Hamamatsu Photonics C11440-10C Instruction Manual

Digital Camera

C11440-10C

Instruction manual

CAUTION

Thank you for your purchase

• Follow the safety precautions in Chapter 1 in order to avoid personal
injury and damage to property when using this camera. Be sure to read
this Instruction manual beforehand in order to use the digital camera
correctly. The manual describes the correct method of handing the
camera and provides cautions in order to avoid accidents.

• After reading, keep the manual where it can be referred to at any time.

Ver.1.2

November 2010

HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.

90090301-02

~ Blank page ~

C11440-10C Ver.1.2

1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1-1 CLASSIFICATION OF WARNING

We have classified the warnings symbols that appear in this instruction manual and on the
camera as follows for your convenience. Make sure that you fully understand them and obey
the instructions they contain.

WARNING

Improper handling of the camera without observing these
warnings could lead to serious injury to the user and even
death.

CAUTION

Note

This symbol indicates a note to help you get the best performance from the camera.
Read the contents of the note carefully to ensure correct and safe use. Failure to
observe one of these notes might impair the performance of the camera.

This symbol indicates a cautionary item that should be obeyed when handling the
camera. Read the contents carefully to ensure correct and safe use.

This symbol indicates an action that is forbidden. Read the contents carefully and be
sure to obey them.

Improper handling of the camera without observing these
cautions could lead to personal injury to the user or damage to
property.

This symbol indicates a compulsory action or instruction. Read the contents carefully
and be sure to obey them.

1

C11440-10C Ver.1.2

G

Power supply

Use the camera with th e voltage indicated on the rating sticke r. Using a
different voltage can damage the camera and lead to fire or electric shock.

Cables

Be careful not to place heavy objects on cables or bend it excessively.
Doing so can damage the cable and lead to fire or electric shock.

Power supply cord

Use the accessory of the AC adaptor when this camera is used.

WARNIN

Do not touch the plug with wet hand. Doing so can lead to electric shock.

Do not attempt to dismantle or modify the camera

Doing so can also lead to damage and even injury, as some internal
components become very hot. Only touch parts as indicated in this
manual.

Do not insert a foreign substance into the camera

Do not allow foreign objects such as combustible substances, metal
objects or water to get inside the camera. They can damage the camera
and lead to fire or electric shock.

If an abnormality occurs

Such as the image suddenly disappearing or a strange noise, smell or see
smoke coming from the camera, stop the power supply immediately and
contact Hamamatsu subsidiary or local distributor. Never attempt to repair
the camera yourself.

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C11440-10C Ver.1.2

CAUTION

AC adaptor

When unplugging the AC adaptor, always pull by the plug, not the cord.
Doing so can lead to fire or electric shock.

Remove the AC adaptor from the outlet when not using the camera for long
periods of time. Doing so can damage the cable and lead to fire or electric
shock.

Connecting and disconnecting cables

Always turn off the power supply of the peripheral device before
connecting and disconnecting cables.

Fixed the camera

When fitting the camera head to a tripod or other fixture, use the When
fitting the camera head to a tripod, for example, use the screw (1/4-20UNC)
in the center of a camera mount. Be careful that the fitting screw does not
enter more than 8 mm from the surface of the mount. Screwing it in
excessively can impair normal operation.

Lenses

Be careful not to screw the lens more than 7 mm onto the C-mount of the
camera head. Doing so can scratch the protective glass. (Some wide-angle
lenses in particular can have a thread of 7 mm or more.)

Shipping precautions

When transporting the camera by truck, ship, airplane, etc., wrap it
securely in packaging material or something similar.

Strong impact

Do not subject the camera to strong shocks by dropping it, for example.
Doing so can damage the camera.

Disposal

When disposing of the system, take appropriate measures in compliance
with applicable regulations regarding waste disposal and correctly
dispose of it yourself, or entrust disposal to a licensed industrial waste
disposal company. In any case, be sure to comply with the regulations in
your country, state, region or province to ensure the system is disposed of
legally and correctly.

Operating environment

This equipment is designed and tested for use in an industrial
environment. If this system is used in residential areas, EMI
(electro-magnetic interference) may occur. This equipment must not be
used in residential areas..

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C11440-10C Ver.1.2

2. CHECK THE CONTENTS OF PACKAGE

When you open the package, check that the following items are included before use. If the
contents are incorrect, insufficient or damaged in any way, contact your local dealer without
attempting to operate the camera.

C11440-10C camera 1
AC adaptor 1
Power supply cord for AC adaptor 1
Lens mount cap *attached to the camera 1
C11440-10C Before Use 1
C11440-10C Instruction manual CD 1

[Option]

CameraLink interface cable A10514-05

Note

• The cable listed in option is highly recommended for use with the camera. The camera

system may not confirm to CE marking regulation if other type of cable is used with.

3. INSTALLATION

Avoid using or storing this camera in the following places

• Where the ambient temperature might fall below 0 °C or rise above 40 °C

• Where the temperature varies extremely

• In direct sunlight or near a heater

• Where the humidity is 70 % or more or where there is dripping water

• Close to a strong source of magnetism or radio waves

• Where there is vibration

• Where it might come into contact with corrosive gases (such as chlorine or

fluorine)

• Where there is a lot of dust

Do not block ventilation openings

• To prevent overheating in the camera’s int erior, do not wrap the device in

cloth or other material, or in any way allow the camera’s ventil ation ports to
become blocked. If the camera is being operated in an enclosed
environment, ensure clearance of at least 10 cm from both the intake a nd
exhaust vents when setting up.

4

C11440-10C Ver.1.2

CCoonntteennttss

1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS............................................................................ 1

1-1 CLASSIFICATION OF WARNING ...................................................................... 1

2. CHECK THE CONTENTS OF PACKAGE................................................... 4

3. INSTALLATION........................................................................................... 4

4. OVERVIEW.................................................................................................. 7

5. FEATURES.................................................................................................. 8

6. NAME AND FUNCTION OF THE PARTS................................................. 10

7. CONNECTION........................................................................................... 12

7-1 CONNECTING OF CABLES.............................................................................12

7-2 WHEN THE CAMERA HEAD IS FIXED............................................................ 12

8. OPERATION.............................................................................................. 13

8-1 PRECAUTIONS................................................................................................. 13

8-2 PREPARATION FOR IMAGING........................................................................13

8-3 END OF IMAGING.............................................................................................13

9. DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS FUNCTIONS ............................................. 14

9-1 THEORY OF CMOS IMAGE SENSOR ............................................................. 14

9-2 READOUT METHOD (SCAN MODE) ...............................................................15

9-3 CONFIGURING EXPOSURE TIME...................................................................16

9-4 FREE RUNNING MODE....................................................................................17

9-4-1 NORMAL READOUT MODE................................................................................................17

9-4-2 ELECTRICAL SHUTTER MODE..........................................................................................17

9-5 EXTERNAL CONTROL MODE.........................................................................18

9-5-1 EDGE TRIGGER MODE ......................................................................................................18

9-5-2 LEVEL TRIGGER MODE .....................................................................................................19

9-5-3 SYNCHRONOUS READOUT TRIGGER MODE..................................................................20

9-5-4 START TRIGGER MODE.....................................................................................................22

9-5-5 EXTERNAL TRIGGER DELAY FUNCTION..........................................................................24

9-6 TRRIGER OUTPUT........................................................................................... 24

9-6-1 GLOBAL EXPOSURE TIMING OUTPUT.............................................................................24

9-6-2 PROGRAMMABLE TIMING OUTPUT..................................................................................24

9-6-3 TRIGGER READY OUTPUT................................................................................................ 24

9-7 ANALOG GAIN FUNCTION..............................................................................25

9-8 REAL-TIME CORRECTION FUNCTIONS ........................................................ 25

10. PRECAUTION WHEN USING FL-280....................................................... 26

11. MAINTENANCE ........................................................................................ 26

11-1 CARE................................................................................................................. 26

12. TROUBLESHOOTING CHECKLIST......................................................... 27

12-1 IMAGE IS NOT TRANSFERRED......................................................................27

12-2 ALTHOUGH IMAGES ARE TRANSFFERED ................................................... 27

13. SPECIFICATIONS..................................................................................... 28

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C11440-10C Ver.1.2

13-1 CAMERA SPECIFICATIONS............................................................................28

13-2 INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................... 30

13-2-1 TIMING I/O CONNECTOR PIN ASSIGNMENTS [TIMING I/O]............................................ 30

13-2-2 CAMERALINK INTERFACE................................................................................................. 31

13-2-3 OUTPUT TIMING SPECIFICATIONS...................................................................................33

14. DIMENSIONAL OUTLINES....................................................................... 34

15. WARRANTY.............................................................................................. 35

16. CONTACT INFORMATION....................................................................... 36

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C11440-10C Ver.1.2

4. OVERVIEW

At its core, C11440-10C is equipped with the new scientific image sensor FL-280, an
advanced CMOS device that finally realizes the multiple benefits of high resolution, high
readout speed, and low noise all at once.
C11440-10C provides 2.8 megapixel resolution at 45 frames/s (and up to 1273 frames/s by
sub-array readout) while achieving 3 electrons r.m.s. readout noise performance. Moreover,
the camera delivers high sensitivity through its on-chip micro lens, 4500:1 high dynamic
range, on-chip analog gain and various correction features that make the camera suitable
for almost any scientific application from bright field imaging to low-light fluorescence
imaging across a wide spectral range. Various external trigger functions and timing output
functions ensure proper timing control with peripheral equipment to cover a wide range of
applications.
C11440-10C is the new scientific digital camera for life science microscopy, semiconductor
inspection, x-ray scintillator readout or industrial imaging.

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C11440-10C Ver.1.2

5. FEATURES

(1) Readout noise

In the camera, the pixel amplifier is optimized: it has high gain from optimizing the
semiconductor process, and the difference among pixel amplifiers is greatly minimized .
In addition, there is the on-chip CDS (correlated double sampling) circuit, which plays
an important role in achieving low noise. Moreover, the data of one horizontal line is
read by the on-chip column amplifier and A/D in paral lel and simult aneously. As a result,
it achieves very fast readout speed while keeping very good low-noise performance.
The camera has lower readout noise (3 electrons r.m.s.) than the conventional cooled
CCD camera. Moreover, high-speed readout (45 frame/s with 1920 pixels × 1440
pixels) with very low readout noise, which was impossible, can now be achieved.

(2) Cooling structure

In the camera, the FL-280 is cooled down by the peltier element to suppress the dark
current. If FL-280 is exposed to the atmosphere, condensation of the moisture from the
air might occur. The camera has a special hermetic chamber structure to isolate the
sensor from the atmosphere, and the chamber is filled with nitrogen gas.

(3) Pixel number and pixel size

The FL-280 equipped in the camera has 3.63 µm x 3.63 µm pixel size that is about half
of the conventional CCD image sensor (2/3 inch, 1.3 megapixels). When using the
camera with a microscope, the number of photons coming to one pixel can be made
equal to the conventional CCD image sensor (2/3 inch, 1.3 megapixels) if 0.5x relay
lens is used. Also, the camera can observe a wider field of view because the pixel
number is about 2 times that of the conventional CCD image sensor (2/3 inch, 1.3
megapixels)

(4) Readout method

The camera has a variety of readout modes. In addition to full resolution readout mode,
sub-array readout and binning readout are supported.

(5) Frame rate (readout speed)

The FL-280 realizes both low noise (3 electrons r.m.s.) and high speed readout (45
frame/s with 1920 pixels x 1440 pixels) simultaneously, owing to 1 line parallel
simultaneous readout using column A/D.

(6) Real-time correction functions

When using the camera, there is a chance that shading caused by uneven illumination
and optics is not negligible in the image. Also, there are a few pixels in FL-280 that
have slightly higher readout noise performance compared with surrounding pixels.
Therefore, the camera has real-time offset level, shading and defective pixel correction
features to further improve image quality. The correction is performed in real-time
without scarifying the readout speed at all.

(7) CameraLink interface

The camera realizes 45 frames/s high-speed data transfer for 2.8 megapixels by using
the CameraLink interface. Data is output with 75 MHz x 2 tap (12 bits) that follows the
Base Configuration standard of CameraLink interface, and images can be transferred
into a personal computer by using a CameraLink interface board available in the
market.

8

(8) Camera operation modes

The camera has two operation modes: 1) the free running mode, in which the exp osure
and readout timing are controlled by the internal microprocessor, and 2) the external
control mode, in which the exposure and readout timing are decided by an external
trigger.

Free running mode

External control

mode

1 1 1 1

C11440-10C Ver.1.2

Normal readout trigger

mode

Electrical shutter mode

Edge trigger mode Normal edge trigger mode

Global exposure edge

trigger mode

Level trigger mode Normal level trigger mode

Global exposure level

trigger mode

Synchronous readout

trigger mode

Start trigger mode Normal start trigger mode

Normal synchronous
readout trigger mode

Current synchronous
readout trigger mode

Current start trigger mode

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C11440-10C Ver.1.2

6. NAME AND FUNCTION OF THE PARTS

① ② ③
② ②

② ②
⑦ ④⑤ ⑥

Figure 6-1

① Lens mount

C-mount lens or an optics system with C-mount can be attached.

Note

• The depth of the C-mount is 7 mm. Screwing in the mount too far

can scratch the glass surface.

② Air outlet

This is the outlet for the heat ventilation.

10

• To prevent overheating in the camera’s interior, do not wrap the
device in cloth or other material, or in any way allow the camera’s
ventilation ports to become blocked.

• If the camera is being operated in an enclosed environment, ensure
clearance of at least 10 cm from both the intake and exhaust vents
when setting up.

③ Timing I/O connector [TIMING I/O]

The connector is used to output various signals.

Note

• Please see 12-2 [TIMING OUTPUT SETTING] for details.

④ Camera connector [DIGITAL OUT]

This is used to connect the camera to the computer.

⑤ DIP switch

• Do not change the setup of the switch.

⑥ DC power input connector

This is the power supply terminal. Use the accessory AC adaptor.

⑦ Camera attachment stand

This is used to secure the camera in place when using a tripod.

C11440-10C Ver.1.2

Note

• Be careful not to allow the fitting screw to enter more than 8 mm from

the surface of the mount. Screwing this in excessively may impair
normal operation.

11

C11440-10C Ver.1.2

7. CONNECTION

7-1 CONNECTING OF CABLES

Refer to the figure when connecting the various cables.

Camera

Computer

② CameraLink interface

cable (Option)

① AC adaptor

Figure 7-1

• When the cables are connected, confirm the power switch of peripheral device is in the OFF position.

① AC adaptor

This is the cord to supply a power supply. Use the accessory AC adaptor.

② CameraLink interface cable (Option)

This is the cable to connect the camera and the CameraLink interface board on the computer.

Note

• Hamamatsu recommends A10514-05 optional CameraLink interface cable for

this camera. The camera complies with EMC direction with using A10514-05
CameraLink interface cable. Be careful that the camera with other interface
cable may not fulfill the EMC directive requirements.

7-2 WHEN THE CAMERA HEAD IS FIXED

The camera head is fixed by using the fitting screw at the bottom of the camera head.
Fix the camera head with a tool such as a laboratory jack so that a load may not be imposed
to the part of C-mount when the camera is fixed by C-mount.

Note

• Be careful not to allow the fitting screw to enter more than 8 mm from the su rface of the mount.

Screwing this in excessively may impair normal operation.

12

8. OPERATION

8-1 PRECAUTIONS

Be careful of the following when you operate the camera.

(1) Cooling method

Cooling of this equipment is done using a Peltier element. With a Peltier element,
when current is supplied, one surface is cooled, and the other surface is heated. The
FL-280 is positioned on the cooling side, and cooling is done by discharging the heat
from the heated surface. This cooling method is passive air-cooling.

(2) Ambient temperature

The recommended ambient temperature for camera operation is 20 °C. Thus, the
maximum temperatures to which the FL-280 can be cooled, and the stability of the
cooled temperature, are affected by the ambient temperature. The ambient
temperature should be maintained at a constant temp erature in order for cooli ng to be
effective.

(3) Protection circuit

A double protection circuit protects this camera’s thermoelectric cooling device. If the
heat dissipater becomes abnormally hot, the protection circuit sets off a buzzer alarm
from the camera while simultaneously cutting the current supply to the peltier element.
When the protection circuit operates like this, immediately turn off the power switch.
Then locate and remove the cause of the overheating and restart.

C11440-10C Ver.1.2

8-2 PREPARATION FOR IMAGING

Use the following procedure when starting operating of the camera.

(1) Connect devices as shown in Figure 7-1 before you start operation.
(2) Turn on the computer's power switch.

The cooling temperature becomes stable about 15 minutes after cooling begins.

• When the cables are connected, confirm the power switch of peripheral device is in the
OFF position.

8-3 END OF IMAGING

Carry out the procedure below when imaging is finished.

(1) End the imaging or transmission of image data with the application software.
(2) Turn off the power to the peripheral device.

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C11440-10C Ver.1.2

A/DA/DA

9. DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS FUNCTIONS

9-1 THEORY OF CMOS IMAGE SENSOR

The pixel of a CMOS image sensor is composed of the photodiode and the amplifier that
converts the charge into voltage. The entering light is converted into charge and converted
into voltage in the pixel. The voltage of each pixel is output by switching the switch one by
one. (Figure 9-1)

FL-280 that the scientific CMOS image sensor used in this camera has an on-chip CDS
(correlated double sampling) circuit, which plays an important role in achieving low noise. In
addition, FL-280 realizes both low noise and high speed readout simultaneously, owing to 1
line parallel simultaneous readout using column A/D.

Amp

CDSCDSCDS

/D

Digital data out

Figure 9-1 Structure of the FL-280

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C11440-10C Ver.1.2

The exposure and the readout method of FL-280 adopt the rolling shutter.
In the rolling shutter, the exposure and readout are done line by line. Therefore, the
exposure timing is different on one screen. (Figure 9-2) But even if the object moves during
the exposure, the affect of rolling shutter shows very little afterglow or smear in many cases.

Rolling shutter
Exposure length is same for all lines

Exposure timing is different for all lines

Figure 9-2 Readout timing of rolling shutter

9-2 READOUT METHOD (SCAN MODE)

(1) 1×1 Normal readout

Perform charge readout from camera individually for all pixels.
The frame rate of all pixel readout is 45 Hz.

(2) 2×2 binning readout

With this camera, 2x2 binning readout is available by adding the signal of adjacent
pixels in the digital domain, and is a method of achieving high sensitivity as a tradeoff
for resolution. The frame rate of all pixel readout is 45 Hz sa me as 1x 1 normal rea dout.
The digital output can be selected 14bit or 12bit when the 2x2 binning readout is
selected.

(3) Sub-array readout

Sub-array readout is a function to select an vertical area from among an effective
all pixel, and to read only the signal in the selection part from the FL-280. The
readout time of one frame can be shortened by using this function, and the frame
rate can be increased.

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C11440-10C Ver.1.2

Typical examples of vertical area width and frame rate are shown in the following.

The Sub-array setting is specified by the vertical offset from 1
the selectable range is as follows.

Vertical offset + Vertical width 16 1344

Vertical width Frame rate

1080 60.0 Hz

768 83.0 Hz
600 104.7 Hz
480 128.6 Hz
240 236.8 Hz

80 540.0 Hz

8 1273.6 Hz

st

line and width, and

Minimum Maximum Step

Vertical offset 8 1336 8

Vertical width 8 1336 8

9-3 CONFIGURING EXPOSURE TIME

The exposure time setting can be done by absolute value. The actual exposure time setting
is defined by the following formula, and the camera automatically calculate a larger and
closest value from the specified exposure time setting.

Vn × 14.81 µs + 20.94 µs

Available setting range of the exposure time is 20.94 µs to 10 s.

Vn: integer number (0 to 675)

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C11440-10C Ver.1.2

9-4 FREE RUNNING MODE

The camera has the free running mode in which the exposure and readout timing can be set
by software command and controlled by the internal microprocessor. The free running mode
has normal readout mode (in which the exposure time is longer than the 1 frame readout
time) and electrical shutter mode (in which the exposure time is shorter than the 1 frame
readout time). These readout modes are automatically switched depending on the exposure
time setting.

9-4-1 NORMAL READOUT MODE

The normal readout mode is suitable for observation, monitoring, field of view and focus
adjustment, and animation because it can operate at 45 fps with full resolution, which is faster
than the video rate. In addition, the exposure time can be extended to collect more signals and
increase the signal-to-noise ratio if the object is dark. In the normal readout mode, the exposure
time is the same or longer than the 1 frame readout time. In this mode, the frame rate depends
on the exposure time, and it becomes frame rate = 1/exposure time. The maximum exposure
time is 10 s.

Figure 9-3

9-4-2 ELECTRICAL SHUTTER MODE

The electrical shutter mode is used to get a proper signal level when signal overflow
happens due to too much input photons in normal readout mode. In this mode, the frame
rate is 45 Hz at full resolution even when the exposure time is short.

Figure 9-4

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C11440-10C Ver.1.2

9-5 EXTERNAL CONTROL MODE

The camera has various external control functions to synchronize the camera with the
external equipment. In the external control mode, the external equipment becomes a master
and the camera becomes a slave.

9-5-1 EDGE TRIGGER MODE

The edge trigger mode is used so that the exposure is synchronized with an external signal.

9-5-1-1 Normal edge trigger mode

The normal edge trigger mode is used so that the exposure starts according to an external signal.
Exposure time is set by software commend. In this mode, the exposure of the first line begins on
the edge (rising/falling) timing of the input trigger signal into the camera. (0H in Figure 9-5) The
exposure of the second line is begun after the rea dout time of one li ne p asses (1 H in Figure 9 -5),
and the exposure is begun one by one for each line. The example timing chart below shows a
rising edge trigger.

Figure 9-5

9-5-1-2 Global exposure edge trigger mode

The global exposure edge trigger mode is used when imaging with a pulsed light source such as
pulsed laser or flash lamp. The exposure time can be set by software command. In this mode,
the camera combines the frames right before and after the global exposure trigger signal
(falling/rising edge) into one frame and output them as one frame of data. The exposure time of
this second frame can be set by software command. Minimum value of exposure time setting is
about 22 ms (1 frame readout time).

18

9-5-2 LEVEL TRIGGER MODE

C11440-10C Ver.1.2

Figure 9-6

The level trigger mode is used to control both exposure start timing and exposure time
length by inputting external trigger pulses.

9-5-2-1 Normal level trigger mode

The normal level trigger mode is used to control both exposure start timing and exposure time
length by inputting external trigger pulses. In the mode, the camera starts the exposure at the
start of high or low period of the input trigger pulse and stops the exposure at the end of high or
low period of the input trigger pulse. The example below is for the trigger level High. The
exposure of the first line begins when the trigger signal becomes High, and the exposure of the
second line begins after the readout time of line one passes. Each exposure begins one by one
for each line. The exposure of the first line is finished when the trigger signal becomes low, and
signal readout is begun. The exposure time of each line is defined by the time that the input
trigger is high.

Figure 9-7

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C11440-10C Ver.1.2

9-5-2-2 Global exposure level trigger mode

The global exposure level trigger mode is used to take a snapshot of a moving object with a
pulsed light source or get a momentarily illuminated event. The exposure time can be set by
software command. In this mode, the camera combines the frames right before and after the
global exposure trigger signal (falling/rising edge) into one frame and output them as one frame
of data. The exposure is finished when the trigger signal becomes inactive (falling/rising edge).
Minimum value of exposure time setting is about 22 ms (1 frame readout time).

Figure 9-8

9-5-3 SYNCHRONOUS READOUT TRIGGER MODE

The synchronous readout trigger mode is used for continuous imaging when it is necessary to
control the exposure start timing of each frame from an external source. It is useful for confocal
microscopy. For example, when the camera is used with a spinning disk confocal microscope
and the camera exposure time is synchronized to the spinnin g disk's rotation sp eed, it is possibl e
to eliminate uneven illumination (called banding noise) caused by variation of the spinning disk
rotation speed. Also, it is useful for securing as long an exposure time as possible while
controlling the exposure start timings by external trigger signals.

9-5-3-1 Normal synchronous readout trigger mode

The normal synchronous readout trigger mode is used for continuous imaging when it is
necessary to control the exposure start timing of each frame from an outside source and also
when it is necessary to secure as long an exposure time as possible. In the synchronous read out
trigger mode, the camera ends each exposure, starts the readout and also, at the same time,
starts the next exposure at the edge of the input trigger signal (rising /falling edge). That is, the
interval between the same edges of the input trigger becomes the exposure time.

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C11440-10C Ver.1.2

Figure 9-9 (rising edge)

9-5-3-2 Normal synchronous readout trigger mode (Pulse count)

Also in the normal synchronous readout trigger mode, syn chronous rea dout can be controlled by
specifying, set by command, the number of timing pulses to use to determine the exposure time.
Figure 9-10 shows the exposure timing when the pulse count is set as 3.

Figure 9-10 (Pulse count)

21

C11440-10C Ver.1.2

9-5-3-3 Current synchronous readout trigger mode

In the current synchronous readout trigger mode it is possible to co ntrol the expo sure start timi ng
by using ACT command from application software. First, the camera is set to be idle condition by
ACT S command input. In idle condition, the camera does not start exposure even by a trigger
signal in yet. Then, the camera start an exposure by ACT I command and then start to readou t by
input external trigger.
(In the normal synchronous readout trigger mode, the camera does not readout by the first
trigger pulse after ACT I command.)

Figure 9-11

9-5-4 START TRIGGER MODE

The start trigger mode is used to start operating the camera by a trigger input for a
continuous imaging. It is useful to secure the frame rate as fast as possible when continuous
image acquisition and not to sacrifice the exposure time. Example, when it is necessary to
measure the phenomenon after stimulation, it is possible to start continuous image
acquisition at the stimulation timing.

9-5-4-1 Normal start trigger mode

The start trigger mode is used to start operating the camera by a trigger input for continuous
imaging, and it works at the highest frame rate because it is operated in internal trigger
mode. In the start trigger mode, the camera starts exposure and switches to internal trigger
mode by the edge of an external trigger signal (rising / falling edge).

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C11440-10C Ver.1.2

Figure 9-12 (rising edge)

9-5-4-2 Current start trigger mode

In the current start trigger mode it is possible to control the exposure start timing by using a
command from application software and external trigger pulses. The fastest frame rate is
possible because the camera works in the internal trigger mode. It is possible to control the
exposure start timing from application software by using ACT commands. First, the camera is set
to be idle condition by ACT S command input. In idle condition, the camera does not start
exposure even by a trigger signal in yet. Then, the camera starts an exposure by ACT I
command, and then the camera starts 2nd frame exp osure by input external trigger an d switches
to internal trigger mode.
(In the normal start trigger mode, the camera does not read out by the first trigger pulse af ter ACT
I command.)
Minimum value of exposure time setting is about 22 ms (1 frame readout time).

Figure 9-13

23

C11440-10C Ver.1.2

9-5-5 EXTERNAL TRIGGER DELAY FUNCTION

In most case when a delay between the laser pulse emission a nd the exposure st art is ne eded, a
delay unit is set between the laser and camera to control trigger timing. In each external trigger
mode of the camera, the delay time can be set to the trigger signal input to the camera by
commands. Therefore, a range of trigger can be arranged without a delay unit.

9-6 TRRIGER OUTPUT

The camera provides a range of trigger output signals to synchronize with an external
instrument, and the camera becomes the master and the external instrument the slave.
There are three different trigger output functions as follows. Please refer to Figure 9-3 to
Figure 9-13.

- Global exposure timing output

- Programmable timing output

- Trigger ready output

These three different trigger output functions can be selected by software command, and they
are output from PIN5 of timing I/O connector (Refer to Figure 13-2)

9-6-1 GLOBAL EXPOSURE TIMING OUTPUT

It shows the global exposure timing where all lines expose at the same time. There is a case
that one event is divided into two frames because the timing of the exposure in each line is
different for the rolling shutter. However, by using the Global exposure timing output the
global exposure becomes possible for the phenomenon that happens for this period. Global
exposure timing output shows the period where all lines expose at the same time.

9-6-2 PROGRAMMABLE TIMING OUTPUT

By using the programmable timing output, synchronizing external devices is simple. A system
that needs simple timing signal does not require a delay unit nor pulse generator. It is possible to
program and output a pulse that has an optional pulse width and an optional delay time to the
exposure start timing of the camera by command.
The setting range for delay time is 0 µs to 10 s, and the setting range for pulse width is 20 µs to
10 s.

9-6-3 TRIGGER READY OUTPUT

The trigger ready output is useful to make the frame intervals as short as possible in external
trigger mode. For example, when the camera is working in the edg e trigger mo de, the next frame
can start after the previous frame exposure is done. Thus, the camera can't accept a trigger for
the next frame during the exposure period. To reduce useless time to be as short as possible, it
is necessary to know the period when the camera can accept a trigger for the next frame. The
trigger ready output shows the trigger ready period when the camera can accept an external
trigger in the external trigger mode.

24

C11440-10C Ver.1.2

9-7 ANALOG GAIN FUNCTION

The camera features an on-chip gain control capability that can multiply the analog signal in
sensor prior to converting it into a digital signal. This has the effect of reducing the
quantization error in the A/D converter, and the readout noise can be lowered to 3 electrons
(r.m.s) at analog gain 8x.

When low-light sample imaging in a short time is necessary and the output signal level is only a
few to a few dozen ADU out of 12 bits (4096 ADU), the image quality can be improved by
increasing the analog gain. It is necessary to note that the conversion coefficient* of the camera
changes when the analog gain is increased.

The setting range for the relative value register is 0 to 255. Parameter 0 is correspond to 1x,
255 is correspond to 8x.

9-8 REAL-TIME CORRECTION FUNCTIONS

There is a chance that Shading caused by illumination and optics can't be negligible in the
imaging with camera. The camera has the real-time offset level, shading and defective pixel
correction features for a further image quality improvement. The correction can be effective
in real-time without scarifying the readout speed at all.

25

C11440-10C Ver.1.2

10. PRECAUTION WHEN USING FL-280

This camera uses FL-280 (scientific CMOS image sensor). Careful attention must be paid to
the following points when using FL-280:

(1) White spot

Subjecting FL-280 to extended exposures may cause failure in p art of the sili con wafe r,
resulting in white spots. This phenomenon is not currently prevent able. If FL-280 is at a
fixed temperature, recurrence of the white spot increases proportionally with the
exposure time, so this can be rectified with dark subtraction*. Atomic ray may generate
white spot.

* After an image made using a certain exposure time is loaded, the FL-280 is exposed to darkness for the same

amount of time, and another image is obtained. After this, the difference between the images is determined, and the
data for the dark portion of the original image is nullified.

(2) Folding distortion

A rough-edged flicker may be visible when imaging striped patterns, lines, and similar
subject matter.

(3) Over light

CAUT ION

• Be careful not to input too strong light such as high-energy laser into

FL-280 because FL-280 may be damaged by over light.

11. MAINTENANCE

11-1 CARE

Clean the exterior with a soft, dry cloth.

• Do not use a wet cloth, dirty cloth.

26

C11440-10C Ver.1.2

12. TROUBLESHOOTING CHECKLIST

If an abnormality occurs, look up the possible causes in the following tables and, if
necessary, report the details to Hamamatsu subsidiary or local distributor.

12-1 IMAGE IS NOT TRANSFERRED

Cause Measures Chapter

AC adaptor or other cable is loose Reconnect the cable 7
AC adaptor or other cable is broken Replace the cable 7
The correct command has not been sent

to the camera

Recheck command

12-2 ALTHOUGH IMAGES ARE TRANSFFERED

(1) Scratches or discoloration visible on the screen

Cause Measures Chapter

Lens is dirty Wipe the lens

(2) Image is blurred

Cause Measures Chapter

Lens is not focused
FL-280 is dirty

(3) Only shadowed images are output

Cause Measures Chapter

Lens mount cap has been left Remove t he cap
Amount of light is too much or too low Reduce amount of light
Contrast enhancement is too high Reduce gain

Contact Hamamatsu subsidiary or local
distributor

16

(4) All screens overflow

Cause Measures Chapter

Too much amount of light Reduce amount of light
Contrast enhancement is too high Reduce gain

(5) Noise appears on the screen

Cause Measures Chapter

Exogenous noise Find and remove cause
Poor connection of internal connector
Defective circuit system

27

Contact Hamamatsu subsidiary or local
distributor

16

C11440-10C Ver.1.2

13. SPECIFICATIONS

13-1 CAMERA SPECIFICATIONS

(1) Electric specifications

Imaging device Scientific CMOS image sensor FL-280
Effective number op pixels 1920 (H) × 1440 (V)
Cell size 3.63 µm (H) × 3.63 µm (V)
Effective area 6.97 mm (H) × 5.23 mm (V)

Full resolution 45.4 frames/s (1920 (H) × 1440 (V))

Readout mode/speed

Binning *
Readout noise (typ.) 3 electrons r.m.s. (gain 8x)
Full well capacity (typ.) 18 000 electrons
Analog gain 1x to 8x (256 steps)
Dynamic range *
Cooling method Peltier device + Passive air-cooled
Cooling temperature + 5 ºC (Ambient temperature + 20 ºC)
A/D converter 12 bit
Exposure time 20 µs to 10 s (at internal trigger/external trigger)

1

2

Sub-array

(typical examples)

2×2

4500 : 1 (gain 1x)

60.0 frames/s (1920 (H) × 1080 (V))

104.6 frames/s (1920 (H) × 600 (V))

236.8 frames/s (1920 (H) × 240 (V))

540.0 frames/s (1920 (H) × 80 (V))

1273.6 frames/s (1920

(H) × 8 (V))

・ Edge trigger
・ Level trigger

External trigger mode

Trigger delay function 0 µs to 10 s (10 µs steps)

Trigger output

Lens mount C-mount
Interface Camera Link Base configuration
Connector Mini-Camera Link

* 1 Digital binning processing in the camera.
* 2 Calculated from the ratio of the full well capacity and the readout noise.

28

・ Global exposure timing output
・ Synchronous readout trigger
・ Start trigger

・ Programmable timing output
・ Global exposure timing output
・ Trigger ready output

(2) Power supply specifications

Input power supply AC 100 V to AC 240 V
Frequency 50 Hz / 60 Hz
Power consumption Approx. 60 V·A

Note

• Fluctuations of input power supply voltages are not to exceed ± 10 % of the

nominal voltage.

(3) Operating environment

Ambient operating temperature 0 ºC to + 40 ºC
Ambient storage temperature -10 ºC to +50 ºC
Ambient operating humidity 70 %, no condensation
Ambient storage humidity 90 %, no condensation

(4) Dimensional outline and weight

C11440-10C Ver.1.2

Dimensional outline 95 mm (W) × 95 mm (H) × 150.3 mm (D)

Weight Approx. 1.5 kg

Note

• Please see Chapter 14 [DIMENSIONAL OUTLINES] for detail of dimensions.

(5) Applicable standards

EMC EN61326-1: 2006 Class A

(6) Spectral response characteristics

70
60

50

40

30

20

Quantum yield (%)

10
0

300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200

Wavelength (nm)

29

C11440-10C Ver.1.2

13-2 INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS

13-2-1 TIMING I/O CONNECTOR PIN ASSIGNMENTS [TIMING I/O]

The camera uses Hirose model HR10A-7R-6S connector for input and output sign als.

No. Signal Pin connections

1 Ext. Trigger In
2 GND
3 NC
4 GND

Global Exposure Timing Out /

5

Programmable Timing Out /
Trigger Ready Out

6 GND

HR10A-7R-6S

Note

• Please see 9-6 [Trigger output] for detail of 5 pin.

30

C11440-10C Ver.1.2

13-2-2 CAMERALINK INTERFACE

Camera Link interface is a standard of digital interface for industrial digital cameras. It
transfers 28bit digital data (TX0 to TX27) by converting parallel data to only 5 signals (X0,
X1, X2, X3, XCLK) of serial data. This camera is compatible to CameraLink interface / Base
configuration 12 bit 2TAP digital camera standards at 1x1 normal readout mode, and 14 bit
digital camera standards at 2x2 binning readout mode.

(1) CameraLink connector pin assignments (SDR-26)

Camera connector Frame grabber connector Channel Link signal

1 1 Inner Shield
2 25 X0­3 24 X1­4 23 X2­5 22 Xclk­6 21 X3­7 20 SerTC+
8 19 SerTFG-

9 18 CC1­10 17 CC2+
11 16 CC3­12 15 CC4+
13 13 Inner Shield
14 14 Inner Shield
15 12 X0+
16 11 X1+
17 10 X2+
18 9 Xclk+
19 8 X3+
20 7 SerTC­21 6 SerTFG+
22 5 CC1+
23 4 CC2­24 3 CC3+
25 2 CC4­26 26 Inner Shield

31

C11440-10C Ver.1.2

(2) CameraLink bit assignments

28 bit solution pin name Input signal name (12 bit) Input Signal Name (16 bit)

TX0 DB0 TAP1 DB0
TX1 DB1 TAP1 DB1
TX2 DB2 TAP1 DB2
TX3 DB3 TAP1 DB3
TX4 DB4 TAP1 DB4
TX5 DB7 TAP1 DB7
TX6 DB5 TAP1 DB5
TX7 DB8 TAP1 DB8
TX8 DB9 TAP1 DB9

TX9 DB10 TAP1 DB10
TX10 DB10 TAP2 NC
TX11 DB11 TAP2 NC
TX12 DB11 TAP1 DB11

TX13 DB8 TAP2

TX14 DB9 TAP2

(NC when 12bit output is selected)

(NC when 12bit output is selected)

DB12

DB13

TX15 DB0 TAP2 NC
TX16 DB6 TAP2 NC
TX17 DB7 TAP2 NC
TX18 DB1 TAP2 NC
TX19 DB2 TAP2 NC
TX20 DB3 TAP2 NC
TX21 DB4 TAP2 NC
TX22 DB5 TAP2 NC
TX23 Spare Spare
TX24 LVAL LVAL
TX25 FVAL FVAL
TX26 DVAL DVAL
TX27 DB6 TAP1 DB6

z DVAL (Data Valid signal)

This signal synchronizes in the image data from FL-280, and it is outputted.
Each digital data is effective with the period of “ON” of this signal.

z LVAL (Line Valid signal)

This signal show the period during which the line part of the image data from FL-280 is in effect.
This is “ON” when during the period the line is active.

z FVAL (Frame Valid signal)

This signal shows the period during which the vertical part of the image data from FL-280 is in effect. This
is “ON” during the period the frame is active.

z DB0 to DB13 (Digital image data)

This is the image signal data from FL-280 converted A/D. DB0 is the LSB（least significant bit）,
DB13 is the MSB (most significant bit).

32

13-2-3 OUTPUT TIMING SPECIFICATIONS

① Pixel Timing at 1x1 (12 bit 2TAP output)

TxCLK 74.25 MHz
DVALID

DATA (TAP1)

DATA (TAP2)

HVALID

VVALID

1) DVALID o utp ut is high all the time

2) HVALID chan ges synchron izing with falling edge of TxCLK

3) VVALID ch anges synchronizing with falling edge of TxCLK

4) DATA will be valid with rising edge of TxCLK

② Pixel Timing at 2x2 (14 bit output)

TxCLK 74.25 MHz
DVALID

DATA

HVALID

VVALID

1) DVALID i s valid at High

2) HVALID chan ges synchron izing with falling edge of TxCLK

3) VVALID ch anges synchronizing with falling edge of TxCLK

4) DATA will be valid with rising edge of TxCLK when DVALID is H.

1 2 3 4 958 959 960

961 961 961 961 1918 1919 1920

1 2 3 4 958 959 960

C11440-10C Ver.1.2

33

C11440-10C Ver.1.2

14. DIMENSIONAL OUTLINES

(Unit: mm)

34

C11440-10C Ver.1.2

15. WARRANTY

Hamamatsu Photonics have fully inspected this system and check ed that its performance
conforms to specifications. In the unlikely event of breakdown or other malfunction, contact
Hamamatsu subsidiary or local distributor.

(1) Unless otherwise stated by Hama matsu subsidiary or local distributor, this system is

under warranty for 24 months from the delivery date.

- Degradation with atomic rays, the radiation (X-rays, gamma rays, UV light, etc.) of FL-280 is except ed.

( 2) The war rant y only c overs defe ct s in t he m ater i al s and manuf act uring of the system.

Yo u ma y be li abl e for repai rs dur ing t he war ran ty pe riod in the eve nt of a na tural
disaster or if you handle the system contrary to the instructions in this manual, use it
wi thout due ca ution, or try to m odi fy it.

(3) W e will repair the system or replace it, subject to availability, f ree of charge within

the terms of the warranty.

REPAIRS

(1) If you notice anything wrong with the camera, confirm whether or not it is

malfunctioning by referring to the troubleshooting checklist in this instruction manual.
You must first clarif y t he sy m ptoms in order to av o id any misunderstanding or err or.

(2) If you have any trouble or are unclear about anything, contact Hamamatsu

subsidiary or l ocal di stributo r gi ving the produc t name, serial number and details of
the problem. If Hamamatsu Photon ics con si der t he problem to be a mal function, we
will decide whether dispatch an en gineer or have the camera returned to us for
repairs.

35

C11440-10C Ver.1.2

16. CONTACT INFORMATION

Japan

HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K. K., Systems Division

812 Joko-cho, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu City, 431-3196, Japan
Telephone [phone], Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]

U.S.A. and Canada Hamamatsu Corporation

360 Foothill Road, Bridgewater, N.J. 08807-0910, U.S.A.
Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]

Germany Hamamatsu Photonics Deutschland GmbH

Arzbergerstr. 10, D-82211 Herrsching am Ammersee, Germany
Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]

France Hamamatsu Photonics France S.A.R.L .

19, Rue du Saule Trapu, Parc du Moulin de Massy, 91882 Massy Cedex,
France
Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone]
E-mal: [e-mail]

United Kingdom Hamamatsu Photonics UK Limited

2 Howard Court, 10 Tewin Road, Welwyn Garden City Hertf ordshire
AL7 1BW, Unit ed Kingdom
Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]

North Europe Hamamatsu Photonics Norden AB

Smidesvagän 12, SE-171 41 So lna , Sweden
Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]

Italy Hamamatsu Photonics Italia S.R.L.

Strada della Moia, 1/E 20020 Arese (Milano), Italy
Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]

z The contents of this manual are subject to change without notice.
z The unaut hor ized reproduction or distribution of parts or all of this manual is prohibited.
z If one of the following problems occurs, please contact Hamamatsu Photonics.

(See the CONTACT INFORMATION.) We will deal with the problem immediately.

y

Some contents of the manual are dubious, incorrect or missing.
Some pages of the manual are missing or in the wrong order.

y
y

The manual is missing or dirty.

36