Teledyne Photometrics Everywhereyoulook KINETIX User manual

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© Copyright 2019 Teledyne Photometrics
3440 East Britannia Drive
Tucson, Arizona 85706
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without the written permission of
Teledyne Photometrics.
Acrobat and Reader are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries.
Teledyne Photometrics and PVCAM are registered trademarks of Teledyne Technologies.
Kinetix is a trademark of Teledyne Photometrics.
Intel Core is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
All other brand and product names are the trademarks of their respective owners and manufacturers.
The information in this publication is believed to be accurate as of the publication release date. However, Teledyne
Photometrics 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.
LIMITED WARRANTY
Teledyne Photometrics (“Teledyne Photometrics,” us,” “we,” “our”) makes the following limited warranties. These limited
warranties extend to the original purchaser (“You”, “you”) only and no other purchaser or transferee. We have complete
control over all warranties and may alter or terminate any or all warranties at any time we deem necessary.
Basic Limited Two (2) Year Warranty
Teledyne Photometrics warrants this product against substantial defects in materials and/or workmanship for a period of
up to two (2) years after shipment. During this period, Teledyne Photometrics will repair the product or, at its sole option,
repair or replace any defective part without charge to you. You must deliver the entire product to the Teledyne
Photometrics factory or, at our option, to a factory-authorized service center. You are responsible for the shipping costs to
return the product. International customers should contact their local Teledyne Photometrics-authorized
representative/distributor for repair information and assistance or visit our technical support page at
www.photometrics.com.

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Limited One (1) Year Warranty on Refurbished or Discontinued Products
Teledyne Photometrics warrants, with the exception of the CMOS or CCD image sensor device (which carries NO
WARRANTIES EXPRESS OR IMPLIED), this product against defects in materials or workmanship for a period of up to one (1)
year after shipment. During this period, Teledyne Photometrics will repair or replace, at its sole option, any defective parts,
without charge to you. You must deliver the entire product to the Teledyne Photometrics factory or, at our option, a
factory-authorized service center. You are responsible for the shipping costs to return the product to Teledyne
Photometrics. International customers should contact their local Teledyne Photometrics representative/distributor for
repair information and assistance or visit our technical support page at www.photometrics.com.
Normal Wear Item Disclaimer
Teledyne Photometrics does not warrant certain items against defect due to normal wear and tear. These items include
internal and external shutters, cables, and connectors. These items carry no warranty, expressed or implied.
Software Limited Warranty
Teledyne Photometrics warrants all of our manufactured software discs or memory devices to be free from substantial
defects in materials and/or workmanship under normal use for a period of one (1) year from shipment. Teledyne
Photometrics does not warrant that the function of the software will meet your requirements or that operation will be
uninterrupted or error free. You assume responsibility for selecting the software to achieve your intended results and for
the use and results obtained from the software. In addition, during the one (1) year limited warranty, the original purchaser
is entitled to receive free version upgrades. Version upgrades supplied free of charge will be in the form of a download from
the Internet. Those customers who do not have access to the Internet may obtain the version upgrades on a USB memory
device from our factory for an incidental shipping and handling charge.
Owner’s Manual and Troubleshooting
You should read the owner’s manual thoroughly before operating this product. In the unlikely event that you should
encounter difficulty operating this product, refer to the owner’s manual. If the problem persists, please contact the
Teledyne Photometrics technical support staff or an authorized service representative.
Your Responsibility
The above Limited Warranties are subject to the following terms and conditions:
You must retain your bill of sale (invoice) and present it upon request for service and repairs or provide other proof of
purchase satisfactory to Teledyne Photometrics. You must notify the Teledyne Photometrics factory service center within
thirty (30) days after you have taken delivery of a product or part that you believe to be defective. With the exception of
customers who claim a “technical issue” with the operation of the product or part, all invoices must be paid in full in
accordance with the terms of sale. Failure to pay invoices when due may result in the interruption and/or cancellation of
your two (2) year limited warranty and/ or any other warranty, expressed or implied.
All warranty service must be made by the Teledyne Photometrics factory or, at our option, an authorized service center.
Before products or parts can be returned for service you must contact the Teledyne Photometrics factory and receive a
return authorization number (RMA). Products or parts returned for service without a return authorization evidenced by an
RMA will be sent back freight collect. These warranties are effective only if purchased from the Teledyne Photometrics
factory or one of our authorized manufacturer’s representatives or distributors.

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Unless specified in the original purchase agreement, Teledyne Photometrics is not responsible for installation, setup, or
disassembly at the customer’s location.
Warranties extend only to defects in materials or workmanship as limited above and do not extend to any product or part
which has:
•been lost or discarded by you;
•been damaged as a result of misuse, improper installation, faulty or inadequate maintenance, or failure to follow
instructions furnished by us;
•had serial numbers removed, altered, defaced, or rendered illegible; • been subjected to improper or unauthorized
repair; or
•been damaged due to fire, flood, radiation, or other “acts of God” or other contingencies beyond the control of
Teledyne Photometrics.
After the warranty period has expired, you may contact the Teledyne Photometrics factory or a Teledyne Photometrics
authorized representative for repair information and/or extended warranty plans.
Physically damaged units or units that have been modified are not acceptable for repair in or out of warranty and will be
returned as received.
All warranties implied by state law or non-U.S. laws, including the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a
particular purpose, are expressly limited to the duration of the limited warranties set forth above. With the exception of
any warranties implied by state law or non-U.S. laws, as hereby limited, the forgoing warranty is exclusive and in lieu of all
other warranties, guarantees, agreements, and similar obligations of manufacturer or seller with respect to the repair or
replacement of any parts. In no event shall Teledyne Photometrics’ liability exceed the cost of the repair or replacement of
the defective product or part.
This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights that may vary from state to state and
from country to country. Some states and countries do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, when
an action may be brought, or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above provisions
may not apply to you.
When contacting us for technical support or service assistance, please refer to the Teledyne Photometrics factory of
purchase, contact your authorized Teledyne Photometrics representative or reseller, or visit our technical support page at
www.photometrics.com.
U. S. Government Restricted Rights
The software and documentation are provided with Restricted Rights. Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is
subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause at
DFARS 252.227-7013 or subparagraphs (c)(1) and (2) of the Commercial Computer Software-Restricted Rights at 48 CFR
52.227-19, as applicable. Contractor/manufacturer is Teledyne Photometrics, 3440 East Britannia Drive, Tucson, AZ 85706.
This license is effective until terminated. It will terminate upon the conditions set forth above or if you fail to comply with
any term hereof. Upon termination, you agree that the software and accompanying materials, and all copies thereof, will be
destroyed. This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Arizona. You acknowledge that you have read this
agreement, you understand it, you agree to be bound by its terms, and that this is the complete and exclusive statement of
the agreement between you and Teledyne Photometrics regarding the software.

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Table of Contents
LIMITED WARRANTY........................................................................................................................................................ iii
Basic Limited Two (2) Year Warranty ...............................................................................................................................iii
Limited One (1) Year Warranty on Refurbished or Discontinued Products ........................................................................ iv
Normal Wear Item Disclaimer.......................................................................................................................................... iv
Software Limited Warranty.............................................................................................................................................. iv
Owner’s Manual and Troubleshooting............................................................................................................................. iv
Your Responsibility.......................................................................................................................................................... iv
U. S. Government Restricted Rights ..................................................................................................................................v
Table of Contents ..............................................................................................................................................................vii
Chapter 1 - Overview...........................................................................................................................................................1
About This Manual ...........................................................................................................................................................1
Precautions......................................................................................................................................................................1
Environmental Requirements...........................................................................................................................................2
Storage Requirements......................................................................................................................................................2
Microscopes, Lenses, and Tripods.....................................................................................................................................2
Repairs.............................................................................................................................................................................2
Cleaning...........................................................................................................................................................................2
Chapter 2 –System Installation ...........................................................................................................................................3
Introduction.....................................................................................................................................................................3
Getting to Know Kinetix....................................................................................................................................................4
Software Compatibility Requirements ..............................................................................................................................4
Host Computer Requirements ..........................................................................................................................................5
Software Installation ........................................................................................................................................................5
Installing the PCI Express Interface Card ...........................................................................................................................5
Connecting Kinetix to PCI Express Bus...............................................................................................................................8
Connecting Kinetix with USB 3.2.......................................................................................................................................8
Chapter 3 –Theory of Operation .......................................................................................................................................10
Introduction...................................................................................................................................................................10
CMOS Image Sensor Structure........................................................................................................................................10
Gain Combining and Bit-Depth .......................................................................................................................................11
Rolling and Global Shutter Readout ................................................................................................................................11

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Digital Binning................................................................................................................................................................12
Sensor Clearing ..............................................................................................................................................................13
Bias Offset......................................................................................................................................................................13
Pixel Noise Filters ...........................................................................................................................................................13
Chapter 4 –Operating Features.........................................................................................................................................16
Introduction...................................................................................................................................................................16
Modes and Gain States...................................................................................................................................................16
Bias Offset Setting..........................................................................................................................................................16
Clearing Mode Selection.................................................................................................................................................16
Regions of Interest .........................................................................................................................................................17
Programmable Scan Mode..............................................................................................................................................17
Device Synchronization (Triggering)................................................................................................................................20
Trigger Modes................................................................................................................................................................20
Timed Mode (Internal)................................................................................................................................................20
Trigger-First Mode......................................................................................................................................................21
Edge Mode.................................................................................................................................................................21
Level Mode.................................................................................................................................................................21
Expose Out Modes .........................................................................................................................................................22
First Row ....................................................................................................................................................................22
Any Row.....................................................................................................................................................................22
Line Output Mode ......................................................................................................................................................23
Rolling Shutter Mode..................................................................................................................................................23
Multiple Output Triggers ................................................................................................................................................24
SMART Streaming...........................................................................................................................................................24
Fan Speed Control and Liquid Cooling.............................................................................................................................25
Time Stamps ..................................................................................................................................................................25
Chapter 5 –Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................27
System Does Not Boot Normally.....................................................................................................................................27
New Hardware Found Dialog Box Does Not Appear ........................................................................................................27
Images Not Displayed.....................................................................................................................................................28
Camera Running Too Warm............................................................................................................................................28
PVCAM Error Message Appears......................................................................................................................................28
Lengthy Pauses During Imaging ......................................................................................................................................28
Chapter 6 –Basic Specifications.........................................................................................................................................29

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Kinetix Front, Side, Rear Views.......................................................................................................................................29
Camera Weight ..............................................................................................................................................................29
Sensor Specifications......................................................................................................................................................29
Power Supply Specifications ...........................................................................................................................................30
Appendix –Liquid Cooling Setup Instructions....................................................................................................................31

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Chapter 1 - Overview
About This
Manual
This Kinetix Scientific CMOS Camera User Manual is divided into five chapters.
Photometrics recommends you read this entire manual before operating the camera to
ensure proper use. The chapter contents are briefly described below.
Note: The information in these chapters applies only to the Kinetix camera and is
currently not applicable to any other Photometrics camera.
•System Installation –Instructions for connecting the Kinetix camera to a
computer via the PCI Express interface card or the USB3.2 interface.
•Theory of Operation –A basic overview of Scientific CMOS camera technology
as used in the Kinetix camera.
•Operating Features –Kinetix features and how to optimize them for
sensitivity, speed, dynamic range, and how to use the different trigger modes.
•Troubleshooting –Answers to common camera system questions.
•Basic Specifications –Specifications for Kinetix system components.
Precautions
The CMOS sensor and other system electronics are extremely sensitive to electrostatic
discharge (ESD). To avoid permanently damaging the system, please observe the
following precautions:
•If using high-voltage equipment (such as an arc lamp) with the camera system,
turn the camera power on last and when powering down, power the camera
off first.
•Never connect or disconnect any cable while the system is powered on.
•The camera’s power should be switched off before disconnecting any camera
system cables. However it is not necessary to power off the computer to
detach the cables.
•Use caution when triggering high-current switching devices (such as an arc
lamp) near the system. The image sensor can be permanently damaged by
transient voltage spikes. If electrically noisy devices are present, an isolated,
conditioned power line or dedicated isolation transformer is highly
recommended.
•Always leave one inch of space around the camera for airflow.
•Do not operate the camera without cooling (air or liquid).
•Never open the camera. There are no user-serviceable parts inside the Kinetix
camera. Opening the camera voids the warranty.

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•Use only the PCI Express interface card, cables and power supply designated
for this camera system. Using non-Kinetix cables, PCI Express interface cards or
power supplies may result in unexpected errors or permanent damage to the
system.
•Do not use a C-mount lens with optics that extend behind the lens flange.
Environmental
Requirements
The Kinetix camera system should be operated in a clean, dry environment. The camera
system’s ambient operating temperature is 0°C to 30°C with 80% relative humidity,
non-condensing
Storage
Requirements
Store the Kinetix camera system in its original containers. To protect the system from
excessive heat, cold and moisture, store at an ambient temperature between -20°C and
60°C with a relative humidity of 0% to 90%, noncondensing.
Microscopes,
Lenses, and
Tripods
The camera has a standard threaded video mounts and can be mounted to any
microscope that accepts a standard C-mount adapter, F-mount adapter, or a T-mount
adapter. The camera also allows you to install any lens that is compatible with the
standard threaded video mounts as long as its optics do not extend behind the flange of
the lens. The Kinetix can be mounted to optical tables, tripods and copy stands using
the eight ¼-20 threaded attachment points located near the camera front on all sides. A
cross hair indicates the location of the sensor for optical alignment purposes.
Repairs
Please save the original packing materials so you can safely ship the camera to another
location or return it for repairs if necessary. The Kinetix camera system contains no
user-serviceable parts. Repairs must be done by Photometrics. Should the camera
system require repairs, please contact Photometrics Customer Service.
Note: Do not open the camera. Opening the Kinetix camera voids the warranty.
Cleaning
Clean exterior surfaces of the camera with a dry, lint-free cloth. To remove stains,
contact Photometrics Customer Service. To clean the camera’s imaging window, use
only a filtered compressed-air source. Hand-held cans are not recommended as they
may spray propellant onto the window. Do not touch the window.

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Chapter 2 –System Installation
Carefully review the Precautions section in the previous chapter before performing any of
the procedures outlined in this chapter. Again, use only a Kinetix PCI Express data cable
and Kinetix PCI Express interface card with the camera. Using a different cable or
interface card may result in in unexpected errors or permanent damage to the system.
Introduction
The Kinetix camera system includes the following hardware components:
•Kinetix Scientific CMOS Camera
•USB 3.2 A to C data cable
•A 12V/10A power supply with international power cord set
•I/O to 8 BNC trigger break out cable, part number CBL-IO-8-BNC
•USB memory device containing PVCAM library and drivers
•Quick Installation Guide
•PCI Express (PCIe) interface card
•PCI Express data cable
•C-mount front plate
•F-mount front plate
•T-mount front plate
Kinetix system components are linked by the PCI Express or USB3. data cable and controlled
by the host computer system. All these hardware components should be included with the
shipment. Keep all the original packing materials so you can safely ship the camera to
another location or return it for service.
If you have any difficulty with any step of the instructions, contact Photometrics Customer
Service.

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Getting to
Know Kinetix
Highlights of the Kinetix camera are shown below: The Kinetix package includes the PVCAM
drivers designed to allow you to use this camera with a variety of third party imaging
software - To see a list of supported software, visit the Photometrics website.
•USB3.2: 10Gigabits/sec Speed Data Connection.
•PCI-E: High Speed Connection.
•In/Out: Liquid Cooling Connections.
•Initializing: LED blinking indicates the camera is booting up.
•Power Switch: Turns the camera on and off.
•Trigger: Hirose HR10A-10R-10S for use with Photometrics’ trigger to BNC
break out cable CBL-IO-8-BNC.
•DC IN: Connection to external 12V/10A DC power supply.
Software
Compatibility
Requirements
Unless there is a preferred version specified by a third party software provider, the latest
version of PVCAM is recommended for use with the Kinetix.

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Host Computer
Requirements
The host computer (PC) for Kinetix must meet the following minimum requirements:
•Windows 10 64-bit operating system
•3.0 GHz or faster Intel processor: either Xeon or Core i7, 4 or more cores
•16+ GB DDR3 RAM
•256 GB serial ATA (SATA) HDD for the operating system
•1 G slot-based ATI/NVIDIA video graphics card
•USB port for use with the USB memory device or Internet access to obtain
the PVCAM library and interface drivers
•USB3.2 or Thunderbolt port for use with the USB3.2 interface
•An open PCI-Express 8x Gen 3 interface slot or higher for use with the
PCIe interface card
Software
Installation
An appropriate Installation Guide is included as an insert with the camera. This guide
provides step-by-step instructions for installing the camera interface software for
Windows-based computers. Additional instructions are included for installing a PCI Express
interface card in the computer
The Photometrics USB memory device contains the following files:
•Manuals Directory —contains user manuals in PDF format.
•Customer Case Studies —application examples
•Imaging Software –a copy of the Free Open Source Software Application,
Micromanager
•Technical Notes –detailed background on advanced features
•For a 64-bit Windows OS, install the PVCam driver.
•Follow the Installation Guide insert for the version of Windows being used.
Reboot the computer when the installation is complete.
Installing the
PCI Express
Interface Card
As CMOS cameras have developed, the amount of data generated from these products has
exceeded the current capabilities of USB interfaces. The Kinetix CMOS camera platform
provides both USB 3.2 for convenience and a PCI-Express interface to ensure that the
interface is capable of sustaining the required bandwidth of the camera.

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TIP: PCI Express is a high speed peripheral data bus used by the computer to
communicate with video cards, high speed Solid State Drives, and image frame grabbers.
The PCI Express interface card is simply an adapter between the computer’s internal PCIe
bus and the camera.
While this has benefits in cost, reliability, simplicity, and performance, it is important that
the camera is powered on for 30 seconds before starting the PC. This will ensure that as
the computer goes through the boot process, it discovers the camera on the PCIe bus.
Install the High Speed PCI Express Interface
Note: The model of PCIe card shipped with the camera may differ from the one shown in
the photo.
Before attempting to operate the camera, first install this interface card into the PC with
the following steps:
1. Shut down the PC
2. Unplug the PC from power mains and ensure the camera is turned off

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3. Open the side of the computer to access the PCI and PCIe slots
4. Locate an available 4 channel or higher PCIe slot (marked x4). Refer to the
PC’s documentation to locate a suitable slot.
Tip: The PC may have motherboard slot information on the side cover
Holding the PCIe card and (being careful not to touch the board components or PCIe bridge
pins) insert it with the proper orientation into the open slot. The card should slide into
place with minimal resistance and snap when fully inserted.
The Kinetix camera data cable is a quick insertion, quick release cable that works with the
interface card and camera. Either end of the cable can be plugged into either device.

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Connecting
Kinetix to PCI
Express Bus
NOTE: The PCI-E Cables must be connected in the correct order. Camera PCI-E port 1 should
connect to the PCI-E card port 1. Likewise for port 2.
The connector can only be inserted with the correct orientation, do not force the
connector. If the connector does not insert, simply turn the connector over and retry.
With the cable connected on both ends of the camera, it is ready to power on the
computer.
1. Verify that the power switch on the side of the camera is in the off position.
2. Connect the power supply to the Power connector on the rear of the camera.
3. Plug the power cord into the power supply and then into a suitable wall
outlet.
4. Switch on the camera (power switch on the side of camera).
5. Wait 30 seconds before powering on the PC
Tip: The power supply and connector used by the Kinetix camera is a common type.
However, Photometrics carefully selects power supplies for optimum noise
performance, EMI compliance and stability. Do not swap power supplies with other lab
equipment even though they may meet the connector, voltage and ampere
requirements of the Kinetix.
Connecting
Kinetix with
USB 3.2
The USB3.2 interface on the Kinetix is ubiquitous and easy to use. To use the interface, the
PC must have an open USB3.2 or Thunderbolt port. Kinetix is USB3.0 compatible, however
with a reduced frame rate.

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Tip: USB devices sharing the same bus as the Kinetix contend for available bandwidth,
potentially causing the camera to drop frame rate. For this reason, Photometrics
recommends isolating the camera to its own USB3.2 root hub as shown in the Windows
Device Manager.
A method for creating an independent root hub in computers with many USB devices is to
install a PCI Express based USB3.2 interface card for use with the camera.
It is not recommended to connect to the Kinetix external USB3.0 hubs.
Note that the ends of the USB3.2 cables are different between the camera and PC, and
require a specific orientation. The camera has a USB-C connector and the computer will
typically have either a USB-A or USB-C connector. Do not force insertion when connecting
the cable –if significant resistance is encountered stop, reexamine the connection, and if
correct, retry.
With the cable connected on both ends, you are now ready to power on the computer:
1. With the camera off, connect the USB3.2 cable between camera and host
computer.
2. Power the camera on.
3. Wait 30 seconds before launching the application. An LED on the rear of the
camera will stop blinking when the camera is initialized and ready to
communicate.

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Chapter 3 –Theory of Operation
Introduction
Backside illuminated scientific CMOS (BSI Scientific CMOS) sensors are a recent development
in image sensor technology. BSI CMOS sensors are able to provide the highest levels of
sensitivity with a near perfect 95% quantum efficiency (QE). This QE coupled with optimized
pixels enable CMOS sensors which have high frame rates, high pixel counts, and low
electronic noise provide the most complete low-light scientific imaging solution.
CMOS Image
Sensor
Structure
A major difference between traditional CCD sensors and CMOS sensors is the location where
charge-to-voltage conversion of accumulated photoelectrons takes place. CCD sensors
transfer the pixels accumulated signal in charge packets in “bucket brigade” fashion across
the sensor to a common output node where charge is converted to a voltage. The voltage is
then sampled using off-chip Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADC) and transferred to the PC as
digital grey values.
While providing excellent quantitative photometry and very high image quality, the large
number of transfers and sequential digitization of pixels results in low frame rates. This
speed penalty increases with the number of pixels to be digitized.
CMOS sensors leverage many of the same analog signal concepts used in CCD’s, but
places the output node circuitry inside each pixel. This eliminates the charge transfer
process. To read the signal from a given row, the accumulated charge is converted to a
voltage inside the pixel, then each pixel in the row is connected to the appropriate
column voltage bus, where the on-chip ADCs covert the voltages to an 8-bit, 11-bit or 12-
bit grey value.
The parallel digitization of all pixels in a row provides CMOS devices with a tremendous
speed advantage. Imagine a CCD with 2048 x 2048 pixels –and each pixel’s voltage is
measured in 1µsec. To read a single row, 2048 voltage measurements are performed in
serial fashion taking slightly longer than 2ms, and when repeated for 2048 rows, the entire
image takes over 4 seconds to be digitized.
On a CMOS device –the entire 2048 voltage conversions needed to digitize a row happen
in parallel.
If the time to digitize a pixel remains at 1µsec –the time to read the entire frame is now
2ms. In practice, the time saving is split between faster frame rates and slowing the rate of
pixel measurement to reduce electronic noise. For example, if the time to measure a pixel

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was increased to 3.749µsec to lower noise, the image sensor can still be read in 12ms (for a
maximum 83fps).
Of course, there are many challenges to obtaining the same analog performance from each
of the Kinetix’s 10.2 million pixels. Whereas a CCD has a single, common output node
resulting in a uniform response. The most common problems are pixel-to-pixel non-
uniformity in gain and offset, random telegraph noise (RTN), and defective pixels with
abnormal noise or dark current characteristics (hot pixels).
Often solutions to these challenges are found in the digital domain, where Kinetix’s
advanced real time signal processing corrects each pixel for gain and offset variation using
calibration at the factory. To address RTN and other pixel defects, real-time digital filters are
used. These corrections are described further in this manual.
Gain Combining
and Bit-Depth
As discussed in the previous sections, the column ADCs present in scientific CMOS devices
have limited dynamic range. This is addressed by making two measurements of the
accumulated charge in each pixel –the first with very high sensitivity but limited to a
maximum signal of approximately 1000 electrons, and the second with reduced sensitivity
but capable of measuring signals up to the pixel’s 20,000 electron full well capacity.
Combining the two measurements into a single 16-bit value is the function of the digital
“gain combiner.” This mathematical operation is performed on the cameras FPGA. The
result is a single gain of approximately 0.3 e-/ADU.
In practice, the Kinetix offers both a combined ADC 16-bit output as well as 12-bit and 8-bit
single ADC output. The combined gain takes two measurements of a pixel for the combined
ADC 16-bit output. The 12-bit and 8-bit modes are able to sample 2 rows simultaneously as
only a single sample is required resulting in an increase in frame rate.
Rolling and
Global Shutter
Readout
Rolling Shutter and Global Shutter are the two primary operating modes of CMOS image
sensors. In Global Shutter readout, a global charge clearing mechanism begins the exposure
period for all pixels. Each pixel accumulates signal charge until the exposure period ends. At
this point, the accumulated charge is transferred and converted to a voltage in the pixels
output node, ending the exposure.
The strength of the Global Shutter approach is that all pixels are exposed at the same
instant in time –an important attribute when imaging fast moving objects. The downside
of this approach is the sensor has two phases, an active image accumulation phase and a
subsequent readout phase. As the phases are not overlapped in time, the maximum
achievable frame rate is lower.