read out sequentially
For Global Shutter mode, each pixel in the sensor begins an exposure simultaneously and then ends that
exposure simultaneously
Horizontal Scan Circuit
Vertical Scan Circuit
APS with column A/D
Photodiodes + Ampliers + Switches
1
23
45

20
Version 1.7 rev 22 May 2017
Neo 5.5 sCMOS
Features and Functionality
2.2 Te cooling
The read noise of sCMOS technology is extremely low, therefore very careful attention must be given to the contribution
of thermal noise, which if left unchecked carries potential to sacrice the low noise oor advantage. Deep thermoelectric
cooling provides the key to maintaining a minimized detection limit through suppression of dark current, and in addition,
reducing the occurrence of hot pixel blemishes (see Section 2.2.3).
2.2.1 ulTravac™
A high performance scientic sensor must be housed in a hermetically sealed vacuum head with minimal out-gassing,
otherwise both cooling performance and the sensor QE itself will degrade over time. The Neo sCMOS camera features
Andor’s proprietary UltraVac™ vacuum technology.
FiguRe 8: andoR ultRavaC peRManent vaCuuM Head sCHeMatiC
Benets of UltraVac™ Permanent Vacuum Head:
• Sustained vacuum performance over many years operation – process optimized to minimize out-gassing. Peak
QE and cooling will not degrade
• Performance improves because the temperature of the chip can be reduced signicantly. Better cooling (down
to -40°C in the Neo with an enhanced thermo-electric peltier design) translates into substantially lower dark
current and fewer blemishes
• Elimination of condensation and out-gassing means that the system requires only a single entrance window,
with double antireection coating for excellent QE performance
• Prevention of heat transfer from the front window which would otherwise lead to condensation on the outside
window