Raptor Photonics Ninox 640 SU User manual

NINOX 640 SU/USER MANUAL/01-21/REV1.0
NINOX 640 SU
Model: NXU-CL-640
USER MANUAL

NINOX 640 SU/USER MANUAL/01-21/REV1.0
CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 4
1.1 Scope ......................................................................................................................... 4
2. CAMERA CARE ............................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Cleaning the Sensor Window ................................................................................... 5
3. SPECIFICATION .............................................................................................................. 6
3.1 Camera Overview ...................................................................................................... 6
3.2 Datasheet ................................................................................................................... 6
4. DESIGN OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................ 7
4.1 Mechanical Model ...................................................................................................... 7
4.2 Physical Interface ...................................................................................................... 8
4.3 Power Consumption .................................................................................................. 8
4.4 Mounting to a Microscope ........................................................................................ 8
4.5 Mounting to a Tripod or Optical Table ..................................................................... 8
5. SOFTWARE COMPATIBILITY ......................................................................................... 9
5.1 XCAP Compatibility ................................................................................................... 9
5.2 LabView Compatibility .............................................................................................. 9
5.3 Custom Software Interfacing .................................................................................... 9
6. CAMERA AND CHILLER SETUP .................................................................................. 10
6.1 Connecting the Camera to the Frame Grabber ...................................................... 10
6.2 Connecting Camera to Chiller ................................................................................ 10
6.3 Recommended Coolants for Chiller ....................................................................... 10
6.4 Setting the Coolant Temperature for Re-circulation ............................................. 10
6.5 Draining the Chiller, Camera and Tubing ............................................................... 11
7. FRAME GRABBER AND SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS ................................................... 12
7.1 Computer/Laptop System Requirements ............................................................... 12
7.2 Frame Grabber Requirements ................................................................................ 12
8. XCAP IMAGING SOFTWARE ........................................................................................ 13
8.1 Downloading XCAP ................................................................................................. 13
8.2 Opening the Camera Configuration ....................................................................... 13
8.3 Acquiring a Live Image Sequence .......................................................................... 15
9. CONTROLLING THE CAMERA (XCAP) ........................................................................ 16
9.1 Exposure Time and Frame Rate ............................................................................. 16
9.2 Gain Mode ................................................................................................................ 17
9.3 Trigger Mode ............................................................................................................ 18
9.4 Thermoelectric Cooler (TEC) .................................................................................. 19

NINOX 640 SU/USER MANUAL/01-21/REV1.0
9.5 Manufacturers Data ................................................................................................. 20
10. XCAP CONTROL FEATURES ..................................................................................... 21
10.1 Saving Preset Configuration Settings .................................................................. 21
10.2 Contrast Modification (XCAP Std. Only) .............................................................. 22

NINOX 640 SU/USER MANUAL/01-21/REV1.0
1. INTRODUCTION
This document provides detailed instructions for the operation of the Ninox 640 SU camera.
Raptor Photonics Limited reserves the right to change this document at any time without
notice and disclaims liability for editorial, pictorial or typographical errors.
1.1 Scope
This manual covers the Ninox 640 SU digital camera and all applicable components. The
Ninox 640 SU is the lowest noise camera available. With an ultra-low typical readout noise
(rms) of 30e- and a typical dark current reading of <300e-/p/s at -80°C, the Ninox 640 SU
improves even further on its noise performance. Raptor recommends that this manual be
used to optimize camera operation. Details of the camera’s mechanical and electrical
interfaces are provided. Important precautions to be taken when using the camera are also
stated.
Detailed information is also provided on each of the cameras control parameters. Each
camera control is discussed and explained with the use of XCAP Imaging software, which is
the core plug and play software package that is offered with Raptor cameras. An image of
the camera is shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Complete Camera Module.

NINOX 640 SU/USER MANUAL/01-21/REV1.0
2. CAMERA CARE
2.1 Cleaning the Sensor Window
Raptor cameras require no regular maintenance except occasional external cleaning of the
sensor window (the glass window between the camera sensor and the microscope or lens).
Use optical grade isopropyl to clean this window. A cotton swab can be used, but may leave
some fibres on the window, so be careful. To avoid this, you could also use a lens tissue or a
cleaning swap such as a texwipe. Forced air can be applied to remove any loose particles.
Should any other issues occur please contact your local agent.
CAUTION — The camera’s sensor and circuits are sensitive to static discharge. Ensure that
you are using a static strap or completely grounded at all times to release any static energy
before you clean the window.
CAUTION — Do not use acetone.

NINOX 640 SU/USER MANUAL/01-21/REV1.0
3. SPECIFICATION
3.1 Camera Overview
The Ninox 640 SU is a 16-bit deep cooled SWIR camera. The camera has a response in the
SWIR region from 0.9µm to 1.7µm.
The Ninox 640 SU is an ultra-high sensitivity camera, offering a low dark current of <300 e/p/s
with a typical readout noise of 30e-. The camera has a high intra-scene dynamic range for
simultaneous capture of light and dark regions of a scene.
The Camera Link digital interface provides the most stable platform for data transfer and the
camera will work on any Camera Link standard frame grabber.
3.2 Datasheet
For the full specification of the Ninox 640 SU, the datasheet for the camera can be
downloaded from the Raptor Photonics website using the link below:
https://www.raptorphotonics.com/products/ninox-640-su/

NINOX 640 SU/USER MANUAL/01-21/REV1.0
4. DESIGN OVERVIEW
4.1 Mechanical Model
Units shown in mm and inches [in]
PDF of mechanical model available from our website:
https://www.raptorphotonics.com/products/ninox-640-su/

NINOX 640 SU/USER MANUAL/01-21/REV1.0
4.2 Physical Interface
4.3 Power Consumption
Unit input power specification is +12V +/- 0.5V with a maximum of 6W power dissipation with
the cooling fan switched on and the thermoelectric cooler (TEC) switched off. Additional
current is required when the TEC is enabled. The total maximum power dissipation is <110
Watts.
4.4 Mounting to a Microscope
The camera has a standard C-mount that should easily screw onto any microscope port.
4.5 Mounting to a Tripod or Optical Table
The camera has a ¼-20 BSW (Whitworth) threaded hole to mount to a tripod or an optical
table.
1. 3M CameraLink connector
Part #: 12226-1150-00FR
2. Power Connector
Part #: KPJX-PM-4S
3. Water Taps
Part #: CPC; MCD2402
4. SMA Connector: Trigger Out (Frame)
Single ended, termination
impedance = 51Ω, capable of sinking
and sourcing 32mA and will have an
output voltage of 3.3V i.e., TTL
compatible.
5. SMA Connector: Trigger In. Single
ended, termination impedance = 510
Ω, captive load = 200 pF, TTL
compatible.
6. SMA Connector: Trigger Out (Exp).
Single ended source impedance = 51
Ω, capable of sinking and sourcing
32mA and will have an output
voltage of 3.3V i.e,., TTL compatible.
2
3
4
5
1
6

NINOX 640 SU/USER MANUAL/01-21/REV1.0
5. SOFTWARE COMPATIBILITY
This section outlines the options relating to software that are available for the Ninox 640 SU.
5.1 XCAP Compatibility
Raptor works closely with EPIX who integrate all Raptor camera models into their XCAP
Imaging Software package. XCAP is the core plug and play software package that is offered
with the Ninox 640 SU.
5.2 LabView Compatibility
Raptor can supply a LabView .icd file which can be used to control the camera on National
Instruments imaging tools such as NI MAX. The file may also be useful if attempting to
create your own LabView VI.
5.3 Custom Software Interfacing
Raptor works closely with EPIX Inc, who integrates all Raptor cameras into their software
package, XCAP. The EPIX frame grabbers are the models that we offer with our cameras.
We offer their Software Development Kit (SDK) for interfacing with custom software (XCLIB).
If using a frame grabber from a different company, then you will have to obtain their SDK.
Raptor can provide an ICD which includes a list of all serial commands to control the
camera. This would be required along with the SDK from the frame grabber device to
integrate the camera.

NINOX 640 SU/USER MANUAL/01-21/REV1.0
6. CAMERA AND CHILLER SETUP
This section will give instruction on connecting the frame grabber to the camera, as well as
outlining important frame grabber and PC requirements.
6.1 Connecting the Camera to the Frame Grabber
The camera has the shrunk SDR port on the interface. The main frame grabber that Raptor offer
with this camera has the normal MDR port (EPIX EB1). Therefore, one MDR – SDR Camera Link
cable is required to connect the camera to this frame grabber.
If demoing the camera with the Mini PC system that Raptor provides, you should connect to
the left port of the frame grabber in the Mini PC. This should be stated on the Mini PC.
6.2 Connecting Camera to Chiller
Raptor uses a Chiller from Thermotek, the T257P Precision Chiller. For the datasheet and
full user manual from Thermotek, please contact Raptor and we can provide this. The
instructions to set up the chiller are as follows:
1. Connect the T257P chiller to the Ninox 640 SU using the tubing provided. You will hear a
click which indicates a solid connection. The polarity of the tubing connections does not
matter.
2. Keep the chiller horizontal and on a level surface.
3. Make sure there is a minimum 12” clearance and free path for flow of air entry and exit at
the left side and right side of the T257P chiller prior to operation.
4. Remove the reservoir cap and add coolant to the reservoir until the fluid reaches the
bottom of the neck. Please refer to section 6.3 for recommended coolants.
5. Close the cap securely to the reservoir. Make sure not to overfill the reservoir.
6. Install the appropriate end of the power cord into the unit and connect to the mains
electricity.
If using another chiller model, please refer to it’s manual for start-up instructions.
6.3 Recommended Coolants for Chiller
The recommended coolants are:
Option 1: Distilled Water
Option 2: 95% distilled water and 5% isopropyl alcohol mixture prevents bio growth.
Option 3: 80% distilled water and 20% inhibited Glycol mixture for set temperatures below
5C.
Raptor recommends using option 3. If purchasing the Thermotek model from Raptor or using
a demo kit provided by Raptor, there will be inhibited Glycol mixture provided to mix with
water.
6.4 Setting the Coolant Temperature for Re-circulation
When powering up the chiller, the screen will immediately give the option to set the
temperature of the coolant. It is recommended to set a 20 C set point. After the set