For your own safety and in order to guarantee a safe operation
of the camera, please read carefully the following information
prior to using the device.
• Never operate the camera at places where water or dust
might penetrate.
• Place the camera on a sufficiently stable basis.
Shocks like e.g. dropping the camera onto the floor, might
cause serious damage to the device. Therefore exclusively
the tripod attachment at the bottom side should be used for
mounting the camera.
• Always unplug the camera before cleaning it. Do not use
cleaning liquids or sprays. Instead, use a dry, soft duster.
• Make sure that the connecting cable is in good condition and
that the link to the socket does not represent an obstacle.
• Detach the camera and contact the customer service in the
following cases:
− When cable or plug are damaged or worn-out.
− When water or other liquids have soaked into the device.
− When the device is not properly working although you
followed all instructions of the user's manual.
− When the camera fell to the floor or the housing has been
damaged.
− When the device shows apparent deviations of normal
operation.
PCO 1999
VMC45-03/99
Contents5
Contents
1.Video Camera VC45
1.1 Features of the Camera............................................6
Video Standard ...........................................................................6
Dimensions and Weight............................................................ 26
Electrical Schematics of the board VMAIN................................27
System Data .............................................................................28
PCO 1999
VMC45-03/99
Operating Instructions VC45/VM45
Version 03/99
Subject to change without prior notice!!
Copyright by PCO, 1999
61. Video Camera VC45
VC45 VM45VC45 VM45
This manual contains important information and instructions for
the use of the Video Camera VC45 and the Video ModuleVM45.
If you work with a Video Camera VC45, you will find all necessary information in Chapter 1.
Chapter 2 includes additional information when working with a
Video Module VM45 (= VC45 without housing).
1. Video Camera VC45
1.1 Features of the Camera
The video camera VC45 is a high performance monochrome
camera, based on a solid state image sensor. The high quality
"lens-on-chip" CCD, combined with an advanced electronics, increases sensitivity of the VC45 substantially, compared with
high standard video cameras. An absolute black level is
achieved via special darkened reference pixels, yielding a perfect linear relation between light input and output signal. A great
number of additional features makes the VC45 suitable for
nearly every application.
Video StandardThe VC45 is easy to use. The analog video signal is a CCIR,
respect. a RS170 standard signal and compatible to the whole
video equipment on the market.
With a potentiometer at the rear panel of the camera the gain
can be set externally.
Shutter ControlAn integrated shutter control allows exposure times from 100µs
to 20ms (CCIR) respect. 16.7ms (RS170). It can be set by DIP
switches, parallel or serial input.
Long ExposureA long exposure time can be generated up to 20s by an external
or serial input. When using the external input a special power
down mode prevents the CCD from additional dark current.
There are two integration modes possible: FRAME interlaced
and FIELD interlaced.
The sensor of the VC45 is absolutely insensitive against overexposure, i. e. too much light cannot damage the CCD sensor.
PCO 1999
VMC45-03/99
1. Video Camera VC457
1.2 CCD Sensor
OverviewThe following CCD sensors can be used in the camera:
CCIR
formatresolutionpixel sizeactive sensor
1/2“741 x 576 pixel8.6 x 8.3 µm6.4 x 4.8 mm
2/3“741 x 576 pixel11.6 x 11.2 µm 8.6 x 6.5 mm
RS170
formatresolutionpixel sizeactive sensor
1/2“756 x 486 pixel8.4 x 9.8 µm6.4 x 4.8 mm
2/3“756 x 486 pixel11.6 x 13.5 µm 8.8 x 6.6 mm
Lens-on-chipEach of the used CCD sensors have the “lens-on-chip“ inte-
grated which increases the sensitivity of about factor 2.
The following drawings show the principle function of the lens-
on-chip technical.
PCO 1999
VMC45-03/99
81. Video Camera VC45
Spectral ResponseThe following drawing shows the spectral response of the used
sensors. Optional the VC45 is available with an infrared cutting
filter. All wavelength higher than about 680nm will be cut off.
= without filter
= with infrared cutting filter
1.3 Connections
Lens MountThe VC45 uses a C-Mount with a standard back focal length of
17.52mm (distance between the front edge of the C-Mount in-
sert and the focal plane of the CCD sensor). The C-Mount has a
fine adjustment to allow for small variations in the focal length of
instruments.
To adjust to a different back focal length, just loosen the set
screw at the bottom of C-Mount front plate. Rotate the C-Mount
insert to the desired position. (The C-Mount insert has a 0.5
thread suitable for fine adjustment.) Then secure the insert
again by tightening the set screw.
Power SupplyThe power supply (230V), delivered with the VC44, provides
12V (-5%, +10%). At 12V the power consumption is about
300mA. On the power supply a 12-pin special connector is
mounted.
Video OutputThe analog video output (BNC socket) supplies a standard
video signal (1Vpp, 0.3V Sync-Level on 75Ω) according to CCIR
or RS170 standard.
The video signal is compatible to all video equipment like recorder, printer, monitors, ...
Please use only 75Ω cables (e.g. RG59)!
Some monitors need an external Sync-signal. In this case you
need a connection between VIDEO OUT of the monitor and
SYNC IN of the monitor.
PCO 1999
VMC45-03/99
1. Video Camera VC459
Pin AssignmentThe 12 pin socket at the camera rear panel has a standard pin
assignment as follows.
Please note that there are also special pin assignments possible. In this case a separate pin assignment is enclosed.
TTL level
The exposure time can be prolonged by a low signal.
Typical time range between 40ms ... 10s.
This input is checked at any rising edge of the VSYNC signal (=
end of the VSYNC). When the input is low, the integration time
will be prolonged for the next field/frame.
In the field integration mode multiple of 20ms will be exposed, in
the frame integration mode multiple of 40ms will be exposed.
The input is connected to a pull-up resistance.
PCO 1999
VMC45-03/99
101. Video Camera VC45
RemarkThe Long Exposure Control can only be active when the module
is in the parallel mode and the shutter is off!
DIP switch S1/pin 7 = open
DIP switch S1/pin2 = closed; ENB don’t care
or
DIP switch S1/pin2 = open; ENB = low
EXPDLong Exposure Power Down input
TTL level
For long integration times, the sensor can be set in a powerdown mode. This mode avoids the generating of an additional
dark current.
This input can be set parallel with the EXP input but must be reset at least 200ms before the EXP is reset.
The input is connected to a pull-up resistance.
RemarkThe Long Exposure Power Down can only be active when the
module is in the parallel mode and the shutter is off!
DIP switch S1/pin 7 = open
DIP switch S1/pin2 = closed; ENB don’t care
or
DIP switch S1/pin2 = open; ENB = low
PCO 1999
VMC45-03/99
1. Video Camera VC4511
ENBShutter speed setting, parallel or serial input.
ED0
ED1
ED2
Parallel Input Only the high-speed shutter is used when using parallel input.
(During frame accumulation, low-speed shutter does not operate normally).
1) Accumulation time is as follows regardless of field accumulation / frame
accumulation:JP1 = low (EIA RS170), 1/60s
JP2= high (CCIR), 1/50s
(Pseudo field readout during frame accumulation)
Serial InputThe following four modes can be selected according to the
combination of serial data SMD1 and SMD2.
(During frame accumulation, low-speed shutter does not operate normally).
Shutter Mode
modeflickerlesshigh-speed
shutter
low-speed
shutter
no shutter
SMD1LLHH
SMD2LHLH
flickerless:eliminates flicker resulting from the frequency of fluorescent light
high-speed shutter: shutter speed higher than 1/50 (CCIR)
low-speed shutter:shutter speed lower than 1/50 (CCIR)
no shutterno shutter operation
shutter speed higher than 1/60 (RS170)
shutter speed lower than 1/60 (RS170)
(does not operate normally during frame accumulation
Input timing when using serial input
PCO 1999
VMC45-03/99
The data on ED2 is latched in the register at the rising edge of
ED1 and is then taken in internally while ED0 is low.
121. Video Camera VC45
symbolmin:max:
ts2ED2 setup time against the rising edge of ED120ns
th2ED2 hold time against the rising edge of ED120ns
ts1ED1 rising setup time against the rising edge of ED020ns
tw0ED0 pulse width20ns50µs
ts0ED0 rising setup time against the rising edge of ED120ns
Shutter speed calculation
(During frame accumulation, low-speed shutter does not operate normally).
High-speed shutter
... for CCIR:T=[31210-(1FF16-L16)] x 63.56 + 34.78µs
... for RS170:T=[26210-(1FF16-L16)] x 64 + 35.6µs
(L16 = load value)
Low-speed shutter
N = 2 x (1FF16-L16)FLD
However, 1FF cannot be used as the load value.
Maximum 1023 fields à 20ms (= 20 seconds).
load valueshutter speed (FLD)
1FE
1FD
......
101
100
16
16
16
16
calculated
value
load valueshutter
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
1/100001/10169
1/40001/4435
1/20001/2085
1/10001/1012
2
4
508
510
calculated
speed
value
1/5001/499
1/2501/252
1/1251/125
1/1001/100
PCO 1999
VMC45-03/99
1. Video Camera VC4513
CSYNCComposite synchronisation output
TTL level
VSYNCVertical synchronisation output
TTL level
MODESwitch between field-frame readout and integration
TTL level
modereadout
lowfield
highframe
GENLOCKExternal synchronisation
Input to synchronise the camera to an external video device.
A video signal (75Ω) or a TTL signal, consisting of horizontal
and vertical synchronize pulses (composite sync, CSYNC) is
needed. (Internally there is no 75Ω termination.)
The synchronisation is achieved by an internal PLL.
The synchronisation with Genlock can be enabled/disabled by
controlling LSW. This can be done with DIP switch S1:
Operating ModeThe camera runs in two different operating modes:
• FRAME interlaced
• FIELD interlaced
1
2
3
4
5
Integration Time: 2 x 40ms (CCIR)
2 x 33.4ms
Image 1
Image 2
1
2
3
4
5
Integration Time: 2 x 20ms (CCIR)
Image 1
1
2
3
4
5
2 x 16.7ms
Image 2
HintAt continuous illumination the brightness of the image is the
same in FIELD or FRAME mode:
CCIR: 40ms with 1 pixel or 20ms with 2 pixels
RS170: 33ms with 1 pixel or 16.5ms with 2 pixels
However, with externally applied shuttering (e.g. flashlight or laser pulse), the FIELD mode generated image has double the
brightness of a FRAME mode generated image.
In the FRAME interlace mode the camera produces two fields
generated with a time shift FIELD 1 and FIELD 2 (odd respect.
even lines). These fields are each integrated for 40ms.
The FIELD interlace mode combines 2 lines (1+2, 3+4, ... in
FIELD 1 and 2+3, 4+5, ... in FIELD 2). FIELD 2 is shifted by one
line in respect to FIELD 1 (line shifting).
PCO 1999
VMC45-03/99
1. Video Camera VC4515
Long Exposure in Frame Mode
By using the EXP (= exposure) input (pin 3 of the 12-pin socket)
the integration time can be controlled.
In line 10 of the video signal a marker pulse is allocated. If in
this moment the EXP signal is "high", the marker pulse is suppressed, the image is not shifted into the shift-register and the
integration time is prolonged.
When operating in the FRAME mode, always 2 x n marker
pulses are suppressed, to achieve two evenly illuminated fields
(40ms). During the integration, black pictures are released from
the camera.
*)*)
*) Marker pulse (in video line 10) is suppressed, thus yielding longer integration time.
Long Exposure in Field Mode
VSYNC
EXP
Integr. ODD
Integr. EVEN
VIDEO OUT
20ms
oddevenoddevenodd 1even 1odd 2even 2even
odd 1
even 1
black image
odd 2odd 3
even 2even 3
Via the EXP signal the integration time can be controlled. In line
10 of the video signal a marker pulse is allocated. If in this moment the EXP signal is "high", the marker pulse is suppressed,
the picture not shifted in the shift register and integration time
prolonged.
The FIELD mode allows integration time prolongation in steps of
20ms. During the integration, black pictures are released from
the camera.
PCO 1999
VMC45-03/99
*)*)
VSYNC
EXP
Integration
VIDEO OUT
20ms
field xfield x+1 field x+2
black image
field x field x+1 field x+2
*) Marker pulse (in video line 10) is suppressed, thus yielding longer integration time.
161. Video Camera VC45
312
Shutter ModeIn the shutter mode, exposure times between 1/50 ... 1/10000 s
can be realized. These shutter times can be achieved by a parallel and serial programming via external signals (ENB, ED0,
ED1, ED2) or by a parallel setting via internal DIP switches.
Gain ControlThe gain is externally adjustable with the potentiometer at the
back panel of the camera. It can be selected in the range of ±
12dB.
112-pin Socket
2Gain Potentiometer
3Analog Video Output
Gamma SettingThe gamma correction is preset by factory to "linear".
If you want to change it, internal changes are necessary (see
Chapter 2).
PCO 1999
VMC45-03/99
2. Video Module VM4517
lower board VMAIN
2. Video Module VM45
The main features of the Video Module VM45 are identical to
these of the Video Camera VC45.
In this Chapter you will find some additional information to the
Video Module VM45.
Please note that there are parallels between the 12-pin socket
at the camera rear panel and the internal connector ST1.
Pinning of the I/O Connector ST1
The connector ST1 is placed on the lower (larger) board. Some
signals has parallel wires to the I/O connector ST1 and to the
DIP switch S1.
When using the external interface (I/O connector ST1) all
DIP switches must be set to off!
ST1
DIP switch S1
pin at internal
connector ST1
1GNDX1ground
2+12VX2input power
3GNDX1ground
4+5Vout--input or output power
5GNDX1ground
6VIDEO--video out
7TRIG--trigger input
8GAIN ext--external gain
9ENBX5enable shutter
10ED0X6shutter control
11ED1X7shutter control
12ED2X8shutter control
13EXPDX4exposure power down
14EXPX3exposure
15CSYNCX9composite sync
16MODEX11frame / field integration
17VSYNCX10vertical sync
18HSYNC--horizontal sync
19VR--vertical reset
20GENLOCKX12genlock
The ‘X’ marked signals are already described in Chapter 1 (see page 9).
signal
name
pin at 12-pin
connector
function
PCO 1999
VMC45-03/99
182. Video Module VM45
GNDGround
+12Vsee Chapter 1, page 9
+5VoutOutput of a +5V
Regulated by an internal voltage regulator (7805). When the
voltage regulator is not needed you can also use an external 5V
power supply. In this case the regulator has to be bridged.
VIDEOVideo output signal, CCIR or EIA RS170
1Vpp, 0.3V Sync-Level on 75Ω
TRIGTrigger mode
Continuously variable shutter
When using the normal shutter, either leave the TRIG pin open
or connect it to the power supply.
When using the continuous variable shutter, input the clock
pulse to the TRIG pin
When using the TRIG pin to control the exposure time, in order
to broaden the control range it is necessary to use the ED=,
ED1, and ED2 pins to set the shutter speed to 1/10000.
VSYNC
HSYNC
TRIG
XSG
exposure time
From the start of the TRIG input (falling edge) to the XSG pulse
there is a variable exposure time.
The XSG pulse is done in the following lines after the vertical
sync has ended:
CCIR8 linesodd field
8.5 lineseven field
EIA RS1701.5 linesodd field
1 lineeven field
PCO 1999
VMC45-03/99
2. Video Module VM4519
GAIN extExternal gain setting
There are three possibilities to control the gain:
• Internally by the potentiometer P2
GND
upper board
VIDEO SPC
P2
• Externally with a voltage range of 0 ... 5V
The gain range is between 5 ... 32 dB.
• Externally with a potentiometer:
+5 V
to GAINext
10kΩ
PCO 1999
VMC45-03/99
202. Video Module VM45
ENBsee Chapter 1, page 11
ED0see Chapter 1, page 11
ED1see Chapter 1, page 11
ED2see Chapter 1, page 11
EXPDsee Chapter 1, page 10
EXPsee Chapter 1, page 9
CSYNCComposite synchronisation output (CSYNC)
TTL level
MODEsee Chapter 1, page 13
VSYNCsee Chapter 1, page 13
HSYNCHorizontal synchronisation output (HSYNC)
TTL level
VRVertical reset input (TTL level)
A vertical image synchronisation can be made with a vertical
sync signal
GENLOCKExternal synchronisation
Input to synchronise the camera to an external video device.
A video signal (75Ω) or a TTL signal, consisting of horizontal
and vertical synchronize pulses (composite sync, CSYNC) is
needed.
The synchronisation is achieved by an internal PPL.
A second possibility is to input separately the horizontal sync
and the vertical sync. In this case the horizontal sync must be
connected to the GENLOCK and the vertical sync must be connected to the vertical reset (VR).
The synchronisation with Genlock can be enabled/disabled by
controlling LSW. This can be done with DIP switch S1:
CCD select and standardThe following jumpers are factory settings and are not allowed
to change!
Pin 1
Pin 1
6 pin connector
CXD 1261
bottom side of lower board VMAIN
JP1: EIA RS170 or CCIR setting
Pin 1
EIA RS170
Pin 1
JP2: 1/2“ sensor or 2/3“ sensor
Pin 1
1/2“ sensor
Pin 1
CCIR
2/3“ sensor
PCO 1999
VMC45-03/99
2. Video Module VM4523
Gamma SettingThe gamma setting can be done with the jumpers JP3, JP4 and
JP5, jumpered on the board "Video SPC".
JP3JP4JP5
Linear
Gamma 1
Gamma 2
offonoff
offoffon
onoffon
Other combinations are not allowed !!
upper board
VIDEO SPC
JP5JP3
GND
JP4
PCO 1999
VMC45-03/99
243. Servicing, Maintenance and Cleaning Instructions
3. Servicing, Maintenance and Cleaning
Instructions
Servicing, Maintenance and Cleaning Instructions
The camera is maintenance-free.
Factory settings make any inspection and servicing superfluous.
During use the camera should be protected from hard shocks or
strong vibrations.
Also should the camera be protected from high humidity and
temperature shocks. Avoid exposing to sunlight, since it heats
up the camera housing unnecessarily and prevents the cooling
from reaching its optimum operating temperature.
Keep apertures and slots free to allow air to circulate.
Objective lens or lens adapter should be screwed in gently.
Avoid forcing as it will damage the tread.
Use a soft and dry cloth to clean the housing.
Cleaning Method for the Optical Part
In principle every cleaning method bears the danger of damaging an optical surface.
Therefore clean only if it is strictly necessary.
As a first step use dry air to blow out dust particles. Avoid strictly
to wipe on a dry glass surface.
In case dirt cannot be removed by blowing, use special optical
cleaning fluids. Adequate fluids for optical surfaces are: pure
dehydrogenated alcohol, pure acetone or cleaning fluids available in photo shops. Use a soaked cotton tip and take care to
wipe only on glass surfaces, avoiding contact to metal surfaces,
e.g. C-Mount thread, otherwise microscopic dirt and metallic
chips are released, causing irreparable scratches on the glass
surface.
Never use aggressive cleaning substances, e.g. benzine, spirit,
nitro solvents, etc. commonly found in labs. Such substances
may destroy or damage the surface on which they are applied.
The best is to avoid any dirt on optical parts, e.g. by replacing
immediately the black protection cap when removing the objective lens. Do not leave the camera’s optical input window open,
without lens or protecting cap.
Our warranty does not cover damaged optical surfaces caused
by improper cleaning methods.
PCO 1999
VMC45-03/99
4. Appendix25
4. Appendix
Customer Service
Having a problem or a question about matters not handled in
these operating Instructions, we recommend to contact us :
... by phone+9441 / 2005-0
... by fax+9441 / 2005-20
...by emailsupport@pco.de
For a quicker reply we need following information:
• Short description of the problem
Typ: VC45
S/N: ....
• experiment conditions
• Camera serial-number (on the label placed on the bottom of
the camera)
Warranty
PCO grants a 12 month warranty period for the camera. The
warranty period starts on day of delivery ex-factory. In case of
defect within the warranty period replacement or repair will be
made (at PCO’s discretion) free of charge. The device shall be
returned on customer’s expenses to PCO, preferably in the
original package.
PCO is not liable for consequential damages.
Before returning the camera, contact PCO via any of the Customer Services.
Pay attention to use a sufficient package if you have to send the
camera via mail (keep the original package).
AttentionOpening of the camera or improper handling (e.g. damage by
electrostatic charge, wrong cleaning method) voids the warranty.
PCO 1999
VMC45-03/99
264. Appendix
CE-Certification
VC45 complies with the requirements of the „EMC Directions of
the European Communities (089 / 336 / EWG)“ and therefore
bears the CE-Marking.
Dimensions and Weight
BNC
C-Mount
39mm
47mm
12mm
75mm
110mm
130mm
130mm
1/4”-20 UNC
M6
8,3mm
M6
25mm
37mm
50mm
PCO 1999
VMC45-03/99
Weight: about 300g
4. Appendix27
Electrical Schematics of the board VMAIN
PCO 1999
VMC45-03/99
284. Appendix
System Data
ModelVC45-C-12VC45-C-23VC45-N-12VC45-N-23
Sensor format1/2“ sensor2/3“ sensor1/2“ sensor2/3“ sensor
Video StandardCCIREIA RS170
Pixel Resolution741 x 576741 x 576756 x 486756 x 486
Pixel Size8.6 x 8.3µm11.6 x 11.2µm8.4 x 9.8µm11.6 x 13.5µm
Active Sensing Area6.4 x 4.8mm8.6 x 6.5mm6.4 x 4.8mm8.8 x 6.6mm
Horizontal Scanning Frequency
Vertical Scanning Frequency
Aspect Ratio4/3 (hor./ver.)4/3 (hor./ver.)
max. S/N ratio> 55dB> 55dB
Gammalinear, gamma 1, gamma 2linear, gamma 1, gamma 2
Shutter Control100µs ... 20ms100µs ... 16.7ms
Long ExposureInternal: up to 20s
Gain Controlinternally or externallyinternally or externally
Operating ModeFRAME or FIELD interlacedFRAME or FIELD interlaced
Power Supply12V DC12V DC
Weight290g290g
Dimensions47(W) x 39(H) x 130(L) mm47(W) x 39(H) x 130(L) mm
Dear Customer,
We hope the VC45 / VM45 will be an always valuable tool for your scientific day
in, day out work.
Comments, suggestions or any new idea on our system are welcome.
We are at your disposal at any time, also after your buying of this camera.
Your PCO Team
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