Q Imaging Rolera Thunder User manual

USER MANUAL
DIGITAL IMAGING MADE EASY

Rolera Thunder User Manual i
User Manual for ROLERA Thunder

Rolera Thunder User Manual ii
Rolera Thunder User Manual
Applicability
This document applies to the Rolera Thunder camera. For the latest updates, please visit WWW.QIMAGING.COM
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Rolera Thunder User Manual iii
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Overview ............................................................................................................... 1
Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 1
Technolog Introduction .............................................................................................................. 1
S stem Components ................................................................................................................... 2
About This Manual ...................................................................................................................... 3
Precautions .................................................................................................................................. 3
Environmental Requirements ...................................................................................................... 4
Storage Requirements ................................................................................................................. 4
Microscopes, Lenses, and Tripods .............................................................................................. 4
Repairs ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Cleaning ....................................................................................................................................... 4
Chapter 2 System Installation ................................................................................................. 5
Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 5
Software Compatibilit Requirements ......................................................................................... 5
Host Computer Requirements ..................................................................................................... 6
Multiple Cameras ......................................................................................................................... 6
Software Installation .................................................................................................................... 6
Installing the FireWire Interface Card ........................................................................................ 7
Connecting Your Rolera Thunder Camera ................................................................................... 7
To connect our Rolera Thunder camera ............................................................................. 7
Adjusting the C Mount Adapter ................................................................................................... 8
Travel Distance ..................................................................................................................... 8
Chapter 3 Operating Features .................................................................................................. 9
Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 9
On-Chip Multiplication Gain ................................................................................................. 9
Offset (bias) .......................................................................................................................... 9
Exposure- Readout Modes.................................................................................................... 9
Non-Overlap Mode ............................................................................................................. 10
Example: Non-Overlap Mode ............................................................................................ 11
Overlap Mode (Simultaneous Exposure-Readout) ............................................................ 12
Triggered Operation ........................................................................................................... 14
Trigger-first Mode ............................................................................................................... 14
Strobe Mode ....................................................................................................................... 15
Bulb Mode .......................................................................................................................... 15
Conversion Gain .................................................................................................................. 16
Readout Speed (T pical) ..................................................................................................... 16
Binning ................................................................................................................................ 16
Rolera Thunder Features ........................................................................................................... 17
Dual-Readout Port Operation ............................................................................................. 18
Conversion Gain ................................................................................................................. 19
Readout Speed (t pical) ...................................................................................................... 19
Binning ................................................................................................................................ 20
Rolera Thunder Application Examples ................................................................................ 20
Application Settings Summar ............................................................................................ 21
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting .................................................................................................... 22
S stem Does Not Boot Normall ........................................................................................ 22

Rolera Thunder User Manual iv
New Hardware Found Dialog Box Does Not Appear (Windows 2000/XP) ......................... 22
Images Not Displa ed ........................................................................................................ 23
Camera Running Too Warm ................................................................................................ 23
PVCAM Error Message Appears .......................................................................................... 23
Length Pauses During Imaging .......................................................................................... 23
Rolera Thunder Will Not Image When Attached to Certain Dual-processor or
H perthreading-capable PCs .............................................................................................. 23
Chapter 5 Basic Specifications ................................................................................................ 24
CCD Specifications and Orientation ........................................................................................... 24
Connectors ................................................................................................................................. 25
Power Connector Pinout ..................................................................................................... 25
I/O Connector Pinout .......................................................................................................... 26
Power Suppl Specifications and Dimensions ........................................................................... 27
Index ..................................................................................................................................... 28
Figures
Figure 1. Comparison of Traditional CCD and Rolera Thunder CCD Arra Structures ................2
Figure 2. Rolera Thunder Camera and DATA Cable ....................................................................2
Figure 3. FireWire interface Card ................................................................................................3
Figure 4. DATA Cable ...................................................................................................................7
Figure 5. Rolera Thunder Rear Panel ..........................................................................................8
Figure 6. Adjustable C-Mount Adapter .......................................................................................8
Figure 7. Non-overlap Mode Operational Sequence ................................................................10
Figure 8. Required Settings for Non-Overlap Mode Operation ................................................11
Figure 9. Timing Diagram for Non-Overlap Mode .....................................................................11
Figure 10. Required Settings for Overlap Mode Operation ......................................................12
Figure 11. Timing Diagram for Overlap Mode when Exposure Time < Readout Time .............13
Figure 12. Timing Diagram for Overlap Mode when Exposure Time > Readout Time .............13
Figure 13. Trigger-First Mode Timing Diagram: Overlap Mode ................................................14
Figure 14. Trigger-First Mode Timing Diagram: Non-Overlap Mode ........................................14
Figure 15. Strobe Mode Timing Diagram ..................................................................................15
Figure 16. Bulb Mode Timing Diagram ......................................................................................15
Figure 17. DAC Setting vs. Charge Multiplication Gain for Rolera Thunder ..............................17
Figure 18. Rolera Thunder CCD Arra Structure ......................................................................18
Figure 19. Software Selection of Readout Port .........................................................................18
Figure 23. Rolera Thunder CCD Orientation .............................................................................24
Figure 24. Rolera Thunder Rear Panel ......................................................................................25
Figure 25. Power Connector Pinout ..........................................................................................25
Figure 26. Input/Output Connector ..........................................................................................26
Figure 27. Power Suppl Front/Side & Top Views ....................................................................27
Tables
Table 1. Rolera Thunder Readout Speeds and T pical Conversion Gains .................................19
Table 2. Application T pe and Rolera Thunder Setup Parameters ...........................................21
Table 3. CCD Specifications .......................................................................................................24
Table 4. Input/Output Definitions .............................................................................................26

Rolera Thunder User Manual v
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Rolera Thunder Users Manual 1
Chapter 1
Overview
Introduction
The QImaging® Rolera Thunder camera emplo s an advanced CCD technolog called "impact
ionization" to achieve charge multiplication gain above the read noise. As a result, the cameras
offer unparalleled sensitivit even at high frame rates.
Rolera Thunder cameras are most suited for high speed and/or low-light level imaging
applications such as single molecule fluorescence, ion imaging, and adaptive optics. With the
traditional readout amplifier, the Rolera Thunder can also be used for standard fluorescence and
imaging applications requiring higher d namic range.
Currentl the Rolera Thunder line consists of the following camera model:
• Rolera Thunder
o Uses a 512x512 Back-illuminated CCD with 16x16 µm pixels.
o Has two readout amplifiers – one that offers charge multiplication gain and
another for traditional readout.
Technology
Introduction
The principal difference between a charge-multipl ing CCD and a traditional CCD is the presence
of an extended serial register in the new device (see Figure 1). Electrons are accelerated from
pixel to pixel in the extended portion of the serial register (also referred to as a multiplication
register) b appl ing higher-than-t pical CCD clock voltages. This causes secondar electrons to
be generated in the silicon b impact ionization. The degree of multiplication gain is controlled
b increasing or decreasing clock voltages for this register (gain is exponentiall proportional to
the voltage). Although the probabilit of generating secondar electrons is fairl low (t picall
0.01 per stage), over the large number of stages of a t pical multiplication register, the total gain
can be quite high.
This technolog combines the ease of use and robustness of a traditional CCD with the gain
capabilities of an intensified CCD in a single device. The combination of this technolog with
frame-transfer readout makes the Rolera Thunder cameras excellent choices for experiments
where fast framing and low light sensitivit are required.

Rolera Thunder User Manual 2
Figure 1. Comparison of Traditional CCD and Rolera Thunder CCD Array Structures
The Rolera Thunder also offers a non-multiplication readout similar to the one available in
traditional CCD cameras. This makes these more versatile cameras that can be used for standard
imaging applications requiring higher d namic range.
System
Components
In addition to the components shown below and on the next page, the Rolera Thunder package
also includes PVCAM® drivers.
Figure 2. Rolera Thunder Camera and DATA Cable
Rolera Thunder CCD
Traditional CCD

Rolera Thunder User Manual 3
Figure 3. Fire ire interface Card
About This
Manual
The Rolera Thunder User Manual is divided into five chapters. It is suggested that ou read the
entire manual before operating the camera in order to ensure proper use. The chapter contents
are briefl described below.
Note: The information in these chapters applies only to the Rolera Thunder and is currently not applicable to
any other QImaging camera.
• Overview — This is a basic overview of the Rolera Thunder that includes precautions
and general maintenance/equipment information.
• S stem Installation — Instructions for connecting our Rolera Thunder camera to
our computer via the Rolera Thunder FireWire interface card.
• Operating Features — Discusses Rolera Thunder features such as on-chip
multiplication gain, readout, and trigger modes. Provides additional information on
dual-readout mode feature available.
• Troubleshooting — Provides answers to camera s stem problems.
• Basic Specifications — Provides specifications for Rolera Thunder s stem
components.
recautions
The CCD and other s stem electronics are extremel sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD). To
avoid permanentl damaging the s stem, please observe the following precautions:
• If ou are using high-voltage equipment (such as an arc lamp) with our camera
s stem, be sure to turn the camera power on last and power the camera off first.
• Never connect or disconnect an cable while the s stem is powered on.
• Although ou should switch off the camera’s power before disconnecting an
camera s stem cable, ou do not need to power off our computer to detach the
cables.

Rolera Thunder User Manual 4
• Use caution when triggering high-current switching devices (such as an arc lamp)
near our s stem. The CCD can be permanentl damaged b transient voltage
spikes. If electricall nois devices are present, an isolated, conditioned power line
or dedicated isolation transformer is highl recommended.
• Alwa s leave one inch of space around the camera’s external cooling fins for airflow.
• Never open the camera. There are no user-serviceable parts inside the Rolera
Thunder camera. Opening the camera voids the warrant .
• Use onl the FireWire interface card, cables, and power suppl designated for this
camera s stem. Using non- Rolera Thunder cables, FireWire interface cards, or
power supplies ma result in permanent damage to our s stem.
• Do not use a C-mount lens with optics that extend behind the lens flange.
Environmental
Requirements
The Rolera Thunder camera s stem should be operated in a clean, dr environment. The camera
s stem’s ambient operating temperature is 0°C to 30°C with 80% relative humidit , non-
condensing.
Storage
Requirements
Store the Rolera Thunder camera s stem in its original containers. To protect the s stem from
excessive heat, cold, and moisture, store at an ambient temperature between -20°C and 60°C
with a relative humidit of 0% to 90%, noncondensing.
Microscopes,
Lenses, and
Tripods
The camera has a standard threaded video mount and can be mounted to an microscope that
accepts a standard C-mount adapter. The camera also allows ou to install an lens that is
compatible with a standard threaded video mount as long as its optics do not extend behind the
flange of the lens. The Rolera Thunder camera can be mounted to a tripod using the tripod
mounting attachment located on the bottom of the camera.
The Rolera Thunder C-mount adapter is designed so it can be screwed in or out to change the
focal depth. Once the focal depth as been changed, the adapter is secured b two setscrews. See
Adjusting the C Mount Adapter (Chapter 2) for more information.
Repairs
The Rolera Thunder camera s stem contains no user-serviceable parts. Repairs must be done b
QImaging. Should our camera s stem need repair, contact QImaging Customer Service. Please
save the original packing materials so ou can safel ship the camera s stem to another location
or return it for repairs if necessar .
Note: Do not open the camera. Opening the Rolera Thunder camera voids the warranty.
Cleaning
Clean exterior surfaces of the camera with a dr , lint-free cloth. To remove stains, contact
QImaging Customer Service. To clean the camera’s imaging window, use onl a filtered
compressed-air source. Hand-held cans are not recommended, as the ma spra propellant
onto the window. Do not touch the window.

Rolera Thunder User Manual 5
Chapter 2
System Installation
Carefully review the recautions section in the previous chapter before performing any of the procedures
outlined here. Again, use only a Rolera Thunder data cable and a Rolera Thunder FireWire interface card
with your Rolera Thunder camera. Using a different cable or interface card may result in permanent damage
to your system.
Introduction
Your Rolera Thunder camera s stem has the following hardware components:
• Camera head
• FireWire interface card
• Data cable
• Power suppl with power cord
• Red test lens
• CD-ROM
• Quick installation Guide
Rolera Thunder s stem components are linked b the data cable and controlled b our host
computer s stem. All of these hardware components should be included with our shipment.
Refer to the information and figures in the S stem Components section (Chapter 1).
Keep all the original packing materials so ou can safel ship the Rolera Thunder s stem to
another location or return it for service if necessar .
If ou have an difficult with an step of the instructions, call QImaging Customer Service.
Software
Compatibility
Requirements
The Rolera Thunder package includes the PVCAM drivers designed for use with this camera.
All other imaging software must also be PVCAM-compatible. For full access to Rolera Thunder
hardware functions, the current version of PVCAM must be used.

Rolera Thunder User Manual 6
Host Computer
Requirements
The host computer (PC) for our Rolera Thunder camera must have the following:
• Windows® 7, Vista, or XP (SP3 or later) operating s stem
• 2 GHz Core 2 Duo (or greater)
• 2 GB RAM (or greater)
• CD-ROM drive
• At least one unused traditional PCIe or PCI card slot
• 16-bit color displa (or greater)
Note: The above requirements are the minimum for operating a Rolera Thunder camera. A faster computer
with larger memory (RAM) will greatly enhance the software performance during live mode operations.
Multiple
Cameras
PVCAM supports multiple open cameras. In order to use this function, it must also be supported
b our imaging software.
If our imaging software supports multiple cameras, there must be a separate interface card for
each camera.
Software
Installation
An Installation Guide appropriate to our s stem is included as an insert with the camera s stem.
This guide provides step-b -step instructions for installing the camera interface software and the
application software for Windows-based computers. Additional instructions are included for
installing a FireWire interface card in our computer and capturing images.
The QImaging CD-ROM contains the following files.
• MacOS director — contains required files for installing on a Macintosh computer.
• Manuals director — contains user manuals in PDF format.
• WinOS director — contains the files for installing on a Windows PC.
• Linux director — (not applicable to Rolera Thunder).

Rolera Thunder User Manual 7
Installing the
FireWire
Interface Card
You will be using a Rolera Thunder FireWire interface card to allow the camera to communicate
with our computer.
Before installing the interface card, refer to the ‘Release Notes’ files on the CD-ROM and to the
Software Installation insert. The insert instructions will step ou through the FireWire interface
card installation.
After installing the interface card, continue to Connecting Your Rolera Thunder Camera.
Connecting Your
Rolera Thunder
Camera
The following connectors are located on the back of the Rolera Thunder camera:
• DATA connector: T pe 1, 6-pin IEEE-1394a (FireWire) connector for data transfer
• POWER connector: 5-pin, LEMO connector for camera power (see POWER
Connector Pinout section in Chapter 5 for details)
• I/O connector: Hirose HR10A-10R-10S, 10-pin connector for input/output control
signals (see I/O Connector Pinout later in this manual)
• Power switch: Turns the camera on and off (|=on, O=off)
To connect your
Rolera Thunder
camera
1. Connect either end of the DATA cable to the Rolera Thunder FireWire interface card
that ou have installed in the host computer. The DATA cable (shown below) connects
our Rolera Thunder camera to the Rolera Thunder FireWire interface card. This
interface cable is identifiable b its 6-pin connectors. It is designed to serve as a
conduit for data.
Figure 4. DATA Cable

Rolera Thunder User Manual 8
2. Connect the other end of the DATA cable to the FireWire port (indicated with blue
arrow in next graphic) located on the back of the camera.
Figure 5. Rolera Thunder Rear Panel
3. Verif that the power switch on the back of the camera is in the position (|=on, O=Off).
4. Connect the power suppl to the Power connector on the back of the camera.
5. Plug the power cord into the power suppl and then into a suitable wall outlet.
6. Switch on the camera (power switch on the back of camera).
Adjusting the C
Mount Adapter
The Rolera Thunder features an adjustable C-mount adapter that allows ou to change the focal
depth. The C-mount adapter is adjusted in the factor to nominal C-mount back focal distance.
Adjust the C-mount adapter onl if ou cannot achieve focus on our instrument.
If required, use a .050" hex ke to adjust the adapter as follows:
1. Loosen the two setscrews and rotate the ring to the desired height (see next figure).
The amount of travel possible depends on the camera model. Tighten the screws to
lock the adapter in place, after confirming desired height.
Figure 6. Adjustable C-Mount Adapter
Travel Distance
Rolera Thunder = .215”/ .546cm
Note: A spanner wrench can be used to rotate the adapter after the setscrews have been loosened. The
spanner holes are .15" (.38 cm) dia. x .15" (.38 cm) deep and are spaced 1.25" (3.18 cm) apart. To lock the
setscrews, the travel distance must be less than .215" (.54 cm).
(2) Spanner Wrench Holes
.15" (.38 cm) dia x.15" (.38 cm) deep
1.25" (3.18 cm) apart
(2) Setscrews
(.050" hex key)

Rolera Thunder User Manual
Chapter 3
Operating Features
Introduction
The features described in this section are identical in all Rolera Thunder cameras unless
otherwise stated.
On-Chip
Multiplication
Gain
As explained previousl , the Rolera Thunder uses a unique CCD capable of multipl ing the charge
(electrons) generated in the pixels. When the multiplication is sufficientl high, it is possible to
see extremel low-light events. The amount of multiplication is controlled b the voltage applied
to multiplication register clocks. These are certified b a quantitative multiplication gain slider
which has 0-1000 steps. The calibration feature of the camera maps the gain slider to a voltage
which will provide the electron multiplication level selected.
Offset (bias)
CCD cameras are t picall designed to produce a certain level of offset (also known as bias) when
no light is present and the exposure time is set to zero (0). T picall , the user subtracts an offset
(bias) from the sample image for quantitative measurement. Since the offset can change based
on several factors such as multiplication gain, speed, etc., it is recommended that a fresh offset
(bias) image be taken with the same settings as the sample image and then be subtracted from
the sample image.
The Rolera Thunder has an automaticall adjusting offset switch. When a speed/gain setting is
altered, the bias valve is kept as close to a pre-selected offset as possible. This enhances the
quantitative stabilit of the camera.
Exposure-
Readout Modes
The Rolera Thunder camera uses a frame transfer CCD and supports Non-Overlap and Overlap
exposure and readout modes. These modes are further described in the sections that follow.
Note: A frame transfer CCD has both a light-sensitive area (sensor area) and a storage area (frame transfer
area). Since the image can be quickly transferred from the sensor area to the frame transfer area, there is no
need for a mechanical shutter.

Rolera Thunder User Manual 10
Non-Overlap
Mode
Non-Overlap mode allows ou to expose the arra for the exposure time specified in the
software and is similar in performance to a normal, full-frame device. The operational sequence
for this mode is:
1. Clearing the CCD,
2. Exposing for the specified exposure time,
3. Shifting the image from the sensor area to the frame-transfer area, and
4. Reading out the CCD.
Steps 1-4 are repeated for each frame in a sequence. Steps 1 and 3, clearing the CCD and shifting
the image, are usuall ver short and t picall have minimum impact on the frame rate.
Figure 7. Non-overlap Mode Operational Sequence
In PVCAM compatible software, this sequence is programmed b simpl setting:
• clocking mode to “Frame transfer” and
• clearing mode to “Pre-exposure” with clear count of “1”(or more).
Figure 8 shows these settings on a software dialogue box.
Note: Since the software you are using may show the settings differently, you should refer to the software
documentation for accurate information.

Rolera Thunder User Manual 11
Figure 8. Required Settings for Non-Overlap Mode Operation
Example:
Non-Overlap
Mode
Operation in Non-Overlap mode is illustrated in the timing diagram below. In this example, the
exposure time is 10 ms and the readout time is 34.8ms. The total time to take 3 frames is 134.4
ms (3 × 10 ms + 3× 34.8 ms), equivalent to a frame rate of 22.3 fps (3 frames ÷ 0.134 seconds).
Note: The exposure and readout times listed are for illustration purpose only. Actual values may vary. Refer
to the product data sheet for the actual readout times.
Figure 9. Timing Diagram for Non-Overlap Mode
Referring to
Figure 9, it can be seen that exposure and readout are carried out in non-overlapped fashion. As
a result, each frame in the sequence is precisel exposed for the time specified (i.e., 10 ms).
Readout
Effective
Exposure Time
Exp #2
10 ms Exp #3 10 ms
Readout #1
34.8 ms Readout #2 34.8 ms Readout #3 34.8 ms
Total time for 3 frames is approximately 134.4 ms
Clears
Exp #1
10 ms
Select these parameters to
operate your Rolera
Thunder camera in on-
Overlap mode.

Rolera Thunder User Manual 12
Overlap Mode
(Simultaneous
Exposure-Readout)
Overlap mode is extremel useful in applications requiring continuous imaging (100% dut c cle).
Once a frame is exposed and transferred into the frame transfer area, the next exposure
immediatel starts and continues until the previous frame is read out or until the exposure time
is finished, whichever is longer (so the minimum effective exposure time in this mode is the
readout time). This mode of operation allows ou to continuousl image a specimen to obtain
better kinetic information about a process.
Figure 10 shows required Rolera Thunder settings for overlap mode. Note that the clearing mode
is set to "Pre-sequence" (as opposed to "Pre-exposure" in Non-Overlap mode).
Figure 10. Required Settings for Overlap Mode Operation
Note: In Overlap mode, the minimum effective exposure time is the readout time.
The simultaneous exposure-readout mechanism is illustrated with two examples.
Example 1: Overlap Mode when Exposure Time < Readout Time
Consider a situation where full frame readout is 34.8 ms, the exposure time is 10 ms, and three
frames are taken in overlap mode. The first frame is exposed precisel for the length of time
entered into the software (10 ms) and all subsequent frames are exposed for the readout time.
The total time to acquire 3 frames is then 114.4 ms (3 × 34.8 ms + 10 ms), equivalent to a frame
rate of 26.2 fps (3 frames ÷ 0.114 seconds).
Note: Because the first frame is exposed for 10 ms and the others for 34.8 ms, the first frame may look less
bright compared to all other frames.
Select these parameters to
operate your Rolera
Thunder camera in
Overlap mode.

Rolera Thunder User Manual 13
In Overlap mode when exposure time < readout time, the total time (TN) taken to capture N
frames is given b :
TN = (tR × N) + texp
Where
TN = Total time taken to capture a sequence of N frames
tR = readout time for one frame
N = total number of frames in a sequence
texp = exposure time
Figure 11. Timing Diagram for Overlap Mode when
Exposure Time < Readout Time
Example 2: Overlap Mode when Exposure Time > Readout Time
If the exposure time is set to 50 ms with the readout time remaining at 34.8 ms, the time taken
to acquire 3 frames will be 184.8 ms (3 × 50 ms + 34.8 ms), which is equivalent to a frame rate of
16.2 fps.
In Overlap mode when exposure time > readout time, the total time (TN) taken to capture N
frames is expressed as:
TN = (texp × N) + tR
Where
TN = Total time taken to capture a sequence of N frames
texp = exposure time
N = total number of frames in a sequence
tR = readout time for one frame
From the timing diagram, ou can see that because the exposure time is greater than the
readout time, all frames are precisel exposed for the duration entered into the software and
have similar intensities.
Figure 12. Timing Diagram for Overlap Mode when
Exposure Time > Readout Time
Readout
Effective
Exposure Time
Exp #1
10 ms Exp #2 34.8 ms Exp #3 34.8 ms
Readout #1
34.8 ms Readout #2 34.8 ms Readout #3 34.8 ms
Total time for 3 frames is approximately 114.4 ms
Clears
Readout
Effective
Exposure Time
Exp #1
50 ms Exp #2 50 ms Exp #3 50 ms
Readout #1
34.8 ms Readout #2 34.8 ms Readout #3 34.8 ms
Total time for 3 frames is approximately 184.8 ms
Clears