Princeton Instruments MICROMAX SYSTEM User manual

4411-0039-CE
Version 5.A
June 27, 2003
*4411-0039-CE*

Copyright 2003 Roper Scientific, Inc.
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All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without the written
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The information in this publication is believed to be accurate as of the publication release date. However,
Roper Scientific, Inc. does not assume any responsibility for any consequences including any damages
resulting from the use thereof. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice.
Revision of this publication may be issued to incorporate such change.

iii
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction.......................................................................................11
Introduction.......................................................................................................................11
MicroMAX System Components .....................................................................................11
Overview....................................................................................................................11
Camera .......................................................................................................................12
Controller ...................................................................................................................13
Applications ...............................................................................................................13
Computer Requirements...................................................................................................13
About this Manual ............................................................................................................14
Manual Organization..................................................................................................14
Safety Related Symbols Used in This Manual...........................................................15
Environmental Conditions................................................................................................15
Grounding and Safety.......................................................................................................16
Precautions........................................................................................................................16
Repairs..............................................................................................................................16
Cleaning............................................................................................................................17
Camera and Controller...............................................................................................17
Optical Surfaces.........................................................................................................17
Roper Scientific Customer Service...................................................................................17
Chapter 2 Installation Overview........................................................................19
Chapter 3 System Setup....................................................................................21
Unpacking the System......................................................................................................21
Checking the Equipment and Parts Inventory .................................................................. 21
Power Requirements.........................................................................................................22
Verifying Controller Voltage Setting...............................................................................22
Mounting the Camera .......................................................................................................23
General.......................................................................................................................23
Mounting the Lens .....................................................................................................23
Mounting to a Microscope.........................................................................................24
Mounting to a Spectrometer.......................................................................................27
Installing the Application Software.................................................................................. 28
Installing the Interface Card .............................................................................................28
Installing the PCI Card Driver..........................................................................................29
Selecting the Shutter Setting.............................................................................................30
Connecting the TAXI®(Controller-Computer) Cable ....................................................30
Connecting the Detector-Controller Cable or the Camera Power/Camera Signal Cables........31
Chapter 4 Operation...........................................................................................33
Introduction.......................................................................................................................33
EMF and Xenon or Hg Arc Lamps...................................................................................33
Vacuum.............................................................................................................................33

iv MicroMAX System User Manual Version 5.A
Cooling .............................................................................................................................33
Setting the Temperature.............................................................................................34
Temperature Stabilization..........................................................................................34
Baseline Signal .................................................................................................................34
Imaging Field of View......................................................................................................35
RS-170 or CCIR Video.....................................................................................................35
First Light (Imaging) ........................................................................................................37
Assumptions...............................................................................................................38
Cabling....................................................................................................................... 38
Getting Started ...........................................................................................................39
Setting the Parameters................................................................................................39
Focusing..................................................................................................................... 40
Acquiring Data...........................................................................................................42
First Light (Spectroscopy)................................................................................................42
Assumptions...............................................................................................................43
Cabling........................................................................................................................43
Getting Started ...........................................................................................................43
Setting the Parameters................................................................................................43
Focusing..................................................................................................................... 44
Acquiring Data...........................................................................................................46
Chapter 5 Timing Modes....................................................................................47
Full Speed or Safe Mode .................................................................................................. 47
Standard Timing Modes ...................................................................................................48
Free Run.....................................................................................................................48
External Sync .............................................................................................................50
External Sync with Continuous Cleans......................................................................52
Frame Transfer Operation ................................................................................................53
Interline Operation............................................................................................................ 55
Operating Modes........................................................................................................55
Timing Options in Overlapped Readout Mode.......................................................... 56
Chapter 6 Exposure and Readout.....................................................................59
Exposure...........................................................................................................................59
Exposure with an Interline Array...............................................................................60
Exposure with a Mechanical Shutter .........................................................................60
Exposure with an Image Intensifier ...........................................................................61
Continuous Exposure (no shuttering) ........................................................................61
Saturation ...................................................................................................................62
Dark Charge ...............................................................................................................62
Array Readout...................................................................................................................63
Full Frame..................................................................................................................63
Frame Transfer...........................................................................................................65
Interline ......................................................................................................................66
Binning.......................................................................................................................69
Digitization.......................................................................................................................72
Dual A/D Converters..................................................................................................72
Chapter 7 MicroMAX DIF Camera (Double Image Feature) ............................75
Introduction.......................................................................................................................75

Table of Contents v
Timing Modes...................................................................................................................76
Free Run.....................................................................................................................76
IEC (Internal Exposure Control)................................................................................78
EEC (External Exposure Control)..............................................................................80
ESABI (Electronic Shutter Active Between Images).................................................81
Tips and Tricks.................................................................................................................82
Lab Illumination.........................................................................................................82
Background Subtraction.............................................................................................82
Flatfield Correction....................................................................................................83
Mask Bleed-Through Correction ...............................................................................83
Chapter 8 TTL Control........................................................................................85
Introduction.......................................................................................................................85
TTL In............................................................................................................................... 85
Buffered vs. Latched Inputs.............................................................................................. 86
TTL Out............................................................................................................................86
TTL Diagnostics Screen................................................................................................... 87
Hardware Interface ...........................................................................................................87
Example......................................................................................................................88
Chapter 9 System Component Descriptions ...................................................89
MicroMAX Camera..........................................................................................................89
ST-133A Controller........................................................................................................... 92
Cables ...............................................................................................................................96
Interface Card ...................................................................................................................97
Application Software........................................................................................................97
User Manuals....................................................................................................................97
Chapter 10 Troubleshooting..............................................................................99
Introduction.......................................................................................................................99
Baseline Signal Suddenly Changes ................................................................................100
Changing the ST-133A's Line Voltage and Fuses..........................................................100
Controller Is Not Responding......................................................................................... 101
Cooling Troubleshooting................................................................................................101
Temperature Lock cannot be Achieved or Maintained............................................101
Detector loses Temperature Lock ............................................................................ 102
Gradual Deterioration of Cooling Capability...........................................................102
Detector Stops Working .................................................................................................102
Error occurs at Computer Powerup ................................................................................ 103
Removing/Installing a Plug-In Module...........................................................................105
Shutter Malfunctions ......................................................................................................106
Appendix A Specifications..............................................................................107
CCD Arrays ....................................................................................................................107
Spectral Range .........................................................................................................107
Types........................................................................................................................107
Temperature Control.......................................................................................................108
Cooling ...........................................................................................................................108
Mounting.........................................................................................................................108
Shutters...........................................................................................................................108

vi MicroMAX System User Manual Version 5.A
Inputs ..............................................................................................................................109
Outputs............................................................................................................................109
Programmable Interface..................................................................................................109
A/D Converter ................................................................................................................109
Computer Requirements.................................................................................................109
Miscellaneous................................................................................................................. 110
Appendix B Outline Drawings.........................................................................111
Appendix C Kinetics Mode..............................................................................119
Introduction.....................................................................................................................119
Kinetic Timing Modes....................................................................................................120
Free Run...................................................................................................................120
Single Trigger...........................................................................................................121
Multiple Trigger.......................................................................................................121
Appendix D Virtual Chip Mode........................................................................123
Introduction.....................................................................................................................123
Virtual Chip Setup..........................................................................................................124
Introduction..............................................................................................................124
Equipment:............................................................................................................... 124
Software:..................................................................................................................124
Assumptions:............................................................................................................125
System Connection Diagram:...................................................................................125
Procedure: ................................................................................................................125
Experimental Timing......................................................................................................128
Virtual Chip dialog box..................................................................................................128
Tips.................................................................................................................................129
Appendix E Repumping the Vacuum..............................................................131
Introduction.....................................................................................................................131
Requirements..................................................................................................................131
Vacuum Pumpdown Procedure ......................................................................................132
Appendix F Spectrometer Adapters...............................................................135
Chromex 250 IS (NTE with or without shutter).............................................................136
ISA HR 320 (NTE with or without shutter) ................................................................... 137
ISA HR 640 (NTE with or without shutter) ................................................................... 138
JY TRIAX family (NTE without shutter).......................................................................139
SPEX 270M (NTE with or without shutter)...................................................................140
SPEX 500M (NTE with or without shutter)...................................................................141
SPEX TripleMate (NTE with or without shutter) .......................................................... 142
Declarations of Conformity .............................................................................143
1 MHz Round Head (RTE) Systems...............................................................................144
5 MHz Round Head (RTE) Systems...............................................................................145
1 MHz Rectangular Head (NTE) Systems......................................................................146
Warranty & Service ..........................................................................................147
Limited Warranty: Roper Scientific Analytical Instrumentation.................................... 147
Basic Limited One (1) Year Warranty ..................................................................... 147

Table of Contents vii
Figures Figure 1. MicroMAX Cameras and Controller ...............................................................11
Figure 2. Standard System Diagram................................................................................20
Figure 3. 5 MHz System Diagram...................................................................................20
Figure 4. Controller Power Input Module.......................................................................22
Figure 5. Bottom Clamps.................................................................................................26
Figure 6. Bottom Clamp secured to Relay Lens..............................................................27
Figure 7. WinView Installation: Interface Card Driver Selection...................................28
Figure 8. Shutter Setting for 25mm Internal Shutter.......................................................30
Figure 9. Imaging Field of View .....................................................................................35
Figure 10. Monitor Display of CCD Image Center Area ................................................36
Figure 11. Standard System Connection Diagram...........................................................37
Figure 12. 5 MHz System Diagram.................................................................................38
Figure 13. F-mount Focus Adjustment............................................................................42
Figure 14. Chart of Full Speed (Synchronous) and Safe (Asynchronous) Operation.....49
Figure 15. Free Run Timing Chart (part of the chart in Figure 14).................................50
Figure 16. Free Run Timing Diagram .............................................................................50
Figure 17. Chart Showing Two External Sync Timing Options .....................................51
Figure 18. External Sync Timing Diagram......................................................................51
Figure 19. Continuous Cleans Flowchart ........................................................................52
Figure 20. Continuous Cleans Timing Diagram..............................................................53
Figure 21. Frame Transfer where tw1 + texp + tc< tR......................................................54
Figure 22. Frame Transfer where tw1 + texp + tc> tR.......................................................55
Figure 23. Frame Transfer where Pulse arrives after Readout........................................55
Figure 24. Overlapped Mode where tw1 + texp + tc< tR..................................................57
Figure 25. Overlapped Mode where tw1 + texp + tc> tR...................................................57
Figure 26. Overlapped Mode where Pulse arrives after Readout....................................58
Figure 27. Block Diagram of Light Path in System.........................................................59
Figure 28. CCD Exposure with Shutter Compensation...................................................61
Figure 29. Full Frame at Full Resolution ........................................................................63
Figure 30. Frame Transfer Readout.................................................................................65
Figure 31. Overlapped Mode Exposure and Readout......................................................67
Figure 32. Non-Overlapped Mode Exposure and Readout..............................................68
Figure 33. 2 × 2 Binning for Full Frame CCD................................................................70
Figure 34. 2 × 2 Binning for Interline CCD .................................................................... 71
Figure 35. Free Run Mode Timing Diagram...................................................................77
Limited One (1) Year Warranty on Refurbished or Discontinued Products ............ 147
Normal Wear ItemDisclaimer..................................................................................147
VersArray (XP) Vacuum Chamber Limited Lifetime Warranty.............................. 148
Sealed Chamber Integrity Limited 24 Month Warranty........................................... 148
Vacuum Integrity Limited 24 Month Warranty ....................................................... 148
Image Intensifier Detector Limited One Year Warranty.......................................... 148
X-Ray Detector Limited One Year Warranty .......................................................... 148
Software Limited Warranty...................................................................................... 148
Owner's Manual and Troubleshooting ..................................................................... 149
Your Responsibility.................................................................................................. 149
Contact Information........................................................................................................ 150
Index ..................................................................................................................151

viii MicroMAX System User Manual Version 5.A
Figure 36. Setup using to Trigger an Event.......................................................77
Figure 37. Timing for Experiment Setup shown in Figure 36.........................................77
Figure 38. Timing Diagram for Typical IEC Measurement............................................ 79
Figure 39. Setup for IEC Experiment with Two Lasers..................................................79
Figure 40. Timing Diagram for IEC Experiment with Two Lasers.................................79
Figure 41. Another Hardware Setup for an IEC Measurement.......................................80
Figure 42. EEC Timing Example with Exposure Time in Software Set to texp ...............81
Figure 43. ESABI Timing Example: Image Exposure time = texp set in software...........82
Figure 44. TTL In/Out Connector ...................................................................................87
Figure 45. Controller Front Panel....................................................................................92
Figure 46. ST-133A Rear Panel.......................................................................................93
Figure 47. and SHUTTER MONITOR Signals...................................................96
Figure 48. Power Input Module.....................................................................................100
Figure 49. Fuse Holder..................................................................................................100
Figure 50. Module Installation ......................................................................................105
Figure 51. ST-133A Controller Dimensions .................................................................111
Figure 52. Rectangular Camera Head: C-Mount...........................................................112
Figure 53. Rectangular Camera Head: F-Mount ...........................................................113
Figure 54. Rectangular Camera Head: Spectroscopy Mount with Shutter....................114
Figure 55. Rectangular Camera Head: Spectroscopy Mount without Shutter ..............115
Figure 56. 1 MHz and 100kHz/1MHz Round Head Camera: C-Mount Adapter and
Shutter.....................................................................................................................116
Figure 57. 5 MHz Round Head Camera: C-Mount Adapter..........................................117
Figure 58. 1 MHz Round Head Camera: F-Mount Adapter..........................................118
Figure 59. Kinetics Readout..........................................................................................119
Figure 60. Hardware Setup dialog box..........................................................................120
Figure 61. Experiment Setup dialog box....................................................................... 120
Figure 62. Free Run Timing Diagram ...........................................................................121
Figure 63. Single Trigger Timing Diagram...................................................................121
Figure 64. Multiple Trigger Timing Diagram ...............................................................122
Figure 65. Virtual Chip Functional Diagram.................................................................123
Figure 66. System Diagram...........................................................................................125
Figure 67. Virtual Chip dialog box................................................................................128
Figure 68. Vacuum Connector Required for Pumping..................................................132
Figure 69. Removing the Back Panel ............................................................................132
Figure 70. Attaching the Vacuum Connector................................................................133
Figure 71. Opening the Camera to the Vacuum System................................................133
Tables
Table 1. Bottom Clamps for Different Microscopes.......................................................26
Table 2. PCI Driver File Locations..................................................................................29
Table 3. ST-133A Shutter Setting Selection ...................................................................30
Table 4. Camera Timing Modes......................................................................................47
Table 5. Approximate Readout Time for the Full-Frame CCD Array............................64
Table 6. Approximate Readout Time for the Frame-Transfer CCD Array.....................65
Table 7. Approximate Readout Time for the Interline CCD Arrays...............................69
Table 8. Readout Rates for PI 1300 × 1030 Array at 1 MHz..........................................69
Table 9. Well Capacity for some CCD Arrays................................................................72

Table of Contents ix
Table 10. Bit Values with Decimal Equivalents: 1 = High, 0 = Low.............................86
Table 11. TTL In/Out Connector Pinout.........................................................................87
Table 12. ST-133A Shutter Drive Selection....................................................................95
Table 13. I/O Address & Interrupt Assignments before Installing Serial Card.............103
Table 14. I/O Address & Interrupt Assignments after Installing Serial Card ...............104
Table 15. MicroMAX:512BFT: Virtual Chip Size, Exposure Time, and Frames per
Second ....................................................................................................................124

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11
Chapter 1
Introduction
Introduction
The Princeton Instruments MicroMAX system is a high-speed, low-noise CCD camera
system designed for demanding imaging applications and is an optimal system for use in
fluorescence microscopy applications such as high-resolution immunofluorescence,
FISH or GFP imaging. The MicroMAX system incorporates a compact camera head,
cooled CCD, advanced exposure-control timing, video output, and sophisticated readout
capabilities.
Among the advantages of the MicroMAX concept are the range of CCD arrays available
and the built-in video output mode. The system can be configured either with a variety of
interline CCDs to provide true 12-bit images at a readout rate of up to 5 million pixels
per second, or with a number of back-illuminated CCDs to provide true 16-bit images.
The built-in video output mode simplifies setup and focusing on the microscope. The
combination of the MicroMAX system with one of a variety of specialty software
packages results in a powerful digital imaging system that can meet most experimental
needs.
MicroMAX System Components
Overview
The MicroMAX imaging system consists of
a camera (either a round head or a
rectangular head depending on application),
controller, digital interface card, a computer,
cables, manuals, and application software.
Together, these components allow you to
acquire quantitative digital data under very
low light imaging conditions. Each
component is optimized for its specific
function. In operation, data acquired by the
Figure 1. MicroMAX Cameras and
Controller
camera is routed to the controller and from there to the computer for processing and
display. A composite video output allows immediate viewing of the acquired images on a
separate monitor. The application software (for example, Princeton Instruments
WinView/32) allows the computer to control both the system configuration and data
acquisition.

12 MicroMAX System User Manual Version 5.A
Camera
Introduction: The function of the camera is to collect very low intensity light and
convert the energy into a quantitative, electronic signal (photo-electrons) over a two
dimensional space. To do this, light from the subject is focused onto a CCD array, which
accumulates photoelectrons for the exposure time. At the end of the exposure time, the
image thus formed is read out. The accumulated charge on each cell of the array is
transferred out of the CCD array, amplified, and sent to the controller as an analog
signal, where it is digitized prior to transfer to the computer.
The camera is highly integrated, containing the shutter (if applicable) and thermoelectric
cooler with optional forced-air supplemental cooling in a single, shielded housing.
Surface mount electronic technology is used wherever possible, giving a compact
package with uncompromising performance.
Depending on your application, the camera included in your MicroMAX system will be
either a compact round camera head or a high performance, cooled, rectangular camera
head. The round head features interline CCDs; its small size ensures that the camera can
be mounted on virtually any microscope port, including those found on inverted
microscopes. The rectangular head features back-illuminated CCDs with frame transfer
readout.
At the heart of the camera is the CCD array centered on the optic axis. Available formats
include the:
• EEV CCD57-10, 512×512, 13×13µm pixels for the MicroMAX:512BFT
• EEV CCD47-10, 1024×1024, 13×13µm pixels for the MicroMAX:1024B
• Sony ICX075, 782×582, 8.3× 8.3µm pixels for the MicroMAX:782Yand the
MicroMAX:782YHS systems
• Sony ICX061,1300×1030, 6.7× 6.7µm pixels for the MicroMAX:1300Y, the
MicroMAX:1300YHS, and MicroMAX:1300YHS-DIF systems
A special clocking mode to minimize background signal is supported. See the Roper
Scientific brochures and data sheets for detailed specifications.
Cooling System: MicroMAX cameras have a multi-stage Peltier type cooler that is
thermally coupled to the CCD surface. Heat is sequentially transferred through the
Peltier stages and from there to the outer shell of the camera via a heat transfer block.
This cooling system allows the camera to maintain CCD temperature of typically -15°C
for round cameras head and -45°C for rectangular camera heads. Cameras equipped with
a fan assembly can reach lower CCD temperatures for reduced thermal noise and
extended exposure times.
Low Noise Readout: In order to achieve a low-noise readout of the CCD, several
design features have been implemented. These include cooling the preamplifier on the
CCD, isolating circuits to prevent electronic crosstalk and minimizing the path lengths of
critical electronic circuits. The net result of these design features is the lowest available
readout noise at the highest speed possible for these CCDs.

Chapter 1 Introduction 13
Controller
Data Conversion: The controller accepts the analog data and converts it to digital data
using specially designed, low-noise electronics supporting scientific grade 12- or 16-bit
Analog to Digital (A/D) converters.
The standard MicroMAX Controller enables both high-speed and high-precision readout
capabilities. It can collect 16-bit images at a readout rate of up to 1 million pixels per
second (1 MHz) in the high-speed mode or at 100 thousand pixels per second (100 kHz)
in the optional precision mode (16-bit). Switching between the two modes is under
software control for total experiment automation.
The 5 MHz MicroMAX Controller provides 12-bit digitization at 5 MHz., resulting in a
frame readout time of 0.33 seconds per full frame.
Modular Design: In addition to containing the power supplies, the controller contains
the analog and digital electronics, scan control and exposure timing hardware, and
system I/O connectors, all mounted on user-accessible plug-in modules. The design is
highly modularized for flexibility and convenient servicing.
Flexible Readout: There is provision for extremely flexible readout of the CCD.
Readout modes supported include full resolution, simultaneous multiple subimages, and
nonuniform binning. Single or multiple software-defined regions of interest can also be
tested without having to digitize all the pixels of the array
High Speed Data Transfer: Data is transferred directly to the host computer memory
via a high-speed serial link. A proprietary Interface card places the data from the
controller directly into the host computer RAM using Direct Memory Access (DMA).
The DMA transfer process ensures that the data arrives at sufficiently high speed to
prevent data loss from the controller. Since the data transfer rate is much higher than the
output rate from the A/D, the latter becomes the data acquisition rate-limiting factor.
Once the digital data is in RAM, the image acquisition program can transfer the image
into its own working RAM for viewing and further processing.
Note: A frame buffer with standard composite video, either RS-170 (EIA) or CCIR,
whichever was ordered, is also provided.
Applications
With its small size, fully integrated design, cooled CCD and temperature control,
advanced exposure control timing, and sophisticated readout capabilities, the
MicroMAX system is well suited to both general macro imaging and microscopy
applications.
Computer Requirements
Note: Computers and operating systems all undergo frequent revision. The following
information is only intended to give an approximate indication of the computer
requirements. Please contact the factory to determine your specific needs.
Computer Type: Any Pentium®(or better) PC or Macintosh®computer having a free
PCI slot.
Memory (RAM): Minimum of 32 Mbytes; possibly more depending on experiment
design and size of CCD Array.

14 MicroMAX System User Manual Version 5.A
Operating System: Windows®95/ME/2000/XP or Windows NT®
Interface: PCI High-Speed Serial I/O card. Computers purchased from Roper
Scientific as part of the MicroMAX system are shipped with the card installed.
Computer Monitor: Super VGA monitor with 256 color graphics card and at least
512 kbytes of memory.
Mouse: Two-button Microsoft®-compatible serial mouse or Logitech three-button
serial/bus mouse.
About this Manual
Manual Organization
This manual provides the user with all the information needed to install a MicroMAX
camera and place it in operation. Topics covered include a detailed description of the
camera, installation, cleaning, specifications and more.
Chapter 1 , Introduction briefly describes the MicroMAX family of cameras;
details the structure of this manual; and documents environmental, storage, and
cleaning requirements.
Chapter 2, Installation Overview cross-references system setup actions with
relevant manuals and/or manual pages. It also contains system layout diagrams.
Chapter 3, System Setup provides detailed directions for interconnecting the
system components.
Chapter 4, Operation
discusses number of topics, including temperature control,
vacuum degradation, and sensitivity to damage from EMF spikes generated by
Xenon or Hg arc lamps. Includes step-by-step directions for verifying system
operation.
Chapter 5, Timing Modes discusses the basic Controller timing modes and
related topics, including Synchronous vs. Asynchronous, Free Run, External
Sync, Continuous, Frame Transfer, and Interline operation.
Chapter 6, Exposure and Readout discusses Exposure and Readout, together
with many peripheral topics, including: shuttered and unshuttered exposure;
saturation; dark charge; full frame, interline, and frame-transfer readout; and
binning.
Chapter 7, MicroMAX DIF Camera (Double Image Feature) describes DIF
(Dual Image Feature) camera and its operation.
Chapter 8, TTL Control provides information about how to use the TTL
connector on the rear of the controller.
Chapter 9, System Component Descriptions provides descriptions of each
system component.
Chapter 10, Troubleshooting provides courses of action to take if you should
have problems with your system.
Appendix A, Specifications includes controller and camera specifications.

Chapter 1 Introduction 15
Appendix B, Outline Drawings includes outline drawings of the MicroMAX
cameras and the ST-133A Controller.
Appendix C, Kinetics Mode describes how to set up and acquire data with the
Kinetics option, which allows frame transfer CCDs to take time-resolved
images/spectra.
Appendix D, Virtual Chip Mode describes how to set up and use the Virtual
Chip option, a special fast-acquisition technique.
Appendix E, Repumping the Vacuum explains how to restore the 1 MHz or
100kHz/1MHz round head camera's vacuum if that vacuum has deteriorated over
time.
Appendix F, Spectrometer Adapters
provides mounting instructions for the
spectrometer adapters available for MicroMAX rectangular head (NTE)
cameras.
Declarations of Conformity
contains the Declarations of Conformity for 1 MHz
(includes 100 kHz/1MHz) and 5 MHz MicroMAX systems.
Warranty and Service
provides the Roper Scientific warranty and customer
support contact information.
Safety Related Symbols Used in This Manual
Caution! The use of this symbol on equipment indicates that one or more
nearby items should not be operated without first consulting the manual. The
same symbol appears in the manual adjacent to the text that discusses the
hardware item(s) in question.
Caution! Risk of electric shock! The use of this symbol on equipment
indicates that one or more nearby items pose an electric shock hazard and should
be regarded as potentially dangerous. This same symbol appears in the manual
adjacent to the text that discusses the hardware item(s) in question.
Environmental Conditions
• Storage temperature: < 55°C
• Operating environment: 0°C to 30°C
• Relative humidity: ≤50%, non-condensing.

16 MicroMAX System User Manual Version 5.A
Grounding and Safety
The apparatus described in this manual is of the Class I category as defined in IEC
Publication 348 (Safety Requirements for Electronic Measuring Apparatus). It is
designed for indoor operation only. Before turning on the controller, the ground prong of
the power cord plug must be properly connected to the ground connector of the wall
outlet. The wall outlet must have a third prong, or must be properly connected to an
adapter that complies with these safety requirements.
If the equipment is damaged, the protective grounding could be disconnected. Do not use
damaged equipment until its safety has been verified by authorized personnel.
Disconnecting the protective earth terminal, inside or outside the apparatus, or any
tampering with its operation is also prohibited.
Inspect the supplied power cord. If it is not compatible with the power socket, replace the
cord with one that has suitable connectors on both ends.
Replacement power cords or power plugs must have the same polarity as that of the
original ones to avoid hazard due to electrical shock.
Precautions
To prevent permanently damaging the system, please observe the following precautions:
• Always switch off and unplug the ST-133A Controller before changing your system
configuration in any way.
• Never remove the camera’s front window, as it is necessary to maintain vacuum (or
to maintain a dry nitrogen environment).
• The CCD array is very sensitive to static electricity. Touching the CCD can destroy
it. Operations requiring contact with the device can only be performed at the factory.
• Never operate the camera cooled without proper evacuation or backfill. This could
damage the CCD!
• Never connect or disconnect any cable while the MicroMAX system is powered on.
Reconnecting a charged cable may damage the CCD.
• Never prevent the free flow of air through the equipment by blocking the air vents.
Repairs
Repairs must be done by Roper Scientific. If your system hardware needs repair, contact
Roper Scientific Customer Service. Please save the original packing material so you can
safely ship the system to another location or return it for repairs.
WARNING
WARNING

Chapter 1 Introduction 17
Cleaning
Turn off all power to the equipment and secure all covers before cleaning the units.
Otherwise, damage to the equipment or personal injury could occur.
Camera and Controller
Although there is no periodic maintenance that must be performed on the camera or the
ST-133A Controller, you may clean these components from time to time by wiping them
down with a clean damp cloth. This operation should only be done on the external
surfaces and with all covers secured. In dampening the cloth, use clean water only. No
soap, solvents or abrasives should be used. Not only are they not required, but they could
damage the finish of the surfaces on which they are used.
Optical Surfaces
Optical surfaces may need to be cleaned due to the accumulation of atmospheric dust.
We advise that the drag-wipe technique be used. This involves dragging a clean cellulose
lens tissue dampened with clean anhydrous methanol over the optical surface to be
cleaned. Do not allow any other material to touch the optical surfaces.
Roper Scientific Customer Service
Refer to the contact information located on page 150 of this manual.
WARNING!

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19
Chapter 2
Installation Overview
The list and diagrams below briefly describe the sequence of actions required to
hookup your system and prepare to gather data. Refer to the indicated references
for more detailed information. This list assumes that the application software is
Princeton Instruments WinView/32.
Action Reference
1. If the system components have not already been unpacked, unpack
them and inspect their carton(s) and the system components for in-
transit damage. Store the packing materials.
Chapter 3
System Setup, page 21
2. Verify that all system components have been received. Chapter 3
System Setup, page 21
3. If the components show no signs of damage, verify that the
appropriate voltage settings have been selected for the Controller. Chapter 3 System Setup, page 22
4. If the WinView/32 software is not already installed in the host
computer, install it. This will install the appropriate drivers for the
interface card.
WinView/32 manual
5. If using a microscope or spectrometer, mount the Camera. Chapter 3
System Setup, page 24 or 27
6. If the appropriate interface card is not already installed in the host
computer, install it. Chapter 3 System Setup, page 28
7. With the Controller and computer power turned OFF, connect the
TAXI®cable to the Controller and the interface card in the host
computer. Then tighten down the locking hardware.
Chapter 3
System Setup, page 30
8. With the Controller power turned OFF, make the camera-to-
controller connections to the back of the Controller. If making
connections for a 5 MHz system, hook up the 15-pin Power cable
before the 40-pin Signal cable (the right angle connectors attach to
the camera). Secure the latch(es) to lock the cable connection(s).
Chapter 3
System Setup, page 31
9. With the Controller power turned OFF, make the camera-to-
controller connections to the back of the Camera. If making
connections for a 5 MHz system, hook up the 15-pin Power cable
before the 40-pin Signal cable (the right angle connectors attach to
the camera). Secure the latch(es) to lock the cable connection(s).
Chapter 3
System Setup, page 31
10. With the Controller power turned OFF, connect the Controller
power cable to the rear of the controller and to the power source.

20 MicroMAX System User Manual Version 5.A
Action Reference
11. If using a microscope Xenon or an Hg arc lamp, turn it on before
turning on the controller and host computer. Chapter 4 Operation, page 33
12. Turn the Controller ON.
13. Turn on the computer and begin running WinView/32. WinView/32 manual
14. Enter the hardware setup information or load the defaults from the
controller. Chapter 4 Operation, page 39
15. Set the target array temperature. Chapter 4
Operation, page 33
16. When the system reaches temperature lock, begin acquiring data in
focus mode. Chapter 4 Operation, page 37
17. Adjust the focus for the image. Chapter 4
Operation, page 40
Computer
110/220
TAXI cable
(Serial Com)
Controller
SerialDetector
EXPERIMENT
110/220
Camera
Detector-Controller
Microscope
Figure 2. Standard System Diagram
Computer
110/220
TAXI cable
(Serial Com)
Controller
SerialCamera
Pwr
EXPERIMENT
110/220
Camera
Microscope
Camera
Signal
Camera-Controller Cable Assy.
Figure 3. 5 MHz System Diagram