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Pco Edge 3.1 User Manual

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Summary of Contents for Pco Edge 3.1

  • Page 1 pco.
  • Page 2 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...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 INTENDED USE 1.2 DATA OVERVIEW 2. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 3. SYSTEM COMPONENTS 4. INSTALLATION 4.1 DRIVER 4.2 CAMWARE 5. QUICK START 5.1 PREPARATION 5.2 START 5.3 YOUR FIRST IMAGE 6. CAMWARE 4 SOFTWARE 6.1 CHAPTER OVERVIEW 6.2 CAMERA OVERVIEW / LIST 6.3 CAMERA PROPERTIES 6.3.1 TIMING...
  • Page 4 A1.5.3 COOLING A1.6 REVERSE WITH CAPTION A2 F-MOUNT ADAPTER A2.1 PCO F-MOUNT ADAPTER A2.2 CHANGE FROM F-MOUNT TO C-MOUNT A3 WATER COOLING OPTION PCO.AQUAMATIC II A3.1 SYSTEM COMPONENTS A3.2 FIRST TIME INSTALLATION A3.3 OPERATION A3.4 DIMENSIONS A3.5 YOUR OWN COOLING SYSTEM A4 INTERFACES A4.1 CABLE POSSIBILITIES...

  • Page 5: Introduction

    1 INTRODUCTION 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.

  • Page 6: Data Overview

    1.2 DATA OVERVIEW This table shows an overview over all available pco.edge series camera models. Read Out Line time Type Shutter Exposure times Sensor Cooling Frequency (µs) Rolling 105 MHz 24.99 500 µs … 2 s pco.edge 3.1 mono &...

  • Page 7: Safety Instructions

    2 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 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.

  • Page 8: System Components

    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. Reverse see A1.6 • DC Power Jack connect to power supply •...

  • Page 9: Installation

    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: • •...

  • Page 10: Camware

    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 &...

  • Page 11: Quick Start

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

  • Page 12: Your First Image

    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 •...

  • Page 13: Camware 4 Software

    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...

  • Page 14: Camera Overview / List

    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.
  • Page 15 6 CAMWARE 4 SOFTWARE 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.

  • Page 16: Camera Properties

    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.

  • Page 17: Timing

    6 CAMWARE 4 SOFTWARE 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 simultaneously, this means while image n is readout from the sensor, image n+1 is already integrated within the sensor’s pixel elements.
  • Page 18 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.
  • Page 19 The Busy Status signal at SMA #3 (see 6.3.9) indicates if a new trigger is accepted. Shutter Maximum Camera Mode exposure time Rolling pco.edge 3.1 USB 3.0 Global 100 ms Global Reset Rolling 10 s pco.edge 4.2 LT USB 3.0 Global Reset pco.edge 4.2 Camera Link...

  • Page 20: Rolling Shutter

    Each row has the same exposure time, but a different The available Rolling start and end of exposure. The pco.edge image sensor consists of Shutter readout modes two discrete halves, which are exposed and read out simultaneously, see chapter 6.9.3.
  • Page 21 Camera Frame rate (FPS Based) Exposure time 0.1…35 fps @ 95.3 MHz pco.edge 4.2 Camera Link 100 µs…10 s 0.1…100 fps @ 272.3 MHz 0.1…100 fps @ 272.3 MHz pco.edge 5.5 Camera Link 500 µs…2 s...
  • Page 22 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...
  • Page 23 6 CAMWARE 4 SOFTWARE Auto Sequence graph Trigger (in) Start Busy (out) Start Exposure (out) Start frame all rows 1st image all rows 2nd image 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.

  • Page 24: Global Shutter

    (see 1.2). Camera (Global Shutter) Exposure time Delay time 20 µs … 100 ms pco.edge 3.1 USB 3.0 pco.edge 5.5 USB 3.0 20 µs … 100 ms 0 µs … 1 s pco.edge 5.5 Camera Link 10 µs … 100 ms 10 µs …...
  • Page 25 6 CAMWARE 4 SOFTWARE External Exposure Start (Auto Sequence respectively) Trigger (in) Busy (out) Exposure (out) Frame Name # of lines ROI(y) ∗ ���� ���� ���� ���� ���� ���� ���� ���� line time frame Programmable: 1 line time … 100 ms –...
  • Page 26 External Exposure Control Trigger (in) Busy (out) Exposure (out) Frame Name # of lines ROI(y) ∗ ���� ���� ���� ���� ���� ���� ���� ���� line time frame Counted line time line time → see 1.2 In External Exposure Control trigger mode the external signal controls start of image acquisition and duration of the exposure.

  • Page 27: Global Reset

    The exposure and delay time can be adjusted in steps of one line time (see 1.2). Camera (Global Reset) Exposure time Delay time pco.edge 3.1 USB 3.0 pco.edge 4.2 LT USB 3.0 30 µs – 2 s pco.edge 4.2 USB 3.0 0 µs … 1 s pco.edge 5.5 USB 3.0...
  • Page 28 Camera Global Reset Frame rate (FPS Based) Exposure time 1…33.3 fps @ 95.3 MHz pco.edge 5.5 Camera Link 10 µs…2 s 1…100 fps @ 286 MHz 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.

  • Page 29: Image Size

    6 CAMWARE 4 SOFTWARE 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.
  • Page 30 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) pco.edge 4.2 Camera Link...

  • Page 31: Sensor Control

    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.

  • Page 32: Recording Control

    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.
  • Page 33 6 CAMWARE 4 SOFTWARE 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).

  • Page 34: Status

    , 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.

  • Page 35: Hardware Io Control

    6 CAMWARE 4 SOFTWARE 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.
  • Page 36 Signal Timing for Rolling Shutter Signal Timing Rolling Shutter options 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 firstline •...

  • Page 37: Convert Control

    6 CAMWARE 4 SOFTWARE 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...
  • Page 38 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...

  • Page 39: Image Overlay

    6 CAMWARE 4 SOFTWARE 6.4 IMAGE OVERLAY 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 gefunden werden. View Menu to activate this menu. This function enables an individually configurable image overlay allowing to display information within the images.

  • Page 40: Recorder Tools

    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 Start/Stop record: with Record Button. or press enter in the View window to Start/Stop record.
  • Page 41 6 CAMWARE 4 SOFTWARE 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: •...

  • Page 42: View Window

    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.

  • Page 43: Recorder (Images)

    6 CAMWARE 4 SOFTWARE 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.
  • Page 44 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).

  • Page 45: Settings Overview

    6 CAMWARE 4 SOFTWARE 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.

  • Page 46: Auto Save

    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.
  • Page 47 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).

  • Page 48: Camware Menu Tabs & Features

    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.

  • Page 49: File Menu

    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.
  • Page 50 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.

  • Page 51: Camera Menu

    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.

  • Page 52: Acquisition Menu

    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°.

  • Page 53: View Menu

    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.

  • Page 54: Window Menu

    Math Tools 2 3 5 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: •...

  • Page 55: Help Menu

    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...

  • Page 56: View Window Menu

    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).
  • Page 57 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.

  • Page 58: Additional Features

    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.

  • Page 59: Appendix

    A1.5.3 COOLING A1.6 REVERSE WITH CAPTION A2 F-MOUNT ADAPTER A2.1 NEW F-MOUNT ADAPTER A2.2 CHANGE FROM F-MOUNT TO C-MOUNT A3 WATER COOLING OPTION PCO.AQUAMATIC II A3.1 SYSTEM COMPONENTS A3.2 FIRST TIME INSTALLATION A3.3 OPERATION A3.4 DIMENSIONS A3.5 YOUR OWN COOLING SYSTEM A4 INTERFACES A4.1 CABLE POSSIBILITIES...

  • Page 60: A1 Technical Data

    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)

  • Page 61: A1.3 Camera Link Hs Version

    A1 TECHNICAL DATA Water Cooled Standard Version (pco.edge 4.2 / 5.5, USB 3.0) housing size is similar to the dimensions of standard version, except the camera design with the USB 3.0 interface allows locating the water connections on the back of the camera.

  • Page 62: A1.4 Specifications

    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).

  • Page 63: A1.5.2 Correct Mounting

    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.

  • Page 64: A1.6 Reverse With Caption

    A1.6 REVERSE WITH CAPTION Specification of the reverse: SMA inputs (see chapter 6.3.9) Input (1=Exposure Trigger; 2=Acquire Enable) type digital level 3.3 V LVTTL (5 V tolerant) coupling impedance 1 kΩ slew rate > 1 V/ms SMA outputs (see chapter 6.3.9) Output (3=Status Busy;...

  • Page 65: A2 F-Mount Adapter

    A2 F-MOUNT ADAPTER A2 F-MOUNT ADAPTER A2.1 PCO F-MOUNT ADAPTER 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.

  • Page 66: A2.2 Change From F-Mount To C-Mount

    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 c- mount adapter with the two smaller C-mount diameters.

  • Page 67: A3 Water Cooling Option Pco.aquamatic Ii

    (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.

  • Page 68: A3.2 First Time Installation

    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 pco.aquamatic ensure maximum cooling performance. All tubes and power cords need to run kink-free.

  • Page 69: A3.3 Operation

    A3 WATER COOLING OPTION PCO.AQUAMATIC II 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. cooling unit provides operation modes. Operation Mode on: the cooling unit...

  • Page 70: A3.4 Dimensions

    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.

  • Page 71: A4 Interfaces

    • optional: • maximum: 7 m (active cable) NOTE Please only use Camera Link cables, which are approved by PCO. Otherwise full functionality is not guaranteed. USB 3.0: • standard: 3 m • cable and proper PCI express board included in the camera...

  • Page 72: A4.2 Camera Link

    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.

  • Page 73: A4.2.2 Micro Diagnostics Tool

    A4 INTERFACES A4.2.2 MICRO DIAGNOSTICS TOOL 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.

  • Page 74: A4.2.3 Image Data Flow

    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.
  • Page 75 A4 INTERFACES 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.

  • Page 76: A4.3 Camera Link Hs

    Risk of injury due to electric shock.  Always pull the main plug before opening the computer. 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.

  • Page 77: A4.3.1 Installation Of Frame Grabber

    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.

  • Page 78: A4.3.2 Micro Diagnostics Tool

    A4.3.2 MICRO DIAGNOSTICS TOOL 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 start the test. Please upgrade to the supplied firmware. Select Tools → Flash Board(s) and select the appropriate...

  • Page 79: A4.4 Usb 3.0

    • 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.
  • Page 80 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’...

  • Page 81: A4.4.3 Usb 3.0 Faq

    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...
  • Page 82 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.

  • Page 83: A4.4.4 Installation Of The Usb 3.0 Card

    A4.4.4 INSTALLATION OF THE USB 3.0 CARD 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.

  • Page 84: A4.4.5 Ring Buffer And Fifo

    A4.4.5 RING BUFFER AND FIFO 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.

  • Page 85: A5 Binning With Cmos Sensors

    A5 BINNING WITH CMOS SENSORS 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...

  • Page 86: A6 Lightsheet Scanning Mode

    A6 LIGHTSHEET SCANNING MODE The pco.edge Lightsheet scanning mode is a special mode for lightsheet microscopy and only Idle 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).

  • Page 87: A7 Image File Formats

    (4 Byte). The first 6 parameters must always exist. The rest of the parameters, as well as the comment field, are optional. Parameter Function pco- the first 4 byte are the characters pco- file size file size in byte header length header size + comment filed in byte...
  • Page 88 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.

  • Page 89: A8 Customer Service

    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.

  • Page 90: A8.4 Trouble Shooting

    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: Short description of the problem Operating system (PC)

  • Page 91: A9 Index

    A9 INDEX A9 INDEX Key word Chapter Page NOTE: Acquire mode 6.3.7 The mentioned page is Aquamatic always starting Auto File Save 6.8.1 page of a chapter! Averaging Binning 29, 85 6.3.5, A5 C-mount conversion Cable lengths A4.1 Camware software Camera Link A4.2 Camera Link HS...

  • Page 92: About Pco

    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...
  • Page 93 pco.

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