Pco Edge 3.1, Edge 5.5, Edge Series, Edge 4.2 LT, Edge 4.2 User Manual

pco.

pco.

user manual

edge family

PCO asks you to carefully read this manual before using the
pco.edge camera system and follow the instructions.

In case of any questions or comments, please contact us at PCO.

telephone [phone]

fax [phone]

email [e-mail]

postal address PCO AG
Donaupark 11
93309 Kelheim, Germany

The cover photo shows an exemplary pco.edge CLHS camera.
The lens is sold separately.

Copyright © 2017 PCO AG (called PCO in the following text), Kelheim,
Germany. All rights reserved. PCO assumes no responsibility for errors or
omissions in these materials. These materials are provided as is without
warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to,
the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or
non-infringement. PCO further does not warrant the accuracy or
completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items
contained within these materials. PCO shall not be liable for any special,
indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including without limitation,
lost revenues or lost profits, which may result from the use of these materials.
The information is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of PCO in the future. PCO hereby authorizes you to
copy documents for non – commercial use within your organization only. In
consideration of this authorization, you agree that any copy of these
documents, which you make, shall retain all copyright and other proprietary
notices contained herein. Each individual document published by PCO may
contain other proprietary notices and copyright information relating to that
individual document. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as
conferring by implication or otherwise any license or right under any patent or
trademark of PCO or any third party. Except as expressly provided, above
nothing contained herein shall be construed as conferring any license or right
under any PCO copyright. Note that any product, process, or technology in
this document may be the subject of other intellectual property rights
reserved by PCO, and may not be licensed hereunder.

Released: July 2017 © PCO AG

pco.edge family User Manual V2.24 © PCO AG, Germa ny

TOP

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION 5

1.1 INTENDED USE 5

1.2 DATA OVERVIEW 6

2. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 7

3. SYSTEM COMPONENTS 8

4. INSTALLATION 9

4.1 DRIVER 9

4.2 CAMWARE 10

5. QUICK START 11

5.1 PREPARATION 11

5.2 START 11

5.3 YOUR FIRST IMAGE 12

6. CAMWARE 4 SOFTWARE 13

6.1 CHAPTER OVERVIEW 13

6.2 CAMERA OVERVIEW / LIST 14

6.3 CAMERA PROPERTIES 16

6.3.1 TIMING 17

6.3.2 ROLLING SHUTTER 20

6.3.3 GLOBAL SHUTTER 24

6.3.4 GLOBAL RESET 27

6.3.5 IMAGE SIZE 29

6.3.6 SENSOR CONTROL 31

6.3.7 RECORDING CONTROL 32

6.3.8 STATUS 34

6.3.9 HARDWARE IO CONTROL 35

6.3.10 CONVERT CONTROL 37

6.4 IMAGE OVERLAY 39

6.5 RECORDER TOOLS 40

6.6 VIEW WINDOW 42

6.7 RECORDER (IMAGES) 43

6.8 SETTINGS OVERVIEW 45

6.8.1 AUTO SAVE 46

6.9 CAMWARE MENU TABS & FEATURES 48

6.9.1 DEMO MODE 48

6.9.2 FILE MENU 49

6.9.3 CAMERA MENU 51

6.9.4 ACQUISITION MENU 52

6.9.5 VIEW MENU 53

6.9.6 WINDOW MENU 54

6.9.7 HELP MENU 55

6.9.8 VIEW WINDOW MENU 56

6.9.9 ADDITIONAL FEATURES 58

3

APPENDIX 59

A1 TECHNICAL DATA 60

A1.1 STANDARD VERSION 60
A1.2 WATER COOLED STANDARD VERSION 60
A1.3 CAMERA LINK HS VERSION 61
A1.4 SPECIFICATIONS 62
A1.5 MOUNTING 62

A1.5.1 INSTABLE MOUNTING 62
A1.5.2 CORRECT MOUNTING 63
A1.5.3 COOLING 63

A1.6 REVERSE WITH CAPTION 64

A2 F-MOUNT ADAPTER 65

A2.1 PCO F-MOUNT ADAPTER 65
A2.2 CHANGE FROM F-MOUNT TO C-MOUNT 66

A3 WATER COOLING OPTION PCO.AQUAMATIC II 67

A3.1 SYSTEM COMPONENTS 67
A3.2 FIRST TIME INSTALLATION 68
A3.3 OPERATION 69
A3.4 DIMENSIONS 70
A3.5 YOUR OWN COOLING SYSTEM 70

A4 INTERFACES 71

A4.1 CABLE POSSIBILITIES 71
A4.2 CAMERA LINK 72

A4.2.1 INSTALLATION OF FRAME GRABBER 72

A4.2.2 MICRO DIAGNOSTICS TOOL 73
A4.2.3 IMAGE DATA FLOW 74

A4.3 CAMERA LINK HS 76

A4.3.1 INSTALLATION OF FRAME GRABBER 77
A4.3.2 MICRO DIAGNOSTICS TOOL 78

A4.4 USB 3.0 79

A4.4.1 DRIVER INSTALLATION 79
A4.4.2 HARDWARE RECOMMENDATIONS 79
A4.4.3 USB 3.0 FAQ 81
A4.4.4 INSTALLATION OF THE USB 3.0 CARD 83
A4.4.5 RING BUFFER AND FIFO 84

A5 BINNING WITH CMOS SENSORS 85

A6 LIGHTSHEET SCANNING MODE 86

A7 IMAGE FILE FORMATS 87

A8 CUSTOMER SERVICE 89

A8.1 SERVICE 89
A8.2 MAINTENANCE 89
A8.3 RECYCLING 89
A8.4 TROUBLE SHOOTING 90

A9 INDEX 91

ABOUT PCO 92

4

1 INTRODUCTION

• live cell microscopy

• FRAP

1. INTRODUCTION

Advantages of the pco.edge family

The pco.edge family is a breakthrough in scientific imaging cameras.
It has the distinctive ability to simultaneously deliver extremely low
noise, high frame rates, wide dynamic range, high quantum
efficiency, high resolution and a large field of view - all in one image.

The camera’s main features (model-specific)

1.1 INTENDED USE

• ultra low noise down to 0.8

• high resolution up to 5.5 megapixel

• best dynamic range up to 40000:1

• high-speed up to 100 fps @ full resolution

• high quantum efficiency up to 80%

• flexibility user selectable choice of shutter mode

• free of drift stabilized Peltier cooling in order to avoid any drift

phenomena in image sequences

This camera system is designed for use by technicians, engineers
and scientists. It is a scientific measuring instrument, which provides
images. The camera may only be used according to the instructions
of this manual. The disclosures and operating conditions in these
operating instructions must be respected. Unauthorized
modifications and changes of the device are forbidden for safety
reasons.

electrons

med

Areas of Application

• single molecule detection

• localization microscopy

• lightsheet microscopy

• selective plane illumination

microscopy

• SPIM

• structured illumination

microscopy

• SIM

• TIRF microscopy /

waveguides

• spinning disk confocal

microscopy

• genome sequencing (2nd

and 3rd gen)

• FRET

5

• lucky imaging astronomy

• adaptive optics

• solar astronomy

• fluorescence spectroscopy

• bio- & chemiluminescence

• high content screening

• photovoltaic inspection

• x-ray tomography

• ophthalmology

• flow cytometry

• biochip reading

• machine vision

• spectral (hyperspectral)

imaging

• laser induced breakdown-

spectroscopy (LIBS)

Read Out

Line time

Global

204 MHz

12.86

50

20 µs … 100 ms

Global

Global

Reset

Global

Reset

95.3 MHz

(slow scan)

272.3 MHz
100 MHz

26.58

36

274 MHz

9.68

101

Global

160 MHz

16.40

28

20 µs … 100 ms

Global

Reset

95.3 MHz

(slow scan)

286 MHz

95.3 MHz

286 MHz

100 MHz

(slow scan)

286 MHz

(fast scan)

Global

286 MHz

9.17

50

10 µs … 100 ms

100 MHz

286 MHz

1.2 DATA OVERVIEW

This table shows an overview over all available pco.edge series camera models.

Type Shutter

Rolling 105 MHz 24.99 50 500 µs … 2 s

pco.edge 3.1

USB 3.0

Reset

pco.edge 4.2 LT

USB 3.0

Rolling 110 MHz 24.06 40 100 µs … 10 s

Frequency

105 MHz 24.99 50 30 µs – 2 s

110 MHz 24.06 40 30 µs … 2 s

(µs)

1

Exposure times Sensor Cooling

FPS

mono &
color

mono + 10° C air

+ 5°C air

pco.edge 4.2

USB 3.0

pco.edge 4.2

Camera Link

pco.edge 4.2

Camera Link HS

pco.edge 5.5

USB 3.0

pco.edge 5.5

Camera Link

Rolling 110 MHz 24.06 40 100 µs … 20 s

110 MHz 24.06 40 30 µs … 2 s

27.77 35

Rolling

(fast scan)

Rolling

Rolling 86 MHz 30.51 30 500 µs … 2 s

86 MHz 30.51 30 30 µs … 2 s

Rolling

(fast scan)

Global 286 MHz 9.17 50 10 µs … 100 ms

Global

Reset

(slow scan)

(fast scan)

9.76 100

27.52 33

9.17 100

27.52 33

9.17 100

100 µs … 10 s mono

100 µs … 10 s mono

500 µs … 2 s

10 µs … 2 s

mono

mono &
color

mono &
color

0°C air

0°C water

+ 5°C air

+ 5°C water

+ 7°C air

+ 5°C air

+ 5°C water

+ 5°C air

+ 5°C water

26.24 35

Rolling

pco.edge 5.5

Camera Link HS

Global

Reset

1

maximum frames per second @ full resolution

(slow scan)

(fast scan)

9.17 100

26.24 34

9.17 95

500 µs … 2 s

10 µs … 2 s

mono &
color

+ 7°C air

6

2 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

NOTICE

NOTICE

NOTICE

NOTICE

NOTICE

DANGER

WARNING

CAUTION

CAUTION

2. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT (only pco.edge CLHS)

Risk of injury due to dazzle.

 Do not point the laser beam at persons.
 Do not look into the laser beam or at direct reflexes.
 Manipulations of the laser device are not allowed.

DAMAGED POWER CABLE OR POWER PLUG

Danger to life due to electric shock.

 Each time the camera is used, check the power cable for

damage.

ELECTRIC SHOCK WARNING DUE TO VOLTAGE PARTS INSIDE
Risk of injury due to electric shock.

 Never slide any items through slits or holes into the camera.

CONDENSATION

Risk of injury due to electric shock if condensation enters the
camera.

 To avoid the risk of water condensation, protect the camera

against extreme changes of ambient temperature.

TRIPPING HAZARD

Risk of injury from tripping over loose cables.

 Never position the cable in a way that it could become a

tripping hazard.

HUMID OR DUSTY ENVIRONMENTS

Humidity, dust or X-rays could damage the camera.

 Never operate the camera in humid or dusty environments

or in places with high amounts of X-ray radiation.

JOLT & VIBRATION

To prevent damage to the camera, the system must be kept stable
and protected against strong jolts or vibrations.

 Use the mounting threads of the camera to mount the

camera stable.

LENS MOUNTING

Do not force the lens onto the camera.

 To protect the lens connector thread from damage, use

minimal force when attaching a lens to the camera.

LIQUIDS DAMAGE CAMERA

If liquids have penetrated the device.

 Immediately switch off the camera, separate it from power

line and contact our customer support.

DAMAGED CAMERA HOUSING

If the camera has been dropped or the casing is damaged.

 Immediately switch off the camera, separate it from power

line and contact our customer support.

7

Reverse

A1.6

Frame Grabber Card / USB 3.0 Interface Card

Cable

3. SYSTEM COMPONENTS

The camera system includes the following parts.

Camera

F-mount optical connection (standard)

For standard F-mount / SLR lenses and adapters.

C-mount ring provided (see A2)

For standard C-mount and microscopy connectors.

see

• DC Power Jack connect to power supply

• Input / Output 4x SMA connectors

• Interface Camera Link, Camera Link HS, USB 3.0

• LED indicates camera status

Serial Number Tag on the bottom of the camera

Mounting Thread

8

¼”- 20 UNC mounting threads

PCI Express x4 Card (Camera Link) or PCI Express x4 Card (Camera
Link HS) or PCI Express x1 Card (2 x USB 3.0)

Power Supply

24 V power supply (model depending) (connector: Lemo FGG.0B)

Interface depending (see A4.1)

Digital Camera Tools (USB storage device content)

• Camware: software for camera control & image acquisition

• Camera driver & tools

• Software development kit (SDK) & demo programs in C / C++

4 INSTALLATION

•

•

• RAM > 8 GB DDR3

• PCI Express x4 Gen 2 (CLHS)

• PCI Express x4 Gen 1 (CL)

• Windows 7 or higher

1

2

1

2

4. INSTALLATION

You will find all necessary files on the accompanying USB storage
device. You may also download the latest versions of our software,
camera driver and third party software drivers from the PCO website.

Minimum system requirements:

4.1 DRIVER

Intel® Core™ i7

Please contact PCO for an appropriate system configuration.

There are three different kinds of interfaces available:

Full-HD resolution display

Camera Link (Frame Grabber card)

When operating the camera with Camera Link Interface: Please run
the appropriate grabber driver installation with default settings.
For detailed installation instructions please see A4.2.

Camera Link HS (Frame Grabber card)

When operating the camera with Camera Link HS interface: Please
run the appropriate grabber driver installation with default settings.
For detailed installation instructions please see A4.3.

USB 3.0

When USB 3.0 is used as a camera interface, it is recommended to
use the enclosed PCIe Interface card. For detailed installation

instructions or further hardware recommendations, see A4.3.

Graphic card NVIDIA Cuda Driver:

Please update your NVIDIA driver for Camware 4. In case of an old
driver version GPU Processing is not working. Therefore image
processing is slow.

Please check if GPU Processing is activated by
having a look into the Proc config settings in
the Convert Control window (see Convert
Control chapter 6.3.10).
If GPU Processing is disabled and shown
grayed, please update your NVIDIA driver or
check the website of the computer manufacturer
for graphic card driver updates. Your NVIDIA
driver version must be at least 333.11 or higher.

9

1

2 3 4

1

1 2 3

4

4.2 CAMWARE

The Camware Windows application software enables you to control
every camera parameter or setting. Images can be displayed on a
monitor and may be downloaded and stored. The USB storage
device contains the installation files for the software for latest
Windows operating systems in 32 & 64 bit.
After a successful installation, you will find the program folder Digital

Camera Toolbox in your program directory and a Camware 32 / 64
button on your desktop. Other helpful tools are also installed in the

same directory.
To uninstall the Camware program, please use the Software feature
under Windows’ System Control.

Please follow the installation wizard

• Install Camware as Admin to install to program folder, instead it

will be installed only to user folder

• Then choose install directory

•

Choose components: select additional drivers for Camera Link
interface Silicon Software DLL ME IV and for Camera Link HS
Silicon Software DLL CLHS (no additional files needed for USB
version)

• After the next two screens installation is complete

10

5 QUICK START

NOTE

5. QUICK START

5.1 PREPARATION

In order to get familiar with your new camera and software it might be
helpful, if you first aim at an object that is easy to focus and that can
be seen at standard light conditions.

• Computer is turned on

• Installation is finished (see chapter 4)

• An appropriate lens is attached (remove cap) or the camera is

attached properly to the microscope, spectrograph or other
scientific device

• Camera is connected to the computer

• Camera is connected to the power supply and ready

(green LED flashes)

5.2 START

Start Camware and the graphical user interface will start up:

Always install latest Camware version to be able to use full
function of your pco camera (www.pco.de/support

).

11

NOTE

2 3 4 5 6

2 3 6 4 5

1

1

5.3 YOUR FIRST IMAGE

Please follow the instructions:

• Camware must be started

• A view window is shown automatically /or open a new one

• Start live preview

• Right-click in the view window and apply Continuous Auto

Range

• You may adjust exposure time , aperture and focus

• Now you should clearly see the object in the window

Live preview: Useful for fast and easy camera adjustment and
focusing. Does not record or store images.

If you need to change
exposure time (e.g. the image
is still either too dark or too
bright), please go to chapter

6.3.2.

If you want to record and save
images, please see chapter

6.3.7 and chapter 6.6 for
detailed information.

12

6 CAMWARE 4 SOFTWARE

6.2 Camera Overview/List

Preview, connected cameras,
recording profiles

6.3.1 Timing

Exposure time / Trigger modes

6.3.2 Rolling Shutter

Explanation / Timing

6.3 .3 Global Shutter

Explanation / Timing

6.3.4 Global Reset

Explanation / Timing

6.3.5 Image Size

ROI / Sensor format

6.3.6 Sensor Control

Pixel clock / BW noise filter

6.3.7 Recording Control

Recorder mode / Acquire mode
Timestamp / Sequence Trigger

6.3.8 Status

Temperature

6.3.9 Hardware IO Control

Input / Output signals

6.3.10 Convert Control Dialog

Contrast / Saturation / Gamma…

6.4 Image Overlay

Overlay for recorded images

6.4 Recorder Tools

Record / Play / Settings

6.6 View Window

View window functions

6.7 Recorder (Images)

Preview of recorded images

6.8 Settings Overview

Overview of all property settings / Auto
File Save

6.9.1 Demo Mode

No camera connected

6.9.2 File menu

Open / Save / Print files / Options / Avi

Lookup table

6.9.3 Camera

Camera control / Close / Rescan

6.9.4 Acquisation menu

Live preview / Acquire sequence / Rec.

6.9.5 View menu

New window / Convert control / Multi
window / Toolbar / Application look

6.9.6 Window menu

New / Close / Split window

6.9.7 Helpmenu

Logfiles / Support file / About

6.9.8 View window menu

Right-click: Zoom / Flip / Mirror /

6.9.8 Additional features

White Balance / Contrast / Short cut
list

6. CAMWARE 4 SOFTWARE

PCO’s Camware is an excellent software for camera control,
image acquisition and archiving of images in various file formats.
This chapter provides a detailed description of all Camware
functions.
Camware works with any kind of PCO camera. Please see PCO
website for the latest version of this software.

6.1 CHAPTER OVERVIEW

Chapter 6.2: lists all connected cameras

Chapter 6.3 Camera Properties: main dialog for all camera settings:

Chapter 6.4/ 6.5 /6.6 /6.7 / 6.8 describe the recording functions

Chapter 6.9 describes the available menu tabs

Codec Dialog / Direct record to file /

memory settings

Rotate…

13

1

1 2 3

4

2 3 4

5 5 6

6

5

6.2 CAMERA OVERVIEW / LIST

If closed, the Camera Overview window can be opened
by selecting the View tab and Toolbars and Docking
Windows → Camera Overview.

The Camera Overview window allows you to manage several
connected cameras. It displays a list of all connected PCO
cameras. Camware is able to scan 2 for connected cameras or
close a connected camera. It is possible to define many different

settings for each camera (max. 30 sets per camera → add new
set 3 ).
New view windows 4 can be opened and the Live Preview 5
can be started. When unfolded, the Preview shows a small
preview window 6 (always monochrome) integrated to the

camera list.

Live preview enables the adjustment of aperture and focus and
to have a first look at your object. During live preview no images
are saved into the computer RAM.

During Live preview Trigger and Acquire mode are set to Auto.

Camera Setting: All Preferences that have been made in the
Camera Properties (see 6.3) are saved to Camera Settings. Define

different Settings with different Preferences in Camera Properties
for each of your experiments. Settings can be switched easily at any
time (not during record) and can be copied to other cameras.

Link Preview Set to ‘Preview’

When Link Preview Set to Preview is activated the Preview set
with its parameters will always be active when you start a Live
Preview 5 .

In case this function is deactivated, the Live Preview will always
show live images with the parameters of your active setting.
Setting a higher exposure time for Preview set and linking it to
the preview function can be a great advantage if preview light
conditions are different from those in recording situations.

14

6 CAMWARE 4 SOFTWARE

1 2 3

1 2 3

Click and drag camera setting: If you want to copy e.g. Camera
Setting 1 to Camera Setting 4, just drag & drop Setting 1 to
Setting 4 and Camware will ask if you want to copy the settings. It is

possible to copy each setting to every camera.

Master Sets

This function facilitates the image acqusition with multiple
cameras. Define two or more Master Sets to switch during an
experiment very easily between different predefined settings for
each camera. Each image acquisition or experiment can be
recorded with its own Master Set.

To display Master Sets, please right-click in the Camera

Overview window and select Show Master Sets.

Master Set window

Define different Master Sets. Select individual Camera Settings
within each Master Set.

Functions:

Add Master Set or Remove active master .
Put it to active status by clicking on one of your sets .

Important Setting (for cameras without internal memory)

Memory Allocation Dialog

If you want to change the number of recorded images in
Camware, you have to open the Acquisition Tab (see 6.9.4)
and choose Recorder Memory Settings.
This sets the number of images recorded in one sequence.
The maximum is defined by approved RAM size.

15

1

2

3

2

3

4

4

1

6.3 CAMERA PROPERTIES

The Camera Properties window in Camware is the main interface for
all camera settings. The active set selected within Camera List can be
adjusted here.

The former main instance Camera Control (known from Camware

3.x) and the Convert Control (see 6.3.10) can be opened
additionally.

Three view options with various functions can be selected: Basic,

Custom and Expert.

Basic mode 1 only shows camera infos, exposure time / delay time,

image size (ROI) and temperature settings. In Basic mode the frame
rate is always calculated automatically based on the selected
exposure time, i.e. if exposure time is increased, the frame rate is
decreased. It is recommended for new Camware users.

Custom mode shows several more setting possibilities and
functions can be hidden or shown by the Custom Properties

Button.

Additional to the Basic mode many more options are selectable.

Expert mode (for advanced users) shows all possible camera
property settings.

An explanation for every setting is displayed below the properties
dialog.

16

6 CAMWARE 4 SOFTWARE

n + 1

n + 2

n + 1

n + 2

t

exp treadout

n - 1

n + 1

n + 1

t

t

del

readout

readout

exposure

exposure

1 2 1 2

6.3.1 TIMING

Introduction to timing

An important parameter for a camera is the frame rate. The
upper limit of the

frame rate is defined by exposure and

readout time.

The figure below shows the timing scheme. Exposure and
readout are done
readout from the sensor, image n+1

simultaneously, this means while image n is

is already integrated within

the sensor’s pixel elements.

Figure shows, that in case of short exposure times, the
readout is the
that for long exposure times the exposure
(t

) is the limiting factor.

delay

limiting factor. The second figure shows

time plus delay

Figure : Image timing for short exposure times

exp

Figure : Image timing for long exposure times

If a lower frame rate is desired, this can be achieved by inserting
additional delay times. These rules also apply in external trigger
mode, i.e. this

defines when the next trigger can be applied or

recognized.

For further timing explanations (e.g. fps based timing) please read
the following chapters for Rolling Shutter, Global Shutter and
Global Reset.

17

Busy
Status (out)

accepted

not accepted
accepted

accepted

Exposure
Exposure

Status (out)

NOTE

1

1

Trigger Mode

In this context trigger means exposure trigger, i.e. the trigger
signal controls the exposure of a single image (light integration
time).

Auto Sequence: the camera will optimize the image recording
to achieve the best possible frame rate.
In the Auto Sequence mode, the camera determines the
fastest possible frame rate depending on the adjusted exposure
time and the required readout time.

After a start command is given, the sequential recording is
started until a stop command is given.

Soft Trigger: single images can be recorded with this Camware
command. A single image can be acquired by pressing the

Single Trigger button. This button appears after pressing the
Start Record button (see 6.4 ). Other signals cannot influence

this operating mode.

If the trigger rate of the
external signal is quite
near the maximum
possible frame rate
(difference < 1/1000), it
will be random, whether
or not a trigger is
accepted!

In the External Exposure Start exposure control mode, single image
recording is started by the falling or rising edge of the voltage signal
at the SMA input #1(see 6.3.9). The frame rate cannot be set, as the
frame rate is defined by the frequency of the external signal. However
the predefined exposure time and ROI settings affect the maximum
possible frame rate.

The Busy Status signal at SMA #3 (SMA explanation see 6.3.9) will
indicate whether a new trigger is accepted.

Trigger (in)

The maximum achievable frame rate in external trigger mode is
negligibly less (about 0.1%) than operating the camera in Auto
Sequence mode.

If the trigger rate of the external signal is higher than the maximum
possible frame rate, every second trigger pulse is ignored. Therefore
the actual frame rate drops to half of the external trigger rate. If the
trigger rate is increased further, then only every third, every fourth etc.
trigger edge will be accepted.

18

6 CAMWARE 4 SOFTWARE

Busy Status (out)

not
accepted

Exposure Trigger (in)

Exposure Status (out)

accepted

not
accepted

accepted

not
accepted

t

readout

Busy Status

accepted

not accepted

accepted

accepted

Exposure

Exposure
Status (out)

Shutter

Mode

Maximum

exposure time

Rolling

2 s

Global

100 ms

Global Reset

2 s

Rolling

10 s

Global Reset

2s

pco.edge 4.2 Camera Link

Rolling

10 s

pco.edge 4.2 Camera Link HS

Rolling

10 s

Rolling

20 s

Global Reset

2 s

pco.edge 5.5 Camera Link

Rolling

2 s

Global

100 ms

Global Reset

2 s

accepted

In order to avoid trade-offs at maximum frame rate use either the
Busy Status signal or make sure that the external trigger rate follows
this condition: 0.999 x External Trigger Rate ≤ f

max

.

External Exposure Control An external signal applied at SMA #1
(see 6.3.9), controls the start and the duration of the exposure.

A new exposure is started by the falling or rising edge of the voltage
signal at the SMA input. The exposure is finished when the opposite
edge is detected. Thus in this mode, the start as well as the length of
the exposure time can be controlled.

No further settings can be made, as the image timing is completely
controlled by the external trigger signal.

Trigger (in)

(out)

Be aware, that the externally controlled exposure time is limited. The
integration will be stopped automatically if the maximum exposure
time is achieved.

The Busy Status signal at SMA #3 (see 6.3.9) indicates if a new
trigger is accepted.

Camera

pco.edge 3.1 USB 3.0

pco.edge 4.2 LT USB 3.0

pco.edge 4.2 USB 3.0

pco.edge 5.5 Camera Link HS
pco.edge 5.5 USB 3.0

19

reset

reset

readout

readout

t

t

global

t

texposure (l ast row )

tall rows

Camera (Rolling Shutter)

Exposure time

Delay time

pco.edge 3.1 USB 3.0

500 µs … 2 s

pco.edge 4.2

100 µs … 10 s

t

NOTE:

NOTE

exposure and
delay time can be
adjusted in steps of

6.3.2 ROLLING SHUTTER

In Rolling Shutter mode the pixel reset and exposure start is carried

The available Rolling
Shutter readout modes
see chapter 6.9.3.

out row by row. Each row has the same exposure time, but a different
start and end of exposure. The pco.edge image sensor consists of
two discrete halves, which are exposed and read out simultaneously,
i.e. from the outside to the center by default. Within one row, the
exposure starts simultaneously for all pixels.

General Timing Diagram

start

end

start

end

frame

frame

exposur e (first row)

The exposure time of each row starts with the corresponding reset of

The

the row. Then after a predefined time, the exposure is stopped. The
light induced accumulated charge carriers of the pixels in a row are

one line time (see 1.2).

recorded into memory in a low noise (readout) mode. This results in
the total image appearing in memory corresponding to the row
readout.

Timing

pco.edge 4.2 LT USB 3.0

pco.edge 4.2 USB 3. 0

Camera Link

pco.edge 4.2 Camera Link HS

pco.edge 5.5 USB 3.0

pco.edge 5.5 Camera Link

pco.edge 5.5 Camera Link HS

100 µs … 10 s

100 µs … 20 s

100 µs … 10 s

500 µs … 2 s

500 µs … 2 s

500 µs … 2 s

0 … 1 s

20

6 CAMWARE 4 SOFTWARE

0.1…35 fps @ 95.3 MHz

0.1…100 fps @ 272.3 MHz

0.5…100 fps @ 286 MHz

t

t

Expos
(
Start

Global
(
Start

Trigger
(
Start

Busy
(
Start

t exposur e

image

t exposur e

image

t all rows 1st

Δt = t

NOTE

Δ

(see chapter 1.2)

FPS based (only Camera Link interface)
The camera will optimize the image recording to achieve the selected
frame rate with chosen exposure time as close as possible.
Only for Auto Sequence trigger mode and only available with
Camera Link Interface

First the frame rate is set. If the time required for readout of the image
is longer than 1 / frame rate, then the frame rate will be reduced to

readout

.

1 / t

The frame rate can be adjusted in steps of 1 mHz (Rolling Shutter).
If the selected exposure time would require a lower frame rate, the
exposure time is cut to the maximum possible time at that frame rate.

Camera Frame rate (FPS Based) Exposure time

pco.edge 4.2 Camera Link

pco.edge 5.5 Camera Link

0.1…100 fps @ 272.3 MHz

100 µs…10 s

500 µs…2 s

Exposure time > Sensor frame readout time (Auto Sequence)

In case the required exposure time is longer than the frame readout
time, the image sensor is completely exposed to light for some time

). In case of a triggered flash illumination, this would be the best

(t

global

moment to illuminate the image sensor.

1st row, 1 st

in)

out)

out)

t = t : 1 line time

1st row, 2nd

out)

frame

all rows 2nd

21

exposure stop & readout

reset & expos ure start

band of sim ult an eous exposures

The hardware signal for the time t

is available on connector #4

global

(Global out see 6.3.9).

Obviously, if during exposure and readout, parts of the viewed image
are moving horizontally, this would result in image distortion. This is
why the global shutter mode may be a prerequisite for some
applications.

However, most dynamic events can be captured in 1 ms, which is a
common integration time with SLR cameras set at 1/1000 exposure.
The time shift from one row to another is only about 10 µs (fast scan).
The resulting maximum readout time of 10 ms (at full resolution)
seems to be sufficient for a broad spectrum of dynamic events.

The 10 ms is also faster than the image shift process of most frame
transfer emCCD image sensors previously used for low light
applications. If this does not influence the image recording and
processing, then rolling shutter mode will not affect it either.

Exposure time < Sensor frame readout time (Auto Sequence)

In case the required exposure time is shorter than the frame readout
time, the image is composed of two exposure bands moving from the
outside to the center of the sensor.

For example the shortest exposure time in Rolling Shutter is 100 µs
for the pco.edge 4.2.

The band of simultaneous exposure is in this case (smallest
possible height) at full resolution:

e.g. pco.edge 4.2: 100 µs / 24.93 µs (line time (see 1.2)) = 4 →
number of simultaneous rows = 8

Previous comments on image distortion (also known as Rolling
Shutter Effect) apply here as well.

22

6 CAMWARE 4 SOFTWARE

t

Exposure

Exposure

t

t

t

t

t

t

jit

jitter

≤1 line time1

t

rsys

fixed system delay of rising edge

50 … 150 ns

t

fsys

fixed system delay of falling edge

50 … 150 ns

t

delay

programmable delay time

0 µs … 1 s

Exposure
(
Start

Trigger
(
Start

Busy
(
Start

t
t

all rows 2nd image

t

all rows 1st image

NOTE

can be a

maximum of one

Auto Sequence graph

The jitter t

jit

row/line time.

in)

out)

out)

frame

Details for External Exp. Start and External Exp. Ctrl

The detailed timing for external trigger includes system delay times,
an adjustable additional delay time, and the jitter.

trigger (in)

rsys

delay

jit

fsys

delay

Name Explanation Value

jit

1

line time → see 1.2

For optimized synchronization (minimized jitter time) use the falling
edge of the line signal at the status output (see 6.3.9).

System times t
can be read out from your camera, for further information see SDK
manual function PCO_GetImageTiming.

rsys

and t

23

are depending on your camera settings and

fsys

pco.edge 3.1 USB 3.0

20 µs … 100 ms

pco.edge 5.5 USB 3. 0

20 µs … 100 ms

pco.edge 5.5 Camera Link

10 µs … 100 ms

pco.edge 5.5 Camera Link HS

10 µs … 100 ms

NOTE

available for pco.edge

4.2 (all interfaces).

6.3.3 GLOBAL SHUTTER

First, all pixels are globally reset and these reset values are shifted

Global Shutter is not

into so-called diffusion nodes. From there, they are non-destructively
read out into memory as reset dark images. The exposure starts after
transfer of the reset dark image to the diffusion nodes, where they are
stored on the chip. The exposure is stopped by global charge transfer
to the diffusion nodes. Then, the exposure image is read out to the
memory, where the former reset dark image is subtracted to perform
an external correlated double sampling, which reduces the noise.
Since two images have to be read out to receive one resulting image,
the sCMOS image sensor’s Global Shutter mode has only half of the
frame rate of the Rolling Shutter mode.

Reset Exposure Readout

Timing

The exposure and delay time can be adjusted in steps of one line
time (see 1.2).

Camera (Global Shutter) Exposure time Delay time

FPS based (only edge 5.5 Camera Link)

The camera will optimize the image recording to achieve the selected
frame rate with chosen exposure time as close as possible.

Only for Auto Sequence trigger mode and only available with
Camera Link Interface.

First the frame rate is set. If the time required for readout of the image
is longer than 1 / frame rate, then the frame rate will be reduced to
1 / t

. Minimum frame rate is 1 / max. exposure time.

readout

The frame rate can be adjusted in steps of 1 mHz (Global Shutter).
If the selected exposure time would require a lower frame rate, the
exposure time is cut to the maximum possible time at that frame rate.

Camera Frame rate (FPS Based) Exposure time

0 µs … 1 s

24

pco.edge 5.5 Camera Link

10 … 50 fps @ 286 MHz 10 µs … 100 ms

6 CAMWARE 4 SOFTWARE

t

jit

line time1

t

ROI(y)∗  

2

t

Programmable:

1 line time1 … 100 ms

t

delay

(system)

(t

frame

– t

exp

)

tif

line time1

NOTE

Trigger (in)

External Exposure Start

(Auto Sequence respectively)

Busy (out)

Exposure (out)

Frame

Name # of lines

frame

exp

1

line time → see 1.2

The listed parameters can be output via SDK function
PCO_GetImageTiming dependent on the selected ROI.

If t

exp

< t

system delay (t

frame

) is added before exposure starts.

delay

25

t

jit

line time1

t

ROI(y)∗  

2

t

exp

Trigger (in)

External Exposure Control

Busy (out)

Exposure (out)

Frame

Name # of lines

frame

1

line time → see 1.2

Counted line time1

In External Exposure Control trigger mode the external signal
controls start of image acquisition and duration of the exposure.

First, all pixels are globally reset and these reset values are shifted
into so-called diffusion nodes. From there, they are non-destructively
read out into memory as reset dark images.

In this mode, the exposure starts always after the readout of the dark
image is completed. The length of the exposure has been detected
by the sensor from the trigger input. The exposure is stopped by
global charge transfer to the diffusion nodes after the respective time.

Then, the exposure image is read out to the memory, where the
former reset dark image is subtracted to perform an external
correlated double sampling, which reduces the noise.

Since two images have to be read out to receive one resulting image
and the exposure cannot start during readout time of the dark image,
this specific Global Shutter mode provides less than half of the
frame rate of the Rolling Shutter mode.

26

6 CAMWARE 4 SOFTWARE

pco.edge 3.1 USB 3.0

pco.edge 4.2 LT USB 3.0

pco.edge 4.2 USB 3.0

pco.edge 5.5 USB 3.0

pco.edge 5.5 Camera Link

pco.edge 5.5 Camera Link HS

NOTE

available for pco.edge

Link HS.

reset /

readout

start

readout

end

t

t

t

t

t

6.3.4 GLOBAL RESET

All pixels are globally reset and the exposure starts for all rows at the

Global Reset is not

4.2 Camera Link and
pco.edge 4.2 Camera

same time. The exposure stop is carried out row by row; therefore the
duration of the exposure is not the same for all pixels. The rolling
readout improves the image quality, but due to the difference in
exposure time, a flash illumination is recommended. The readout
(exposure stop) is done from the outside to the center.

General Timing Diagram

exposure start

The exposure time of all rows starts simultaneously. The exposure
time of the first row stops after the predefined time, the following
rows are read out from the outside to the center row by row. Please
note that this leads to a different duration of exposure time for all
rows.

Timing

global

exposure (fir st row)

exposure (l ast row)

frame

all rows

The exposure and delay time can be adjusted in steps of one line
time (see 1.2).

Camera (Global Reset) Exposure time Delay time

30 µs – 2 s

0 µs … 1 s

10 µs – 2 s

27

t

Exposure

Exp trig (in)

t

t

t

t

t

1…33.3 fps @ 95.3 MHz

t

jit

jitter

≤

t

rsys

time rising edge

t

fsys

time falling edge

t

delay

delay time

0 µs … 1 s

FPS based (only edge 5.5 Camera Link)

The camera will optimize the image recording to achieve the selected
frame rate with chosen exposure time as close as possible.
Only for Auto Sequence trigger mode and only available with
Camera Link Interface.

First the frame rate is set. If the time required for readout of the image
is longer than 1 / frame rate, then the frame rate will be reduced

readout

.

to 1 / t
The frame rate can be adjusted in steps of 1 mHz (Global Reset).
If the selected exposure time would require a lower frame rate, the
exposure time is cut to the maximum possible time at that frame rate.

Camera Global Reset Frame rate (FPS Based) Exposure time

pco.edge 5.5 Camera Link

1…100 fps @ 286 MHz

10 µs…2 s

Details for External Exp. Start and External Exp. Ctrl

The detailed timing for external trigger includes system delay times,
an adjustable additional delay time and the jitter.

rsys

delay

jit

fsys

delay

Name Explanation Value

1 line time1

1

line time → see 1.2

For optimized synchronization (minimized jitter time) use the falling
edge of the line signal at the status output (see 6.3.9).

System times are depending on your camera settings and can be
read out from your camera, for further information see SDK manual
PCO_GetImageTiming.

jit

28

6 CAMWARE 4 SOFTWARE

1 2 3

1

6.3.5 IMAGE SIZE

Region of Interest

The ROI (Region of Interest) selects only a part of the sensor to
be read out.

Vertical ROI: In order to speed up the frame rate and to reduce
the amount of image data, the selected ROI needs to be placed
symmetrical to the horizontal center line.

Horizontal ROI: In order to reduce the amount of image data a
horizontal ROI can be set. Please be aware, that changes in
horizontal direction will not increase the frame rate.

Basic Setting:

Activate Basic Setting by clicking on … to easily set a ROI by just
keying in the horizontal and vertical resolution in pixels.

ROI window

Activate ROI window by clicking on … after selecting
the ROI (symm. horz./vert.) menu or use the … right to
the X Res / Y Res and click on ROI window.

The ROI window will open and it is possible to set a
new Region of Interest by dragging a window with the
mouse or by keying in the values.

29

ROI

steps

ROI

steps

Mini-

ROI

Vert.

ROI

pco.edge 3.1 USB 3.0

4

1

64x16

no

pco.edge 4.2 LT USB 3.0

4

1

64x16

no

pco.edge 4.2 USB 3. 0

4

1

64x16

no

pco.edge 4.2 Camera Link

20

2

40x16

yes

pco.edge 4.2 Camera Link HS

16

1

64x16

no

pco.edge 5.5 USB 3. 0

4

1

64x16

no

pco.edge 5.5 Camera Link

160

2

160x16

yes

pco.edge 5.5 Camera Link HS

16

1

64x16

no

pco.edge 4.2 Camera Link

1

1

40x16

no

pco.edge 5.5 Camera Link

4

1

160x16

no

ROI table:

Camera

horizontal

vertical

mum

Software based ROI (Soft-ROI) (only available for Camera Link)

This function calculates the Region of Interest via software. Due to
this functionality, the resolution of pco.edge cameras with Camera
Link interface can be adjusted in steps of 1 – 4 pixels.
Since the readout architecture of Camera Link cameras is not able to
address single pixels, this downsizing is done by software.
If you work with Camware or Device Adapters (µManager, Labview…)
or with PCO SDK, the Soft-ROI is disabled by default. For further
information, please see the SDK description.

ROI table with Soft-ROI Option enabled (only Camera Link)

symm.

Open regedit to control Soft-ROI: Under HKey-
Current-User/Software/PCO/ create a DWORD
value with the name SoftROI for each camera. Set
this value to 1 in order to enable Soft-ROI. Remove or
set this value to 0 in order to disable Soft-ROI by
default. Keep in mind that unsymmetrical ROI
decreases FPS. Table above shows values for Soft­ROI enabled.

30

6 CAMWARE 4 SOFTWARE

Camera

Standard

Alternative

1

1

2 2 2

3

Binning

Binning combines neighboring pixels (in either the horizontal or
vertical direction) to form super pixels. It increases the signal to
noise ratio (SNR) and decreases the spatial resolution of the total
image, which is recorded. For further information see A5.
(pco.edge 5.5 Camera Link: Binning only in Rolling Shutter
mode)

Available Binning Modes:

H1xV1, H1xV2, H1xV4, H2xV1, H2xV2, H2xV4, H4xV1, H4xV2,
H4xV4.

Format (only pco.edge 5.5 Camera Link)

pco.edge 5.5 Camera Link

6.3.6 SENSOR CONTROL

Pixelclock

The pixel clock sets the clock frequency and therefore the
image sensor readout speed.
(See pco.edge family overview table chapter 1.2 for available

readout frequencies.)

B/W Noise Filter

In addition to the integrated static defect pixel list processing a
dynamic noise filter can be activated here in order to remove
so-called blinkers and high noise pixels. If you encounter
unexpected aliasing effects, turn this filter off.

2560 x 2160 1920 x 1080

31

image

Busy Status

image

image

image

Acquire
Acquire

en

Busy Status
(out)

accepted

not

accepted

accepted

Exposure
Trigger (in)

2

1

2

1

3

6.3.7 RECORDING CONTROL

Recorder Mode

Camware will use free RAM space on your computer. The
recorded images will be temporarily saved as 16bit multi TIFF.
In Sequence mode the recording stops when RAM space is full.
In Ring Buffer mode the camera will stop only by a stop
command, hence overwriting previous images. For longer
recording periods an appropriate RAID system is necessary,
see also the Direct Record to File option, see 6.9.2.

Acquire Mode

The acquire mode gives you the ability to enable or disable the
recording by an external signal. If set to Auto all images are
accepted and all images taken are saved. A signal at the
Acquire Enable input (see chapter 6.3.9) is ignored for this
function. Operation of the acquire mode depends on the
selected Trigger Mode.

If set to External, the camera will only record images if the
external signal enables recording.

Trigger mode Auto Sequence: This sensor timing scheme is paused
by the signal at the Acquire Enable input. The Acquire Enable
input is sampled at the beginning of the image generation, which can
be seen at the rising edge of the busy stat output. If the acq enbl
input is high (low, when inverted) when an image is acquired, it
causes an idle state until the Acquire Enable input is low (high,
when inverted).

(out)

enable (in)

In Trigger Mode External Exposuse Start, the Acquire Enable
input works like a gate for the trigger signal. A trigger edge (rising,
falling when Exposure Trigger is inverted) is accepted only when the
Acquire Enable signal is high (low, when inverted).

able (in)

accepted not accepted

32

6 CAMWARE 4 SOFTWARE

Acquire enable

Exposure
Status Busy

not accepted

not accepted

Image 1

Image 2

Image 3

Acquire enable (in)

Exposure Trigger (in)

tsu

th

tsu = 70ns
t

In Trigger Mode External Exposure Control the Acquire Enable
input works very similar to the mode External Exposure Start.
However, the Acquire Enable input is ignored for the edge which is
closing the exposure time (started exposure will be finished
accordingly).

When using Acquire Enable in External Trigger Modes, the
following timing specification should be met:

= 70ns

h

If the Acquire enable signal changes within the window of t

(hold), the behavior is random. The trigger may be accepted or

to t

h

(set up)

su

ignored.

Sequence Trigger

Once, a falling or rising edge at the Acquire Enable trigger
input (see chapter 6.3.9) is recognized, an internal image
counter starts to run. It will count all acquired images and will
stop the recording when the predefined number of images is
reached.

Example timing diagram: Trigger mode = external exposure start;
Acquire mode = sequence trigger; Image counter = 3

(in)

Trigger (in)

(out)

33

Camera

Sensor Temperature

pco.edge 3.1 USB 3.0

5 °C

pco.edge 4.2 LT USB 3.0

10 °C

pco.edge 4.2 USB 3. 0

0 °C

pco.edge 4.2 Camera Link

5 °C

pco.edge 4.2 Camera Link HS

7 °C

pco.edge 5.5 USB 3. 0

5 °C

pco.edge 5.5 Camera Link

5 °C

pco.edge 5.5 Camera Link HS

7 °C

1 2 3

3

1 2 3

Timestamp

A time stamp can be placed into the upper left corner of the image. It
can be either put off, binary or binary with text.
The time resolution is 1 μs. In binary mode the first 16 pixels will be
filled with the time stamp information (binary code). The numbers are
coded in BCD with one byte per pixel, which means that every pixel
can hold 2 digits. If the pixels have more resolution than 8 bits, then
the BCD digits are right bound adjusted and the upper bits are zero.
(1 BCD digit ≙ 4 bits; 2 numbers ≙ 2 BCD ≙ 8 bits = 1 byte; every
pixel can hold 2 digits)
For further information please refer to the SDK. In binary and ASCII
mode text will be placed into the image replacing the content of the
image (271x 8 pixels). Time step shows the end of exposure time.
Three different information is stamped onto the image: number of
the image , date and time .

6.3.8 STATUS

Shows the current temperature level of the pco.edge camera.
See chapter A1.5.3 for detailed information about the
ventilation flow of the pco.edge.

Electronics temperature: this sensor shows the current
temperature of the FPGA

Power supply temperature: this sensor shows the current
temperature of the voltage supply inside the camera.

Sensor temperature:

Display of sensor temperature: A peltier cooling unit is used to keep
the sensor's dark current to an acceptable minimum and in order to
allow a continuous image sequence acquisition free of any drift
phenomena. Either an internal fan or an external water cooling
system assures proper heat transfer from the peltier element to
control the temperature of the cameras.

34

6 CAMWARE 4 SOFTWARE

1

2 3 4

1 2 3

4

1 2 3

4

6.3.9 HARDWARE IO CONTROL

The desired setting can be selected via the
drop-down menu.

For electrical specification, see chapter A1.6

Exposure Trigger

If checked, a signal for External Exposure Start or External
Exposure Control Trigger Mode (see chapter 6.3.1) is
accepted at the Exposure Trigger SMA input #1.

Exposure Trigger: On; Off
Signal Polarity: Rising; Falling

Aquire Enable

If checked, a signal for Acquire Mode or Sequence Trigger Mode (see
chapter 6.3.7) is accepted at the Acquire Enable SMA input #2.

Acquire Enable: On; Off
Signal Polarity: High; Low

Status Busy

If checked, a signal indicating busy status is given at the status busy
output. Once an acceptable trigger edge is received, busy will go on
status high. As soon as busy goes low again, a new trigger edge is
accepted.

Status Busy: On; Off
Signal Polarity: High; Low

Status Expos

If checked, a signal indicating exposure or line status is given at the
status output. Status Expos indicates the actual exposure window
for one frame. Status Line: use the falling line edge for optimized
synchronization (minimized jitter time; see page 23).

Select IO Signal: Status Expos; Status Line
Signal timing: Show time of ‘First Line’; Show common time of ‘All

lines’; Show time of ‘Last line’; Show overall time of ‘All lines’

Status Expos: On; Off
Signal Polarity: High; Low

Enabling and Polarity of I/O Signals

The polarity of the I/O signals indicating their active states is
selectable (positive or negative logic).
The polarity of level-sensitive signals can be set to High (positive
logic) or Low (negative logic).
The polarity of edge-sensitive signals can be set to Rising (positive
logic) or Falling (negative logic).

35

1

1 2 3

4

2 4 3

end reset first line =
start exposure first line

end reset last line =
start exposure last line

end exposure first line =

end exposure last line =

1

2

4

3

Signal Timing for Rolling Shutter

Rolling Shutter Signal Timing options are available
(only if shutter mode is set to Rolling Shutter, see 6.9.3 Setup).

There are four signal types available:

• Shows the exposure time of the first rolling shutter line (t

• Shows when all sensor lines are exposed (t

global

)

• Shows the exposure time of the last rolling shutter line (t

• Shows if any sensor line is integrating (t

alllines

)

start readout first line

start readout last line

firstline

lastline

)

)

36

6 CAMWARE 4 SOFTWARE

1

2

3

4

1 2 3

4

6.3.10 CONVERT CONTROL

Start the Convert Control Dialog with the Black/White
Button in Camera Properties.

Convert Control BW

The user can influence how the 16 bit intensity values of the original
image are displayed in 8 bit values in different ways.

BW Settings (includes histogram of original
data)

It is possible to hide the histogram of original
data and to switch tab/histogram .

Green sliders in histogram
left slider = Min controller (corresponds to

value 0 of the 8 bit display). Values below that
mark are set to 0, i.e. displayed as black.
right slider = Max controller (corresponds to
value 255). Values above that mark are set to
255, i.e. displayed as white.

The values in-between are converted into a value between 0 and 255
according to Contrast and Gamma settings. See the small graph ,
which reflects the calculation.

Proc config tab: please see under Convert Control Color

Converted Hist
This tab shows you the histogram of
converted data.

37

GPU Processing

Fast pco debayering: only color cameras

Color Refine Filter only color cameras

Noise Reduction

Denoise Adaptive: only color cameras

Sharpen:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 3 4

1

3 4 2

1

2

Convert Control Color (only pco.edge color)

Color Balance (Histogram of original data)

Intensity of single color can be controlled by
Saturation and Vibrance

Press the Auto button to set the white

balance

The balancing of RGB can be controlled by
Col.Temp and Tint

It is possible to
data and to switch tab/histogram .

The user can influence how the 16 bit intensity values of the original
image are displayed in 8 bit values in different ways.

White sliders in histogram
left slider = Min controller (corresponds to value 0 of the 8 bit

display). Values below that mark are set to 0, i.e. displayed as no
color.
right slider = Max controller (corresponds to value 255). Values
above that mark are set to 255, i.e. displayed as full color.

The values in-between are converted into a value between 0 and 255
according to Contrast and Gamma settings. See the small graph ,
which reflects the calculation.

Proc. Config (Process configuration)

Due to proprietary high-end algorithms used for these image
processing features, no detailed description is given here

.

hide the histogram of original

.

.

38

On: Switch on in order to significantly reduce
processing time (increases refresh rate of the
live image.

NLM: Non local means algorithm

On: only color cameras (first activate Fast
pco debayering

Converted RGB Hist
This tab shows you the histogram of
converted data.

6 CAMWARE 4 SOFTWARE

6

7

1

2 2 5

6 57

1

NOTE

3

4

3

4

6.4 IMAGE OVERLAY

gefunden werden. View Menu to activate this menu.

Open Image Overlay: you can easily switch between Camera
Properties and Image Overlay with these two buttons.
If not available, please see Fehler! Verweisquelle konnte nicht

This function enables an individually configurable image overlay
allowing to display information within the images.
Many different options are available by clicking Add item to…

Also the Appearance is configurable:
Font, Text color, Text opacity, Background color, Background
opacity and horizontal or vertical orientation.

Camera image number and Camware Image Number are two
different count methods:
Camera image number: the image numbers are being incremented
continuously. When recording in Ring Buffer mode, the image
numbers are exceeding the number of images being stored in the
RAM memory of the camera since images are being overwritten
when the memory is full.
Camware image number: the software displays the image numbers
according to the number of images being recorded (starting with
image 1).

A preview of the image overlay is shown.

Each item can be moved upwards, downwards or deleted by clicking
on …

By drag & drop the Image Overlay can be moved easily to your
favorite position within an image.

To activate image overlay right-click in the image
window and activate Show Image Overlay.

This function does not overwrite image data.

39

1

2

1

2

6.5 RECORDER TOOLS

Recorder Tools provides Record and Play function, Play Settings
and Record Settings.
It can be found on the right lower side of Camware or, if closed,
activated by View Menu (see chapter 6.9.5)

Record

Play Settings

Start/Stop record: with Record Button.
or press enter in the View window to Start/Stop record.

Recording: in record state Camware software is highlighted in

red.

It is possible to change the exposure time during record. See

6.3 Camera Properties.

Software Trigger Mode: after record is started an arrow

pointing downwards appears, which applies a single trigger (see

6.3.1).

Play Speed: selectable play speed from x1 to x256 or from 1fps

to 16fps. E.g. in mode x1 a recording with 1000 fps is played
with 25 fps.
1 fps means that only one frame per second is played.

Play Mode: selectable play mode of the recorder (continuous or
single time (re)play).

Play Direction: selectable direction of record play (forward or
backward)

Record Settings

Averaging: if in the dropdown list a value not equal to x1 is selected,
the corresponding number of images is averaged in the buffer,
reducing the statistically independent noise.

IIR Lowpass: another option to reduce the noise is the activation of

the Infinite impulse response IIR lowpass filter. This filter takes

90% of the previous image and 10% of the new image to create
images with clearly reduced noise.
Image (actual) = Image (act - 1) * 0.9 + Image (new) * 0.1

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6 CAMWARE 4 SOFTWARE

1

1

1

1

2

3

2

3

Reminder dialog: If you have already made a recording but you did
not save it, Camware will ask you to save the record before starting a
new one.

Extended Recorder can be activated (see 6.9.5)

Functions:

• Start & Stop record / Stop record / Replay / Play

• First image (jump to first image) / Back fast (jump backward) /

Back (jump one image backward)

• Forward (jump one image forward) / Forward fast (jump forward) /

Last image (jump to last image in record)

Recording with multiple cameras:

If all cameras are activated the recording is started simultanously
for all cameras.
Recorder will use Recorder mode settings (Sequence or Ring
Buffer) of the seleted camera for all cameras (see 6.3.7)
For single camera recording, deactivate cameras by removing
the check mark from the box.

41

1

2

4

5

1

2 3 3 6 4

5

6

6.6 VIEW WINDOW

Fast-scroll through images

If you have recorded at least 50 images, you can scroll
through the images quickly. To do this, hold down the
left mouse button on the image number. Additionally
you can enter the desired image number directly into
the number field.

More View Windows

It is possible to open more view windows of
one camera: just click on new view window 1
and Camware will create a new one 2 .
Even when multiple view windows (or from
multiple cameras) are open, the same image

number is always shown in all of the view windows.

A dropdown menu helps to select a view
window. If you have more view windows than
can be displayed on the desktop, you will be
able to select each view window.

Split View Window

The view window can be split. Choose
Window → Split 4 and a split cross will be
shown. You can easily adjust the size of the
splitted window elements by grabbing and
dragging the dividing lines 5 .
The main function is that you are able to view
four regions of your image in one view. Choose
the Zoom± function to zoom in the image (first
turn off Stretched
View see 6.9.8)

If you want to undo
the split, you have to
double click on the

deviding line (after symbol 6 is visible).

Two Tabs side by side or on top of each other

If you want to view two tabs side by side or
arranged one above the other just drag a tab
and then Camware will ask you if you want to
create a new horizontal or vertical tab group.
Undo this very easily by draging the tab back
to its former position.
This also applies for view windows of several
cameras.

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6 CAMWARE 4 SOFTWARE

1

1 2 2

6.7 RECORDER (IMAGES)

When recording is done, small preview images (thumbnails) are built
and displayed automatically. This will take some time depending on
the performance of your computer system and of the interface used.

If you click (left mouse button) within the upper scale bar 1 , you can
adjust the number of images which are shown by moving the mouse
left or right. Minimum is 20 and maximum is half of the recorded

images in this scale.

Quick scrolling: you can quickly scroll through the thumbnails by

dragging the orange bar with the mouse.

While quick scrolling, the Preview window will display the active
image sequence. This allows you to quickly scroll through the image
sequence displaying the images in the Preview window forwards or
backwards. The View window will not actively show live images
during quick scrolling (only in normal scrolling speed by mouse­wheel).

If you click on a thumbnail image it will be shown in the view window.
You can scroll via mouse wheel through the thumbnails.
The upper blue bar correlates to the number of displayed
thumbnails. The lower blue bar shows the range of the upper scale in
relation to the whole record.

The second scale shows the total number of recorded images. It
allows to scroll fast through the images 2 .

43

Right-click menu (click on thumbnails):
Allows to rebuild all thumbnails and to search for
events.

Furthermore the Set In / Out gives you the possibility
to set values for a sequence, which can be played via
play button. Reset In / Out discards these settings.
Set In / Out is active: if you save/export your
images, only the selected images are saved/exported
(see 6.9.2).

The light gray area in the upper scale shows an In-
Out example area. It is very easy to define a new

area: just right-click on the start and end frame in
one of the scales. The In image must be left to the red bar, the Out
image to the right of the red bar.
In / Out area can be adjusted by holding down the left mouse button
and sliding the boarders to increase / decrease.

Search Events in Thumbnails: detected events are
displayed as green bars.

Too dark or bright thumbnails: if
thumbnails are too dark or too
bright, right-click in view window
(see 6.9.8) and select Auto Range

Peak or Auto Range Crop. Then
right-click on a thumbnail image and select Rebuild Thumbnails.
Now the thumbnail images should comply with the view window.

Use your keyboard to scroll through the Images:

Page up / down keys: 10 Images up or down

Arrow keys: quick scrolling through the images.

Advantage: fluent video playback in the View window (forwards or
backwards).

Home/Pos1 key: first image.

End key: last image.

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6 CAMWARE 4 SOFTWARE

Camera name

Name

Auto Save

Off , Unconfigured (red), OK (green)

Type

Camera type and serial number

Status

Ready or Recording

Frame rate

Currently selected frame rate

Resolution

Resolution in pixels

Exposure time

Selected exposure time

Number of images

Number of images to be recorded

T0 Position

not available

Ext. Sync. State

not available

1

11

3

4

5

6 7 8 9 10

4 5 6 7 8

9 101 2 3

11

2

6.8 SETTINGS OVERVIEW

Settings overview shows the most important parameters of your
camera(s) at a glance. If you have more than one camera connected,
each camera and its parameters are listed.

The parameters can only be changed under 6.3 Camera Properties.

It is possible to easily switch between the Recorder (Images) section
and the Settings Overview.

No. Function Description

Green background: Images are in memory

45

6.8.1 AUTO SAVE

Auto Save helps to save your recorded images or sequences in an
easy way. There is no need to save each image/sequence separately
from each connected camera. Therefore this function is very useful if
you use more than one camera. Once configured Auto Save allows
acquiring and saving as many images/sequences as you will need
during your experiment. This function can store RAW (e.g. TIFF) and
Export (e.g. AVI, JPG) files.

Standard file save see File Menu 6.9.2.

Explanations will be displayed in the Info Text window at the bottom

of the menu.

Enable Auto Save by clicking on the check box.
The text will change to Unconfigured! (red
background).

Right-click on the Uncofigured! field and click on
Configure ‘Auto Save’.The Auto Save Options
dialog will be displayed.

First, configure the General Auto Save Settings - Global

Auto Save Mode: two different modes are available, Save manually
and Save unattendedly.
The Save manually mode allows to store RAW images and export
images after a recording session, when you hit the ALT and D keys.
This gives you the possibility to cut the image sequence in the
Recorder Toolbar before saving.
The Save unattendedly mode enables to download all RAW images
and to export the complete image sequences of all cameras
immediately after an active recording is stopped.

Select Output:
Off – Auto Save is deactivated
Save RAW – Only 16 bit RAW files are stored (b16,

pcoraw, MultiTif-File, Tiff
Export – only compressed files are stored (BMP,
JPG, Tiff, AVI, MPEG, WMV)
Save RAW and Export – RAW and compressed
files are stored simultaneously

Common Folder: main folder for your stored files
RAW and Export file Type: select the type of RAW

and Export file
Export Color Image: select if you want to export
color images (only for color cameras)
Apply Automatic File Naming: if set to yes, your
stored files are automatically named by Camware
according to your automatic file name settings.

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6 CAMWARE 4 SOFTWARE

General Auto Save Settings – File name

Set your file name individually by adding or deleting
items. Position these elements as needed.

Camera Specific Auto Save Settings:

Configure camera specific settings for each
connected camera.

Save RAW File Settings: set RAW File Folder and
RAW File Name (if not set to automatic file

naming).

Export File Settings: set Export File Folder and
Export File Name (if not set to automatic file

naming).

Multimedia File Resolution: set predefined video export
resolution or enter a Custom x- and y-resolution.
Most likely you should set the applied resolution of your
camera here.

Finish the configuration by clicking OK.

After configuration is finished, Auto Save status will be set to
OK (green background).

47

6.9 CAMWARE MENU TABS & FEATURES

This chapter describes in detail the Camware Demo Mode and the
Camware Tabs: File, Camera, Acquisition, View and Window.
Furthermore the right-click menu and some additional features are
listed.

6.9.1 DEMO MODE

When Camware is started, it automatically recognizes the
camera type of the connected and running cameras.

Camware will start in Demo Mode, if your camera is switched
off or no camera is connected

In this mode all image processing features are available, but
all camera settings are deactivated. The user only has to tell
Camware what type of image he wants to open. For that
purpose, the Demo Mode Setup window opens and asks for
the corresponding input.

Need Help? If this window pops up because you have trouble
running the camera, please see instructions in appendix A8.

Resolution

The drop down list displays the existing image sensor spatial
resolutions of all PCO camera systems. Please select the specific
resolution and bit depth of the images to be opened. If double shutter
images have been recorded and should be opened, Double Shutter
Mode should be checked.

Color

With the radio buttons, the user can specify whether the image type
is monochrome (b/w) or color.

Alignment

These two radio buttons adjust whether MSB (most significant bit)
aligned (upper) or LSB (least significant bit) aligned (lower) images
have been stored.

Infotext

The Infotext is automatically shown in Camware if
you open a stored image sequence.
The Camera Properties settings, storing location
and Record date are listed in this file.

Infotext can be activated in the View Menu 6.9.5 at
any time.

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6 CAMWARE 4 SOFTWARE

NOTE

e aware of the

bitmap format only

to be stored and
therefore the image
content of a 16 bit
image is reduced, if
stored as bitmap.

6.9.2 FILE MENU

B
different storage abili­ties of the formats, for
example *.bmp - the

allows for 8bit values

Open RAW File (single image only)

This command should be used to import a single
image into the currently active image window. Only
files with the extension and format of *.b16 (=PCO
proprietary binary image format) and *.tif (16 bit
TIFF image format) can be imported. If the recorder
is enabled, each imported image will be transferred
to the buffer shown in the picture number. The
image itself will be fitted to the current image size.
If the recorder is disabled, the current image sizes
will be set to the parameters of the imported image.

Open RAW Recorder Sequence (image sequence from one camera)
This command is used to import a sequence of images. If more than
one camera is connected and an image window is currently open, the
sequence will be loaded to the active window. If no image window is
open, the images will be loaded to camera #1. This command opens
the Open file dialog box. Only files with the extension and the format
of *.b16, *.pcoraw, *.tif and multi tif can be imported.

Save RAW File (single image only)

This command should be used to save the image, which is displayed
in the active window. The command opens the Save file dialog box.
The image file can be saved in 16bit *.b16 and *.tif format. If more
than one camera is connected, it is possible to save all current
images by selecting Export all images in the Save file dialog box.
With this feature it is possible to save one image of each active
camera within one process step (it is not necessary to repeat the
save process for each camera). The Save command will not be
available, if no image window is open. For Auto File Save see 6.8.1

Save RAW Recorder Sequence (image sequence from one
camera)

This command should be used to save or
export image sequences. If more than
one camera is connected and an image
window is currently open, the record of
the active window will be saved. The
command opens the Save recorder file
dialog box. It is possible to select the
number of saved images, to step images

and to choose the first image number. For Auto File Save see 6.8.1

Export File (not reloadable!)

Use this command to export the image of the active image window.
This command will open the Export Image dialog box. Files with the
extensions fts, tif, bmp, asc, jpg, and jp2 can be exported. This item
will not be visible, if no image window is open. For Auto File Save
see 6.8.1

49

Export Recorder Sequence (not reloadable!)

Use this command to export a sequence of
images. If more than one camera is connected and
an image window is currently open, the record of
the window which has got the input focus will be
saved. If no image window is open the Export
Recorder Sequence menu does not appear. This
command will open the Export recorder box. Files
with the extensions fts, tif, bmp, asc, avi, mpg, jpg,
jp2, and wmv can be exported (see Appendix A7).

Auto File Save see 6.8.1

Options

Single File Properties

Single tif file 16 bit alignment: upper / lower
ASCII File Separator: select a separator for

the values in the ASCII file. Select: tab, space,
semicolon, colon, comma, hyphen, slash,
backslash.
Binary pgm file: set the format of the pgm
(portable gray map) file. Select: yes, no.
Jpeg2000 image quality: set compression
from 20 to 100%.
Jpeg image quality: set compression from 20
to 100%.
Binary ppm file: set format of the ppm
(portable pixmap) file. Select: yes, no
RAW 16bit RGB tif file: save raw tif without
color balance. Select: yes, no.
Use cache file: Caches image data on disc for
a camera with camera internal memory. Select:
yes, no

General File Properties

FIFO buffer size: set the FIFO buffer size in number of images. This
helps to avoid gaps during file write delays. Usually this is set to 150.
Preserve last record: preserve current recorded images. When set,
the user will be asked whether to really start a new record or to close.

View Properties:

Crosshair color: set the color for crosshair, save ROI and line tool
Crosshair length: set the crosshair length in pixel
Activate crosshair: see chapter 6.9.8

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6 CAMWARE 4 SOFTWARE

Open AVI Codec Dialog

You only need to set these options, if you use Auto File
Save see 6.8

Please select the (compression) codec that you want to
use for your stored sequences. All installed codecs are
listed here.

If you use Auto File Save, this setting takes an effect
on your stored video sequences.

Load lookup Table (for monochrome cameras)

With the Pseudo LUT (Lookup-Table) feature you can load any LUT
with one of four different formats and you can view the result in the
color view window. Use one of the attached predefined LUTs or
define your own.

Direct Record to File

With this command you can preset a certain number of images to be
stored. If the camera captures images faster than the computer can
save to disk, then you will lose images. The displaying of the images
doesn't interfere with the record process.

Start Auto Save
Only available if Auto Save is activated (see 6.8.1)

Exit

This command exits the program and closes all channel dialog
windows. Window positions, settings and sizes are stored in the
windows registry and will be loaded again at next start-up.

6.9.3 CAMERA MENU

Camera Control

Use this command to open the camera control window.

Close

Disconnects camera and switches Camware to Demo Mode. In case
of multiple cameras, all cameras must be closed in order for
Camware to switch to Demo Mode.

Rescan
Disconnects and reconnects all cameras.

51

A D B E C

A B C D E

Setup

Switch between Rolling Shutter, Global Shutter and Global
Reset Mode. The camera will automatically restart.

Five different readout modes are available in Rolling
Shutter mode (6.3.2) (only B/W cameras). Standard mode
is Dual Outside in. In Single Top down, the pco.edge
provides only half of the normal frame rate. Camware
rotates the image that was recorded by the sensor, by
180°. This means, that the last line of the image is the first
line of the sensor.

6.9.4 ACQUISITION MENU

Live Preview

The Live Preview is useful for fast and easy adjusting and
focusing of the camera. The active window will be updated. To
see another window, simply click on the window. This option
is not available in Double Shutter mode.

Acquire Picture
Active if Recorder Mode is set to Soft Trigger, see 6.3.1

Acquire Sequence

Starts recording images into the system memory according to Trigger
Mode selection (see 6.3.1). During recording, all camera controls are

locked.

Rec. Memory Settings

This sets the number of images recorded in one sequence. The
maximum is defined by approved RAM size.

Auto Camera RAM Segment Switching (not available)

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6 CAMWARE 4 SOFTWARE

6.9.5 VIEW MENU

B/W or Color Window

Use this command to open a new display window.

Multi window

View the images of all active cameras in
consecutive order in one window. This
function provides an easy comparability of the
views of different cameras.
Use the same ROI and timing settings for all

cameras.
Only available when using more than one camera. Only after a
complete sequence is recorded (sequence mode) or after buffer is full
for the first time (Ring Buffer).

Convert Control
See chapter 6.3.10

Toolbars and Docking Windows

Standard toolbars of Camware 4 are Recorder/ Recorder
Tools / Camera Overview / Camera Properties and
Image Overlay. Additional Toolbars are displayable, but
not essentially needed: Main Toolbar / Extended
Recorder / Math. Tool / Cursor. For function Infotext see

6.9.1

Application Look

The Style and Look of Camware can be customized;
many different style sheets are selectable. The Tabbed
MDI function (un)docks the view windows.

53

2

3 5 1

4

1

2

3 4 5

6

6

Math Tools

Reset layout to default

This resets all your customized changes and restores the default
layout.

With the math window you have the ability to calculate the
difference between a reference image and the actual
image. If you activate math every new image acquired will
be subtracted from the reference image or vice versa:

• Reference (image) – Actual (image) + Offset or

Actual (image) – Reference (image) +Offset

• a reference picture will be acquired and copied to reference

buffer

• last acquired image will be copied to reference buffer

• add offset to avoid negative values, which would not be

visible

• enable math function

• disable math function

Cursor

Shows position of mouse cursor.
Example: B/W (black/white camera) x-axis: 639; y-axis: 508;
Value: 16383 counts

6.9.6 WINDOW MENU

Camera overview

Shows all connected cameras.

New Window

A new view window will be opened.

Close Active Window

Active window will be closed.

Split

The view window will be split in four quarters.

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6 CAMWARE 4 SOFTWARE

6.9.7 HELP MENU

Contents

Not available

Search for Help on

Not available

Create Support File

This will activate the Camware log files. Press YES to
activate log files and reboot Camware and your pco.edge.
After log files are activated it is possible to create a support
file. Please send this file to the PCO support (see A8.4).

Logging

Enable Logging: Activates Camware log files (this cuts down
performance)

Clear Logfiles: (only visible if logging is enabled)
this command erases all actual log files

Explore Logfiles: opens windows explorer
Disable Logging (only visible if logging is enabled)

disables logging

Support Mail

This command opens your email-program and an already created
support file will be added automatically as file attachment.

About Camware

This window shows program information.

55

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6.9.8 VIEW WINDOW MENU

All functions of the View window menu are explained briefly.
Right-click in the View window to open this menu.

View Color: color window.

View Window B: if Double Shutter

mode is activated, this will switch to
window B (second image).

Split window: splits the View
window in four parts. Double click
on separator to remove.

Stretched View: image will be fitted into the
display window.

Stretched View Ratio: aspect ratio is
maintained.

Zoom +/-: image zoom (only available if
Stretched View is deactivated).

Zoom: set the factor of the Zoom (from 0.0625

to 32).

Scroll Synchronously: if more than one image
window is opened, it is possible to scroll
synchronously through the images (only
available if Stretched View is deactivated).

Show Image Overlay: activates the overlay see 6.4

Open LUT: opens look-up table file for false-color illustration.

Auto Range Peak: searches for the minimum and maximum 16 bit

intensity values of the image. Given these numbers the converter
scales the 8 bit display (256) within these two values.

Auto Range Crop: sets the converter to ignore the extreme intensity
values of the image and scales the display in a smaller range. Thus
dark or bright light spots, reflections, etc. are cut off.

Continuous Auto Range (Crop): this option enables the automatic
min/max function during record and replay.

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6 CAMWARE 4 SOFTWARE

Flip/Mirror: image will be flipped or mirrored.

Rotate Left/Right: rotates the image.

Set ‘File Save ROI’: if you want to save just a

part of the recorded image (region of interest),

it is possible to draw a rectangle with the

mouse. This rectangle is valid for all recorded

images and can be dragged at its edges.

Line Tool: select Line Tool to show a graph,

which shows the intensity of the pixels under

the red line shown in the image window. The

selection of this menu item determines the

location of the first point. After this you can

move the mouse to the second point, which

can be selected by a left click. Now a Line

Diagram opens and the length of the line (unit:

pixel) is displayed in the window.

It is possible to lengthen, shorten or move this

line

Crosshair: activates a centered crosshair. Size

and color are selectable see chapter Fehler!

Verweisquelle konnte nicht gefunden werden.

→ Options.

Crosshair is movable, just drag it by mouse.

Reset it to center position by double-click into

center of the crosshair.

Copy to Clipboard: will copy the actual image to clipboard.

Properties: shows the current settings for View Mode / Common
View Mode and Image Conversion.

57

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2

1

2

6.9.9 ADDITIONAL FEATURES

White Balance by Mouse

It is possible to change white balance easily by mouse: You only
have to press the CTRL (STRG) and the shift button at the same time
and select a white or gray area within the image by dragging a
rectangle while holding the left mouse button. The pixel values within
the coordinates of the selection rectangle are used for calculating a
new white balance.
For best results we recommend to use the white balance button in
the Convert Control Color (see 6.3.10).

Fold Up Window

Setting Contrast Area by Mouse

The Convert Control windows can be

minimized / folded up . Just move the pointer

over the bar and the window will unfold

again .

You can control the minimum and maximum values used for the
conversion from 16 bit to 8 bit with the mouse. Move the mouse
cursor into a region which should be shown with maximum contrast.
Press the shift and the left mouse button. Hold down the mouse
button while increasing the size of the selection rectangle with mouse
moves. After releasing the mouse button the coordinates of the
selection rectangle act as a border for calculating the minimum and
maximum values.

Setting a new ROI by Mouse

In the same manner you can setup a new region of interest (see 6.3.5
ROI) for the camera. You only have to press the CTRL (Strg) button
and drag an area with the left mouse button. The coordinates of the
selection rectangle are used for calculating a new region of interest,
which will be adapted to the camera capabilities automatically. You
can reset the ROI to maximum by pressing the CTRL (Strg) button
and the right mouse button.

Short Cut List

• Start / Stop record: ENTER

• Acquire Picture: SPACE (Soft Trigger mode)

• Acquire Sequence: STRG + A

• Auto Save: ALT + D

• Export File: STRG + T

• Export Recorder Sequence: STRG + O

• Open Raw Image File: STRG + I

• Open Raw Recorder Sequence: STRG + R

• Save Raw Image File: STRG + E

• Save Raw Recorder Sequence: STRG + S

58

APPENDIX

A1 TECHNICAL DATA 60

A1.1 STANDARD VERSION 60
A1.2 WATER COOLED STANDARD VERSION 60
A1.3 CAMERA LINK HS VERSION 61
A1.4 SPECIFICATIONS 62
A1.5 MOUNTING 62

A1.5.1 INSTABLE MOUNTING 62

A1.5.2 CORRECT MOUNTING 63
A1.5.3 COOLING 63

A1.6 REVERSE WITH CAPTION 64

A2 F-MOUNT ADAPTER 65

A2.1 NEW F-MOUNT ADAPTER 65
A2.2 CHANGE FROM F-MOUNT TO C-MOUNT 66

A3 WATER COOLING OPTION PCO.AQUAMATIC II 67

A3.1 SYSTEM COMPONENTS 67
A3.2 FIRST TIME INSTALLATION 68
A3.3 OPERATION 69
A3.4 DIMENSIONS 70
A3.5 YOUR OWN COOLING SYSTEM 70

A4 INTERFACES 71

A4.1 CABLE POSSIBILITIES 71
A4.2 CAMERA LINK 72

A4.2.1 INSTALLATION OF FRAME GRABBER 72
A4.2.2 MICRO DIAGNOSTICS TOOL 73
A4.2.3 IMAGE DATA FLOW 74

A4.3 CAMERA LINK HS 76

A4.3.1 INSTALLATION OF FRAME GRABBER 77
A4.3.2 MICRO DIAGNOSTICS TOOL 78

A4.4 USB 3.0 79

A4.4.1 DRIVER INSTALLATION 79
A4.4.2 HARDWARE RECOMMENDATIONS 79

A4.4.3 USB 3.0 FAQ 81
A4.4.4 INSTALLATION OF THE USB 3.0 CARD 83
A4.4.5 RING BUFFER AND FIFO 84

A5 BINNING WITH CMOS SENSORS 85

A6 LIGHTSHEET SCANNING MODE 86

A7 IMAGE FILE FORMATS 87

A8 CUSTOMER SERVICE 89

A8.1 SERVICE 89
A8.2 MAINTENANCE 89
A8.3 RECYCLING 89
A8.4 TROUBLE SHOOTING 90

A9 INDEX 91

ABOUT PCO 92

59

A1 TECHNICAL DATA

A1.1 STANDARD VERSION

(pco.edge 3.1/ 4.2 (LT) / 5.5: Camera Link or USB 3.0)

A1.2 WATER COOLED STANDARD VERSION

(pco.edge 4.2 / 5.5 Camera Link)

60

A1 TECHNICAL DATA

Water Cooled Standard Version (pco.edge 4.2 / 5.5, USB 3.0)

A1.3 CAMERA LINK HS VERSION

The housing size is similar to the
dimensions of the standard version,
except the camera design with the USB

3.0 interface allows locating the water
connections on the back of the camera.

(pco.edge 4.2 / 5.5 Camera Link HS)

61

General

power supply

12 .. 24 VDC (+/- 10 %)

power consumption

20 W max. (typ. 10 W @ 20 °C)

USB

21 W max. (typ. 11 W @ 20 °C)

CLHS3

32 W max (typ 20 W @ 20 °C)

weight (with F-mount)

CL1

700 g

CL WAT2

1160 g

USB

930 g

1010 g

operating temperature range

+ 10 °C .. + 40 °C

operating humidity range

10 % .. 80 %
(non-condensing)

storage temperature range

- 10 °C .. + 60 °C

optical interface

F-mount & C-mount

CE / FCC certified

yes

Sensor

type of sensor

scientific CMOS (sCMOS)

dynamic range

16 bit

image sensor

CIS2020

CIS 2521

resolution (h x v)

2048 x 2048 active
pixel /

2560 x 2160 active
pixel

pixel size (h x v)

6.5 µm x 6.5 µm

6.5 µm x 6.5 µm

sensor format / diagonal

13.3 mm x 13.3 mm /

16.6 mm x 14.0 mm /
fullwell capacity (typ.)

30 000 e-

30 000 e-

spectral range

370 nm .. 1100 nm

370 nm .. 1100 nm

A1.4 SPECIFICATIONS

1

Camera Link, 2Camera Link watercooled, 3Camera Link HS

CL1

CLHS3

A1.5 MOUNTING

INSTABLE MOUNTING A1.5.1

18.8 mm

21.8 mm

These instructions are not valid for every application. Especially in
microscopy when extreme magnification is used, the smallest
vibration can disturb images.

The pco.edge needs a stable mounting plate to avoid disturbing
vibrations and to ensure a consistent high image quality.
(images are mounting proposals).

Don’t use such an instable mounting plate!

62

A1 TECHNICAL DATA

CORRECT MOUNTING A1.5.2

Recommended mounting.

The mounting plate must have a centred opening, as the
cooling fan is located on the bottom of the pco.edge. The fan
and its louvers must never be blocked.

A stable support for the rear area of the camera is very important.

Attach your pco.edge camera with three ¼” - 20 UNC hexagon

socket screws.

Caution:

• Mount the pco.edge on a stable plate

• Use all three mounting threads

• Never block the fan and the louvers

COOLING A1.5.3

These images show the ventilation flow of the pco.edge
camera.
The fan and the air intake are at the bottom of the camera. The
air outlets are on top and on both sides of pco.edge.
The camera needs a sufficient supply of fresh air to reach a
constant operating temperature.

Caution:

• Never block the fan and the louvers

• Keep adequate distance to other components

• Provide a sufficient supply of fresh air

• Mounting plate needs a cut-out for cooling

63

A1.6 REVERSE WITH CAPTION

Input (1=Exposure Trigger; 2=Acquire Enable)

type

digital

level

3.3 V LVTTL (5 V tolerant)

coupling

DC

impedance

1 kΩ

slew rate

> 1 V/ms

Output (3=Status Busy; 4=Status Expos)

type

digital

level

3.3 V LVTTL

coupling

DC

load current

max. 100 mA

LEMO socket ECG.0B.302.CLV

Pin1

ground

Pin2

VCC 12 V … 24 V

red blinking

error

green continuous

camera is booting

green blinking

camera is ready for operation

yellow blinking

recording on

off no power and/or waiting for software

green continuous

link established; data transfer may
take place

green blinking

hardware ok, but connection broken /

1 2 Pin1

Pin2

3

4 5 6

1

1 3 6 2 7

4

5

Camera Links HS version

USB 3.0 version

6 8 6

Camera Link version
with water-cooling

8

7 4 5

Specification of the reverse:

A inputs (see chapter 6.3.9)

SM

SM

A outputs (see chapter 6.3.9)

P

ower input

Appropiate Lemo plug: FGG.0B.302.CLAD52Z

S

tatus LED

Power switch

on / off

I

nterface connector

Depending on interface: USB 3.0, Camera Link or Camera Link HS.

I

nterface status LED (Camera Link HS)

not established

Water connectors:

Colder Product Company SM212 ¼ hose connector

64

A2 F-MOUNT ADAPTER

Type 35mm F-Mount

• A012 -> SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD

•

Type APS-C(H) F-Mount

• B001 -> SP AF 10-24mm F/3.5-4.5 Di II LD Aspherical [IF]

• G005 -> SP AF 60mm F/2.0 Di II LD [IF] Macro 1:1

A2 F-MOUNT ADAPTER

A2.1 PCO F-MOUNT ADAPTER

Matching lenses with automatic diaphragm:

This is the F-mount adapter from PCO.
If you have got a lens with automatic
diaphragm, this adapter allows you to easily
adjust the aperture by turning the aperture
ring on the adapter.

F-mount lenses
without an automatic
diaphragm can be
adapted to the
camera’s lens mount
but the aperture
cannot be set.

Adjust back focal length

In case you need to adjust the flange focal
distance (e.g. you cannot focus to infinity or
to the minimum object distance of your lens),
please proceed as follows:
Set the focus of your lens to infinity. After
that, look for an object in infinity and generate
a sharp image by turning the adapter. Use the
rearmost ring to fix the setting.

Nikon: all Nikkor lenses of type D and type G (not for type E, this one
is only electronic).

Zeiss: all ZEISS ZF.2 lenses (Otus, Milvus, Interlock, Distagon,
Planar).

Sigma: only lenses, which already have a manual diaphragm ring; all
other lenses have got an aperture control lever, but which does not
spring back, if you turn the aperture ring at the adapter.

Tamron: only some lenses provide automatic diaphragm (no lens
family):

• A007 -> SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD

• A009 -> SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD

• A011 -> SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD

• F012 -> SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD

• F013 -> SP 45mm F/1.8 Di VC USD

F017 -> SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD

• B005 -> SP AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II VC LD Aspherical [IF]

65

F-mount adapter

Allen screws

C-mount ring

A2.2 CHANGE FROM F-MOUNT TO C-MOUNT

Instructions on how to change the optical input from F-mount to C­mount:

Step 1: Remove F-mount Adapter

Grasp the F-mount adapter at the black ring (counter ring) and turn
it counter clockwise.

Step 2: Insert C-mount Ring

Carefully screw the ring completely in and tighten the two Hexagon
socket screws.

Adjust Back Focal Length

First of all, attach a lens to your C-mount adapter. Then set the focus
of your lens to infinity. After that, look for an object in infinity* and
generate a sharp image by turning the smaller ring of the adapter.
Then fix this position with the two small indented screws.

*rule of thumb: object should be away about 2000 times the focal length in mm

Limitations of C-mount lenses

Keep in mind that c-mount lenses could
cause shadings at the edges of big sized
sensors. Most c-mount lenses are able
to illuminate a maximum image circle of
11 mm (2/3”), 16 mm (1”) or 22 mm
(4/3”) diameter only. The pco.edge
cameras have a sensor diagonal from

18.8 to 21.8 mm, it follows that you have
to use the ROI function for a shade less image while using the c­mount adapter with the two smaller C-mount diameters.

66

A3 WATER COOLING OPTION PCO.AQUAMATIC II

Description

pco.aquamatic II

Connection Tube 5m PVC 3541-01 PCO (with Colder

NOTE

1

2 6 4 3 5

1 2 3 4 5

6

A3 WATER COOLING OPTION PCO.AQUAMATIC II

This is the re-cooling system for pco.edge cameras with water­cooling.

A3.1 SYSTEM COMPONENTS

NS212 fittings)

Power supply 1.2m

Power cable

EDGE WAT camera cable 5m FGG-RG58- NC3MX

Innovatec Protect IP 1L

The operation of the pco.aquamatic is simple and uncomplicated.
Normally no maintenance and nearly no attention are needed. Only
the liquid level of the reservoir (water tank) should be controlled from
time to time.

Only use Innovatec Protect IP for the pco.aquamatic! Do not use
or add any other cooling liquid or normal water! If you need to add
cooling liquid in order to maintain level in the tank, please contact
PCO for additional supply.

The cooling liquid will turn yellow after some hours of operation. This
is normal and no sign of wear or malfunction. The optimum pH-value
is between 8 and 9 (please check this value if you are concerned
about the cooling liquid quality).

The recommended service interval for the change of the cooling
liquid is four years.

67

1

1

2 3 4

5

6

2 3 4

5

NOTE

The hose connectors are waterproof in not connected state.

6

A3.2 FIRST TIME INSTALLATION

Please take care to situate the unit on a flat and firm surface. Do
not cover the air intakes of the unit. Please ensure free airflow
around the pco.aquamatic to ensure maximum cooling
performance. All tubes and power cords need to run kink-free.

Before installation of the unit carefully read the Innovatek Protect

IP safety datasheet (see Innovatek Website).

Please follow steps 1 – 6.

• Connect tubes to cooling unit and camera. The two arrows on the

housing of the cooling unit only indicate flow direction. Either
connection of the camera can be used for in or out.

• Attach power connection.

• Open tank cover.

• Turn power switch to on position (I).

• Slowly fill in the cooling application mixture while the unit is

running, you have to constantly refill liquid.

• While the cooling liquid flows back to the reservoir make sure that

the whole air escapes from the system – this takes a few minutes
(move hoses if necessary).

outlet flow

inlet flow

The cooling liquid reservoir (tank) is filled when liquid level is
approximately 1-2 cm from the top of the tank. The integrated pump
only works when the pump chamber is completely filled. To ensure
this please move hoses or remove air by evacuating. Reservoir
capacity is approximately 500 ml.

After steps 1 – 6 are completed successfully the system is ready for
operation.

Maybe they lose one drop of cooling liquid from time to time. You
don’t have to empty the hoses while storing the camera system.

68

A3 WATER COOLING OPTION PCO.AQUAMATIC II

Temperature

Action

27°C

fan turns off

36°C

fan turns on

55°C

warning message

60°C

error message

1Hz

flash

Warning when temperature at 55 °C
(also if sensor is defect or missing)

2Hz

flash

Fan speed

NOTE

automatically when the electronics temperature

If the camera and the water cooler have a different power supply,

A3.3 OPERATION

First connect the power out of the cooling unit with the power in of
the pco.edge camera by using the PCO WAT camera cable.

The cooling unit provides two
operation modes.
Operation Mode on: the cooling unit
is turned on permanently and
provides the camera with power.
Your camera can be switchted on
and off as needed.

Operation mode follow: the cooling unit will turn on when the
camera is switched on and vice versa.

Error Codes

The coolant temperature sensor is located in the water tank.

If a warning level is passed, the Power LED blinks slowly and the
Error LED displays the error code. If a failure level is passed, the
Power LED blinks fast and the Error LED shows the error code.

Error / Failure

on off

one short flash

one short flash Failure when temperature at 60 °C

1Hz

flash

two short

flashes

none

(also if a high deviation of the standard value
is reached)

The camera has its own protection circuit and will shut down
Peltier cooling
exceeds safety level. The camera itself will keep on running, but
sensor temperature will increase. (valid for air and water cooling!)

always first shut down camera and then the cooling system to
avoid damages.

69

A3.4 DIMENSIONS

All dimensions are given in millimeter.

Weight: 4kg (completely filled cooling liquid tank)

A3.5 YOUR OWN COOLING SYSTEM

You are not restricted to purchase the pco.aquamatic system - it is
possible to use an own water cooling solution. A separate power
supply will be provided to every pco.edge camera with water
connectors. The hardware of the pco.edge cameras with USB 3.0
Interface is designed to work with or without a water cooling system,
because a fan that provides adequate cooling is inside the camera
anyway.

In case you use an own water cooling system, please make sure that
the liquid you use to cool your camera is at all times never below the
dew point of the ambient temperature. In order to avoid any
appearance of condensation, use a cooling liquid at room
temperature.

• A liquid flow rate of 1–2 litres per minute is sufficient

• Always use Innovatec Protect IP cooling fluid or an equivalent

cooling fluid

70

A4 INTERFACES

NOTE

Please only use Camera Link cables, which are approved by PCO.

NOTE

A4 INTERFACES

Three different interfaces are available for the pco.edge camera. This
chapter describes the installation and configuration of USB 3.0,
Camera Link and Camera Link HS interfaces.
Furthermore USB range extension, Ring Buffer and FIFO Buffer are
described in detail.

A4.1 CABLE POSSIBILITIES

Overview of the maximum cable lengths.

Camera Link HS

• FOL fiber optic cable LC multi mode function

• standard: 10 m (multi mode)

• maximum: 300m (multi mode)

Camera Link full (2 cables):

• standard: 3 m

• optional: 5 m

• maximum: 7 m (active cable)

Otherwise full functionality is not guaranteed.

USB 3.0:

• standard: 3 m

• cable and proper PCI express board included in the camera

system

Please only use USB 3.0 cables, which are approved by PCO.
Otherwise full functionality is not guaranteed.

71

1 1 2 4 5

2 3 5

4

3

WARNING

A4.2 CAMERA LINK

INSTALLATION OF FRAME GRABBER A4.2.1

Instructions for installing and testing the Silicon Software
microEnable IV (ME4) Camera Link grabber card. This card is

required to be able to use a pco.edge with Camera Link interface.
Installation must be performed by a technician, because high
voltages can occur on the device.

ELECTRIC SHOCK WARNING DUE TO VOLTAGE PARTS INSIDE
Risk of injury due to electric shock.

 Always pull the main plug before opening the computer.

Please install the latest silicon software runtime package before
installing the hardware. (Download:

http://www.pco.de/support/)

When working on a 64 bit operating system, please make sure to
install the proper (64 bit) runtime when also a 64 bit application will be
operated. If the application is 32 bit, you need to install the 32 bit
runtime accordingly.

• Select full installation

• Let the program also update device drivers.

• Shutdown your computer, open the computer case and install

the grabber card

• The grabber card should be displayed within the device

manager. If the device is not shown this way, please reinstall the
SiliconSoftware device driver.

• After the installation, please start the program

microDiagnostics. (see next page)

72

A4 INTERFACES

1

2

1 5 4 5 3

4

MICRO DIAGNOSTICS TOOL A4.2.2

Micro Diagnostics Tool works with micro Enable IV (AD4 / VD4
boards for pco.edge Camera Link) frame grabber cards.

To test the board, select the board in Diagnosis and click Board
to start the test.

Please upgrade to the supplied firmware. Select Tools → Flash
Board(s) and select the appropriate hap file. Micro diagnostics
provides the latest available firmware version of the installed runtime.

Then click on Yes when you’re asked to proceed. You must restart
your computer after the firmware upgrade.

Please test the performance of your frame grabber card: click on
Performance to start the test.

It is mandatory that PCIe is Highspeed Capable is shown.
Otherwise the board is probably not able to transfer the necessary
data rate.

For further information or problems with mainboards please contact
our support section.

73

IMAGE DATA FLOW A4.2.3

The sCMOS image sensors provide an extremely high frame rate
compared to other scientific image sensors. The high frame rate,
along with the high dynamic, creates a large amount of data that
must be handled and stored. The maximum data rate of the sCMOS
image sensor is given by:

pco.edge 5.5 Camera Link:

[2560 * 2160 (pixel in 1 frame) * 2 Byte (= 16bit dynamic)] * 100
[frames/s] = 1.1 GB/s (pco.edge 5.5, Camera Link)

To handle this considerable amount of data, there are two options
available:

Option 1: Real-time Recording to Computer

The pco.edge sCMOS camera series uses this option. For this
purpose, the interface must be capable of transmitting data at the
required speed. Interfaces such as GigE, USB 3.0 and Camera Link
are not fast enough to transmit this data, which is delivered by the
largest sCMOS image sensor. Nevertheless, there is a sophisticated
solution that uses the Camera Link interface, which is integrated into
the pco.edge camera. It is a fact of nature that light, itself, has its
own noise component called photon or shot noise, which increases
with light signal. In this approach, no compression is made in small
signals, while for large signals a suitable compression is applied.
Since the introduced compression error is always smaller than the
photon noise induced error, it is not seen and a so called visual
lossless compression has been performed.

It can be shown that this is possible without any significant loss of
information. Therefore, the calculation for the pco.edge camera at
full speed and full frame has to be re-written:

[2560 * 2160 (pixel in 1 frame) * 1.5 Byte (= 12bit dynamic)] * 100
[frames/s] = 0.829 GB/s

The Camera Link interface can transmit this in real-time. In the future,
recently introduced machine vision interfaces including CoaXPress
and Camera Link HS are capable of transmitting sCMOS image data
without any compression. A network type interface, 10GigE, is similar
with respect to hardware to Camera Link HS, but incorporates all of
the known GigE advantages and disadvantages. Here, the usual
protocols are not favorable for image data transmission, and any
network traffic can dramatically reduce available transmission speed.

The real-time data transmission into the computer allows for a
variety of applications, since it is free from camera memory
limitations. Image data can be stored directly in the computer’s

random access memory (RAM) up to more than 64 gigabyte. With an
appropriate RAID system, the data can be stored directly to hard
disks and there is no delay involved.

Option 2: Recording in the Camera (not available for pco.edge)

For high-speed imaging applications where data transfer rates are in
the range of several GB/s it is accepted that the primary image
memory (camRAM) must be located in the camera. Two examples of

74

A4 INTERFACES

RAID 0
SYSTEM

RAM

ER

NOTICE

such high-speed cameras are the pco.dimax with 36 GB of camRAM
and the pco.dimax HD with 18 GB of camRAM memory. This allows
for fast recording, but just up to the integrated memory limit. Before a
second sequence can be recorded, one must endure the wait time
until data is downloaded to computer storage. Therefore, this option
can only be used for recording short sequences with enough time
between each event to download the image data. This option is not
necessary for the pco.edge as either with USB 3.0 or Camera Link
interface, the image data will be recorded to the computer in real­time.

Memory Structure / Organization

As the memory is software-controlled in both options, it does not
matter how the data is stored. The memory can be organized for ring
buffer or FIFO recording, or for a specified number of images like a
burst mode. The pco.edge camera enables all of these possibilities
with the integrated dynamic link libraries and proprietary Camware
application software. This allows the customer to select the memory
structure and organization that is optimized for the application at
hand.

Recommendations

In the following you can find two exemplary systems for RAID and
RAM storage options that have been successfully tested by pco for
high performance and which we sell directly to our customers.
They only show a configuration example, for actual system
configuration please call us directly.

4x SSD SATA 6 GB/s
16 GB DDR3 RAM
Intel® Core™ i7
GeForce (NVIDIA CUDA)
Windows 7 Professional 64 bit

64 GB DDR3 RAM

RECORD

Items are exemplary and subject to change. Please contact PCO for
recommendation of current systems and sale of these systems. The
use of normal consumer PCs is not recommended!

ASUS mainboards seem to fail generally during the HS-mode test
and are not recommended.

Recommended minimum configuration (or better):

Intel® Core™ i7
GeForce (NVIDIA CUDA)
Windows 7 Professional 64 bit

• CPU >= i7 2.5 GHz

• RAM >= 1066MHz, 8GB

• Mainboard ≥ Supermicro X9SRA (socket 2011)

75

WARNING

A4.3 CAMERA LINK HS

CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT

Risk of injury due to laser beam.

ELECTRIC SHOCK WARNING DUE TO VOLTAGE PARTS INSIDE
Risk of injury due to electric shock.

Your pco.edge with Camera Link HS interface is delivered with a
Silicon Software microEnable V marathon AF2 frame grabber card.

The installation and configuration of the frame grabber card are
described in the next two sub chapters.

Minimum system requirements:

Short installation instructions:

• Install frame grabber card to your computer (see A4.3.4)

• Install driver of your frame grabber card (see A4.3.4)

• Configure frame grabber card (see A4.3.5)

• Connect your pco.edge Camera Link HS to frame grabber card

• Start your camera

• Run Camware

 Do not look into the laser beam or at direct reflexes.
 Do not point the laser beam at persons.
 Manipulations of the laser device are not allowed.

 Always pull the main plug before opening the computer.

• PCI Express x4 (Gen 2), DMA1800

• DDR3 Ram ≥ 8GB

76

A4 INTERFACES

1

1

2 4 5

2 3 5

4

3

WARNING

INSTALLATION OF FRAME GRABBER A4.3.1

Instructions for installing and testing the Silicon Software
microEnable V (ME5) Camera Link HS grabber card. This card is

required to be able to use a pco.edge with Camera Link HS interface.
Installation must be performed by a technician, because high
voltages can occur on the device.

ELECTRIC SHOCK WARNING DUE TO VOLTAGE PARTS INSIDE
Risk of injury due to electric shock.

 Always pull the main plug before opening the computer.

Please install the latest Silicon Software runtime package before
installing the hardware. (Download approved version from:

http://www.pco.de/support/)

When working on a 64 bit operating system, please make sure to
install the proper (64 bit) runtime when also a 64 bit application will be
operated. If the application is 32 bit, you need to install the 32 bit
runtime accordingly.

• Select full installation

• Let the program also update device drivers.

• Shutdown your computer, open the computer case and install

the frame grabber card

• The frame grabber card should be displayed within the device

manager. If the device is not shown this way, please reinstall the
SiliconSoftware device driver.

• After the installation, please start the program

microDiagnostics. (see next page)

77

1

2

1

4

2

4

MICRO DIAGNOSTICS TOOL A4.3.2

Micro Diagnostics Tool works with micro Enable V (Camera Link HS)
frame grabber card.

To test the board, select the board in Diagnosis and click Board to
start the test.

Please upgrade to the supplied
firmware. Select Tools → Flash
Board(s) and select the
appropriate DLL file (e.g.
Acq_DualCLHSx1AreaRAW.dll).
Micro diagnostics provides the
latest available firmware
version of the installed runtime.

Then click on Yes when you’re asked to proceed.

Please test the performance of your frame grabber card: click on
Performance to start the test.

For further information or problems with mainboards please contact
our support section.

78

A4 INTERFACES

1

2

1

2

A4.4 USB 3.0

DRIVER INSTALLATION A4.4.1

Install PCO USB 3.0 Driver
For pco.edge USB 3.0 you always need to install the latest USB
Driver version. After these two screens the driver is completely

installed.

A4.4.2

HARDWARE RECOMMENDATIONS

The pco USB 3.0 interface is based on the Cypress EZ-USB FX31
device and it is compatible to pco software such as Camware and
SDK. To run a pco USB 3.0 camera successfully the user should
consider a number of important issues that are discussed in the
following chapters.

Motherboard and Chipset Configuration

It is recommended to use a Motherboard with a state of the art USB

3.0 host controller for the onboard USB 3.0 ports. The latest
generation of USB 3.0 xHCI host controllers manufactured by Intel,
Renesas (NEC), Fresco, Via Labs, ASMedia and Texas Instruments
Inc. (TI) are tested by Cypress Semiconductor Corporation. (see
Cypress EZ-USB® FX3TM SDK Release Notes, Version 1.2.3,
chapter 1.3). Currently pco recommends only motherboards with the
following onboard xHCI host controllers:

• Renesas/NEC μPD720202 Host Controller

• Intel® USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller

If the motherboard does not have an onboard USB 3.0 port or the
onboard USB 3.0 port does not work properly with a pco USB 3.0
camera, please use an independent PCIe USB 3.0 extension card.
In this case, pco recommends the following:

• DELOCK 89348 (U3-PCIE1XG202-10)

PCIe x1 Gen/V 2.0 (μPD720202 host controller)

(This board is sent with your pco.edge USB 3.0 camera system as standard)

• DELOCK 89325 (U3X4-PCIE4XE101)

PCIe x4 Gen/V 2.0 (μPD720202 host controller)

79

There is no recommendation for a manufacturer. But

• DELOCK 89348 (U3-PCIE1XG202-10)

USB 3.0 cable included in the packaging of your pco

Multiple pco USB

PC

NOTICE

NOTICE

USB 3.0 extension card with xHCI4 host controller

The following companies manufacture USB 3.0 xHCI host controller:

• Renesas Electronics America Inc. (earlier NEC),

• Texas Instrument Inc.,

• VIA Labs Inc (Diamond),

• Fresco Logic Inc.,

• Intel Inc.,

• AMD Inc. and

• Etron Technology, Inc.

To determine suitable manufacturers of the xHCI controller, please
use the Windows Device Manager. For example, in Windows 7 drop
down the USB Controller entry and find the USB 3.0 host xHCI
controller of the USB 3.0 device in the sub-tree. Then right-click to
open the properties dialog, click the details tab, and choose Vendor
in the properties pull-down box.

USB 3.0 interface cards with controllers from Etron Technology, Inc.
have not yet been tested.

The following table gives an overview about tested and
recommended system configurations or hardware components.

Component Recommendation

Motherboard

USB 3.0
extension card

PCIe Slot A PCIe 4x, 8x or 16x slot is recommended.

USB 3.0 Cable

USB 3.0 Hub Not recommended

Operating System Win 7 / 8 / 10 32bit & 64bit

3.0 cameras
connected to a

if an onboard USB 3.0 port is used, the Renesas´s
xHCI host controller μPD720202 is recommended.

PCIe x1 V2.0 (μPD720202 host controller),

• DELOCK 89325 (U3X4-PCIE4XE101)

PCIe x4 V2.0 (μPD720202 host controller)

USB 3.0 camera

A separate DELOCK 89348 (U3-PCIE1XG202-10)
extension card for each camera should be used to
guaranty maximum data throughput of each camera.

Recommended Software Components

The pco USB 3.0 driver supports Windows 7/8 (x86 or x64) and
Windows XP x86 operating systems. Microsoft does not support USB

3.0 natively for Win 7 or older Windows versions. Therefore use the
manufacturers’ supplied xHCI host controller driver. By contrast, in
Windows 8 Microsoft does provide a native generic xHCI Driver but
pco recommends using the driver from the corresponding
manufacturer of the xHCI host controller. Currently there are seven
different vendors producing USB 3.0 host controllers:

80

A4 INTERFACES

• Renesas Electronics

• VIA Labs Inc (Diamond),

NOTICE

America Inc. (earlier NEC)

• Texas Instrument Inc.

• Intel Inc.

• Fresco Logic Inc.

• AMD Inc.

• Etron Technology, Inc.

Please make sure that the most recent driver from the manufacturer
is installed before a pco USB 3.0 camera is connected to a USB 3.0
port of your computer. The appropriate driver for the USB 3.0 port
could be loaded from the website of the manufacturer of the USB 3.0
host xHCI controller; or from the website of the USB 3.0 extension
card vendor. The current driver of the extension card included in the
packaging of your pco USB 3.0 camera is added to the pco.USB
stick delivered with each pco.edge.

To determine the driver currently in use for the xHCI controller, use
the Windows Device Manager. For example in Win 7, drop down the
USB-Controller entry and find the USB 3.0 host xHCI controller of the
USB 3.0 device in the sub-tree. Then right-click to open the
Properties dialog, click the driver tab and choose driver details

Before the pco.edge USB 3.0 camera is connected to the computer
the pco USB 3.0 Driver has to be installed. (see 4.1) Please visit the
support section of our website to get the latest USB 3.0 camera
driver.

USB 3.0 FAQ A4.4.3

Can I use USB 2.0 PC components?

If the USB Port, the USB Cable, or the USB Hub does not support
USB 3.0, a USB 3.0 PCO camera will not operate properly. The
camera will be recognized in the Device Manager as a USB 2.0
device. Operation of the PCO camera using Camware or one of the
PCO SDK camera related functions will fail and the following
message box will appear: “Please make sure your camera is
connected to a USB 3.0 port. If your camera is connected to a USB

3.0 port, please read the application note APL_USB3_xxx.pdf”.

How to identify the manufacturer of the USB 3.0 host controller?

If a driver for the onboard USB3.0 port or an independent PCIe USB

3.0 interface card is already installed, open the Windows Device
Manager. Then extend the ‘USB-Controller’ entry and find the USB

3.0 host controller of the specific USB 3.0 device in the sub-tree.
Right click to open the Properties dialog and then click the ‘details’
tab which will allow you to identify the correct manufacturer
of the USB 3.0 controller.

Why can’t the PCO USB 3.0 camera be opened with Camware or
the PCO SDK?

In case a PCO USB 3.0 camera is connected to your PC and the
Camware software starts in Demo Mode; or, the Camera Open
Function of the PCO SDK returns an error, the explanation could be:
The PCO USB 3.0 driver is not installed to your system and the PCO
USB 3.0 device is listed as “unknown device” in the Device Manager.

81

If so, right click the unknown device to open the properties dialog
and install the PCO USB 3.0 driver. The driver can be downloaded
from our website at http://www.pco.de/drivers/. If the PCO USB 3.0
driver is properly installed, there will be a PCO cameras entry with a
‘pco.camera with USB 3.0’ device listed in the Device Manager. ––
Another issue could be that the USB 3.0 camera is not recognized by
the OS and it does not appear in the Device Manger, meaning it is
even not shown as ‘unknown device’. In this case please refer to
Chapter 4.1 and follow the instructions provided.

Why was the PCO USB 3.0 camera not recognized by the OS?

There could be a problem with the USB 3.0 xHCI host controller of
the Motherboard or with the extension card installed in the PC.
Additionally, a bad USB 3.0 cable could be the problem.

How to increase the performance of the USB 3.0 data transfer?
To make sure the full data-throughput of the camera can be
transferred to the PC’s RAM, it is recommended to use a PCIe 4x, 8x
or 16x slot in the PC.
In the case of using Windows 8, poor performance could be caused
by the Microsoft`s automatically installed generic xHCI USB 3.0
driver. In this case please load and install the driver of the
manufacturer`s xHCI host controller.
If more than one PCO USB 3.0 camera is operated on a single PC,
please note that extension cards have maximum bandwidths that are
exceeded with two or more cameras.
There exists a maximum bandwidth of an extension card, e.g. if the
DELOCK 89348 (U3-PCIE1XG202-10) PCIe 1x card is connected to a
PCIe 16x slot of the PC the effective bandwidth is about 360 MB/s. If
two PCO USB 3.0 cameras are connected to both ports of the
extension card, the accumulated data throughput of both cameras
cannot exceed this 360 MB/s maximum. In this case it would help to
use a second DELOCK 89348 (U3-PCIE1XG202-10) PCIe 1x card
connected to a second PCIe 16x slot of the PC for the second PCO
USB 3.0 camera.

How many PCO USB 3.0 cameras can be connected to and
operated with one PC? How many PCO USB 3.0 cameras are
supported by the PCO USB 3.0 driver?

The PCO USB 3.0 driver supports up to eight cameras using one PC

The USB 3.0 PCO Driver Installer does not work.

The installer will return a warning that the current OS is not
supported. The installer supports the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of
Windows 7 and Windows 8. If the installer file is executed and a no
dialog window appears: Please try to install the driver manually using
the Windows Device Manager. Contact our support team to get the
driver files for manual installation.
The driver is correctly installed, but the USB 3.0 PCO camera does
not appear in the Device Manager: Make sure the PCO USB 3.0
camera is ready, the power switch is turned on, and the camera is
connected to the PC.
Note that while installing the camera to the PC that during the USB

3.0 driver installation it could take a minute or more until the PCO
USB 3.0 device recognized and is available for use.

82

A4 INTERFACES

1

1

3

2

2

3

WARNING

INSTALLATION OF THE USB 3.0 CARD A4.4.4

An external USB 3.0 Host Controller Card is enclosed to each
pco.edge USB 3.0 camera.

Hardware Installation

First shut down your computer and install the USB 3.0 Host
Controller. Hardware Installation must be performed by a technician,
because high voltages can occur on the device.

ELECTRIC SHOCK WARNING DUE TO VOLTAGE PARTS INSIDE
Risk of injury due to electrical shock.

 Always pull the main plug before opening the computer.

Driver Installation Instructions

• Within the provided installation files USB_HBA, open the folder

U3X4-PCIE4XE101, U3X4-PCIE1XE101, U3-PCIE1XG202.

• Open the subfolder Driver and run RENESAS-USB3-Host-Driver-

30230-setup.exe.

• If your current OS is Win7/8 and the User Account Control is

enabled, a dialog could occur asking, if you wish to launch the
setup: Accept with Yes.

• At first the installation is prepared.

• Secondly the software components are copied automatically.

• Finally the installation is completed and the Delock USB 3.0

extension card can be used.

83

1

1 2 2

RING BUFFER AND FIFO A4.4.5

The pco.edge with USB 3.0 interface has a small internal buffer
memory integrated. Each recorded and read out image is directly

transferred to this internal buffer and subsequently the image is
transmitted to the computer, where it is either stored into the RAM or
onto the hard disk drive. There are two transfer modes available: Ring
Buffer and FIFO buffer which can be accessed via SDK function:
PCO_SetStorageMode (see SDK manual).
From user perspective the main difference between both modes
occurs, if for some reasons the USB 3.0 interface behaves slower
than its usual speed. In this case the Ring Buffer delivers faster the
most recent image than the FIFO Buffer mode, which can be helpful
for example if the image should be focused.

Ring Buffer (in camera memory-standard mode)

As described the read out and recorded image is directly
transferred into the internal buffer memory. Subsequently the
next image is stored to the next free space. For the
transmission from the camera to the computer always the
most recent image is used, which works fine in case the
computer does not do anything else than transfer images to its
internal storage memory (RAM).
Now, if the transmission speed of the computer system is
interrupted by e.g. software, it can happen that images get
lost, because in Ring Buffer mode the most recent image has
to be transmitted to the PC. In case of a delay in transmission,
the image in the memory, which waits for transmission will
lose its status as most recent image to the next image, and
will be disregarded for transmission. Hence this image will be
irretrievably lost. Because Ring Buffer always transmits the
most recent image and therefore the most real-time
transmission, it is the ideal mode for e.g. adjustment of focus.

FIFO Buffer (in camera memory)

Like above the read out and the recorded image is directly
transferred into the internal buffer memory. Subseqently
the next image is stored to the next free space in memory.
If all the memory space is occupied the camera stops
storing. In FIFO buffer mode like name stated, FIFO =
first-in first-out, the first stored image is read-out from the
memory first and subsequently transmitted to the
computer. This as well works fine in case the computer
does not do anything else than transfer of images to its

internal storage memory.
Now, if the transmission speed of the computer system is interrupted
by e.g. software, then still the first stored image is readout, and then
the next image is read out and transmitted. However there could be a
delay time (but need not). If now the slowdown causes the FIFO
buffer to be completely filled, then the camera stops storing images
and the next image will irretrievably lost as well, but in this mode it
is lost before storing. This mode is ideal for users who need
maximum transmission security; an image loss is very unlikely.

84

A5 BINNING WITH CMOS SENSORS

NOTE

The current default
binning mode is

A5 BINNING WITH CMOS SENSORS

Binning describes the summation of single pixels to form larger pixels
and thereby improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).

Binning: CCD image sensors

The term binning comes from scientific CCD image sensors. The
prominent feature of charge-coupled-devices (CCD) is the lossless
transport or shifting of charge packages until an amplifier circuit
converts them into a voltage at the output, where the main readout
noise contribution occurs. If charge packages from two or more
pixels are added before they are read out (past the output amplifier)
because of very low light signals; this process is called binning.
Since the signal is increased before it is read out, and the image
sensor’s readout characteristics remain unchanged, binning improves
the SNR, and the image sensor’s resolution is reduced. The lossless
transport feature of CCD image sensors makes binning possible.

Binning: CMOS image sensors

In general, binning is not possible in CMOS image sensors because
voltages are processed and no charges are transported. In each
pixel, the light generated charges are converted into voltages with the
readout noise contribution of these amplifiers. Therefore, as opposed
to CCD image sensors, if these voltages were combined, the readout
noise would also be combined, which would not have the same
positive effect on the SNR.

accumulation. Aver­aging is not available
within Camware.

Nevertheless, such a summation or even an averaging would be
beneficial for the SNR, but with a smaller impact compared to CCD
image sensors. Since such CMOS binning cannot be done within the
image sensor, it either has to be done in the camera or in the
computer.

CMOS binning 1 – accumulation: Pixel values can accumulate,
causing an effective dynamic reduction or larger number formats,
because the result might exceed the original format -- two times
maximum 8 bit values will result in a 9 bit value. This will not be a
problem if 12 bit values are accumulated and transported as 16 bit
images. However, in the case of scientific CMOS, if 16 bit values are
transmitted in 16 bit images, only two times 15 bit maximum values
are allowed. The signal of the binned pixels will be accumulated. Due
to the properties of readout noise; the increase of the noise itself will
only be as big as the square root of the number of binned pixels. The
SNR will improve and in addition, a reduction of the stored image
data is achieved.

CMOS binning 2 – averaging: Pixel values can be averaged, which
has the same effect on the SNR as accumulation due to the
properties of noise. This would keep the image output format the
same and would reduce the amount of image data that can be
stored. When this type of CMOS binning is processed in the camera
it is called hardware binning. This should not be confused with real
binning in CCD image sensors, because the hardware that
processes this binning is not much different from the hardware in
computer processing. Therefore, the term hardware binning may be
misleading.

85

wParameter

dwLineTime (e.g. 40 )

SC2_SDK_FUNC int WINAPI
PCO_SetCmosLineExposureDelay

dwExposureLines (e.g. 5 )
dwDelayLines (e.g. 4 )

3 3 4

1 4 3 3

2 2 4

2

2

2

Idle

1

1

2

A6 LIGHTSHEET SCANNING MODE

The pco.edge Lightsheet scanning mode is a
special mode for lightsheet microscopy and only
available for Camera Link versions via SDK (not
in Camware).

It is based on Rolling Shutter mode and uses the
readout mode single top down (Mode E see

6.9.3).

Standard line time (see 1.2) value is 40 µs 2 and it
can be set from camera specific line time (see 1.2)
up to 100 ms. An exposure area (between the
orange bars, e.g. five lines 3 ) can be user
defined. It is possible for the user to select the
number of lines and the exposure time per line.

This user-defined capability makes it possible to
synchronize the pco.edge cameras with a
lightsheet microscope that requires this method of
camera exposure timing

Workflow (only PCO SDK)

• Set Rolling Shutter mode

• Set readout format E

• Set line timing on (0x0001 ≙ a CMOS_LINETIMING_PARAM_ON

see sc2.defs.h) and set the appropriate line time

• Set number of exposure lines

• Set number of delay lines

• Trigger mode and acquire mode and hwio settings are free to

select by the user

SDK settings: (see SDK manual)

SC2_SDK_FUNC int WINAPI
PCO_SetCmosLineTiming

wTimeBase (e.g. µs )

86

A7 IMAGE FILE FORMATS

Parameter

Function

1

pco-

the first 4 byte are the characters pco-

2

file size

file size in byte

3

header length

header size + comment filed in byte

4

image width

image width in pixel

5

image height

image height in pixel

6

extended header

-1 (true), extended header follows

7

color mode

0 = black/with camera, 1 = color camera

8

b/w min

black/white LUT-setting, minimum value

9

b/w max

black/white LUT-setting, maximum value

10

b/w linlog

black/white LUT-setting,
0 = linear, 1 = logarithmic

11

red min

red LUT-setting, minimum value

12

red max

red LUT-setting, maximum value

13

green min

green LUT-setting, minimum value

14

green max

green LUT-setting, maximum value

15

blue min

blue LUT-setting, minimum value

16

blue max

blue LUT-setting, maximum value

17

color linlog

color LUT-setting, 0 = linear, 1 = logarithmic

18

Comment file in ASCII characters with variable length of 0…XX.

field.

16 bit pixel data

line 1, pixel 1

value of the first pixel

line 1, pixel 2

value of the second pixel

…

…

A7 IMAGE FILE FORMATS

There are different file formats available for saving camera images
with Camware.

b16

The b16 16 bit format is similar to the bmp format. However, 16 bit
pixel values are used instead of 8 bit pixel values.

The file format consists either of a Basic Header (6 Long-parameter)
or of an Extended Header (32 Long-parameter), the latter of which is
optionally for additional information. There might follow a variable
comment field (ASCII code). Finally, there is the actual data set that is
saved linearly (as in the case of BMP files).

With the exception of the first value, all parameters are Long Integers
(4 Byte). The first 6 parameters must always exist. The rest of the
parameters, as well as the comment field, are optional.


266

The length of the comment filed must be documented in the header length

internal use

We recommend that all images should be saved first in the b16
or TIFF format. The advantage is to have the b16 or tiff images

available all the time. You will always have the maximum 16 bit
information. Please note that not all image analysis programs can
accommodate 16 bit data. The 8 bit format saves only the information
displayed on the monitor screen. The 16 bit information will be lost
and cannot be displayed later.

87

pcoraw

This 16 bit pco file format is based on the new BigTIFF format, thus
allowing for file size > 4GB. A new pco proprietary compression
scheme is added in case it is necessary.

Standard File Formats

TIFF

Tag Image File Format, version 6.0 and lower. There is a 16bit
monochrome and color image format.

BMP

Windows Bitmap Format, b/w or color 8 bit format-images, which
have been saved in BMP format can be loaded later only as 8 bit
images, i.e. part of the original information (16 bit) is lost.

FTS

Flexible Image Transport System, Version 3.1. This is a 16 bit image
format. The NASA/Science Office of Standards and Technology
(NOST) has defined this format. Some programs use the FIT
extension for this format.

ASCII

16 bit format, some mathematical programs prefer ASCII data.

JPG

JPEG (named after the Joint Photographic Experts Group who
created the standard) is a commonly used method of lossy
compression for photographic images. The degree of compression
can be adjusted, allowing a selectable tradeoff between storage size
and image quality.

JP2

JPEG 2000 is a wavelet-based image compression standard and
coding system. It was created by the Joint Photographic Experts
Group committee in the year 2000 with the intention of superseding
their original discrete cosine transform-based JPEG standard
(created 1992).

AVI

Audio Video Interleave is a multimedia container format introduced by
Microsoft in November 1992 as part of its Video for Windows
technology.

MPG

MPEG-1, similar to JPEG, is a standard for lossy compression of
video and audio developed by the Moving Picture Experts Group
(MPEG).

WMV

Windows Media Video (WMV) is a compressed video compression
format for several proprietary codecs developed by Microsoft. The
original video format, known as WMV, was originally designed for
Internet streaming applications, as a competitor to RealVideo.

88

A8 CUSTOMER SERVICE

NOTICE

CAUTION

NOTICE

NOTICE

NOTICE

A8 CUSTOMER SERVICE

A8.1 SERVICE

The camera is designed to operate with no need of special
adjustments or periodic inspections.

A8.2 MAINTENANCE

UNPLUG CAMERA BEFORE CLEANING

Risk of injury due to electric shock!

 Unplug the camera from any power supply before cleaning it.

CLEANING

 Use a soft, dry cloth for cleaning the camera.
 Do not clean the input window unless it is absolutely

necessary.

 Be careful and avoid scratches and damage to the input

window surface.

 Do not use liquid cleaners or sprays.

LENS CLEANING

 The lens is best cleaned with pressurized air or with liquid

cleaners such as pure alcohol or with special optical
cleaners that are available at high quality photo stores.

 Use a cotton swab dipped in pure alcohol or optical cleaning

liquid and wipe only on the glass surface.

 Do not get any cleaning liquid on the metallic parts such as

the lens thread, because tiny detached particles may scratch
the surface.

CLEANING LIQUIDS

Aggressive cleaning liquids can damage your camera.

 Never use aggressive cleaning liquids such as gasoline,

acetone, spirits or nitro cleanser.

 Every time the input window is cleaned, there is the

possibility of surface damage.

PROTECTIVE CAP

Always store the camera with the protective cap or with a lens
mounted to avoid dust and dirt on the input window.

A8.3 RECYCLING

If you want to dispose your camera, please send it to PCO or take it
to a local recycling center.

The camera includes electronic devices, which can contain materials
harmful to the environment. These electronic devices must be
recycled.

89

Short description of the problem

Operating system (PC)

Description of your application

Processor type (PC)

Camera settings

Memory

Type and version of camera

Graphic card

Software being used

Graphic card setup

Camera serial number

Enable log files:

? Help Menu → Logging → Enable

restart of Camware

Repeat

the workflow which produces the
faults

Open the Help

Click Support Mail (+ Support File) →

Save this file

(CWSupport.zip – don’t rename it)

([e-mail])

Or visit our

http://www.pco.de/support/ and

A8.4 TROUBLE SHOOTING

If you have a question, which is not adequately addressed in this
manual, please contact PCO or your local dealer.

To speed your request, we need the following information:

How to create a logfile:

Logfile →Camware will ask you to
press NO to activate Logfiles after

Menu

Camware will ask you: Generate
support file?

and send it to PCO Support

website:

upload the support file with our
support form

Repair

Before sending the camera for repair, first contact your local dealer
or PCO respectively.

When shipping the camera for repair, be certain to carefully pack the
camera with proper shipping materials. If possible use the original
packaging. Use the protection cap to protect the camera on the lens
thread.

Firmware, Software and Driver Update

You will find all necessary software and drivers on the accompanying
USB storage device.

For the latest versions please check our website:

http://www.pco.de/support/supportProducts/scmos-cameras/

90

A9 INDEX

Key word

Chapter

Page

Acquire mode

6.3.7

32

Aquamatic

A3

67

Auto File Save

6.8.1

46

Averaging

6.4

39

Binning

6.3.5, A5

29, 85

C-mount co nversion

A2

65

Cable lengths

A4.1

71

Camware software

6

13

Camera Link

A4.2

72

Camera Link HS

A4.3

76

Codec Dialog

6.9.2

49

Connection options

6.3.9

35

Contrast settings (Convert control)

6.3.10

37

Cuda nvidia driver

4.1

9

Demo mode (Camware)

6.9.1

48

Dimensions

A1.1; A1.2; A1.3

60; 60;61

Direct record to file

6.9.2

49

Driver installation

4.1

9

Global Reset

6.3.4

27

Global Shutter

6.3.3

24

IIR Lowpass filter

6.4

39

Image Overlay

6.4

39

Infotext of recorded images

6.9.1

48

Input / Output possibilities

6.3.8

34

Interfaces

A4

71

Logfiles

6.9.7

55

Lightsheet scanning mode

A6

86

Live preview

6.2; 6.9.4

14, 52

Master Se ttings

6.2

14

Rear connections

A1.6

64

Recorder modes

6.3.7

32

Recorder

6.4; 6.7

39; 43

Recorder memory settings

6.2

14

Region of interest (Sensor)

6.3.5

29

Rescan for cameras

6.9.3

51

Ring Buffer

6.3.7; A4.4.5

Rolling Shutter

6.3.2

20

Safety instructions

2

7

Save / Open / Print files

6.9.2

49

Settings Overview

6.8

45

Sequence trigger mode

6.3.7

32

Short cuts

6.9.8

56

Support file

6.9.7

55

Time stamp

6.3.7

32

Timing

6.3.1; 6.3.2; 6.3.3; 6.3.4

17; 20; 24; 27

Trigger Mode

6.3.1

17

USB

A4.3

76

W

A3

67

White Balance

6.9.8

56

NOTE:

always the starting
page of a chapter!

A9 INDEX

The mentioned page is

32; 84

ater cooling

91

pco.

ABOUT PCO

In 1987, PCO was founded with the objective to develop and to
produce specialized, fast and sensitive video camera systems, mainly
for scientific applications. Meanwhile the product range of PCO
cameras covers digital camera systems with high dynamic range,
high resolution, high-speed and low noise, which are sold in the
scientific and industrial market all over the world.

Currently PCO is one of the leading manufacturers of scientific
cameras. Worldwide representatives, together with our own sales
department and technical support assure that we keep in touch with
our customers and their needs. The actual wide range of specialized
camera systems is the result of technical challenge and product
specific know-how. A design according to advanced techniques, a
high standard of production and strict quality controls guarantee a
reliable operation of the cameras. Our own developments in
conjunction with an excellent contact to leading manufacturers of
image sensors ensure our access to state-of-the-art CCD- and
CMOS-technology for our cameras.

Since 2001, PCO is located in its own facility building in Kelheim at
the shore of the beautiful and international river Danube. Here in the
county Bavaria, which is well known for its excellent support and
conditions for high technology companies, we share the benefits of
the simple access to high performance products and services in the
surrounding area.

Kelheim itself is a historical town, first documented in 866. The small
city is founded at the confluence of the Danube and the Altmühl,
which has been converted into the Rhine-Main-Danube bypass
channel for water transport. Located in Danube-valley, it is the heart
of a beautiful river and forest covered lime plateau landscape. It´s
landmark, the Hall of Liberation, was built by Ludwig I. in 1863 on the
Mount Michael and is visible from all over the city and valley. The
beautiful Danube-Gorge, which is protected as natural monument
since 1840, is located between Kelheim and the famous abbey
Weltenburg.

92

pco.