TABLE INTRODUCTION ..................................6 1.1. Overview ........................................6 1.2. Camera interface and framerate ............................7 1.3. Global shutter ...................................... 7 1.4. Dead time ....................................... 8 1.5. Minimum and maximum exposure times ........................9 1.6. Caution ........................................10 READ BEFORE USE ................................11 2.1.
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10.1. Configuring your computer ..............................40 Recommended system requirements ......................40 10.2. Software installation .................................. 40 Oxford Instruments Andor Graphical User Interface software ..........40 Software Development Kit ........................... 41 10.3. Quick start......................................41 Powering ON & camera connection ......................41 Powering OFF &...
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Basic device information ............................42 Basic device control ..............................42 Temperature control ..............................43 11.2. Acquisition Control ..................................43 Basic commands ................................43 Integration time and framerate ........................44 Trigger mode ................................... 44 11.2.3.1. Trigger behavior ..............................44 11.2.3.2. Example use of triggers ............................ 45 11.2.3.2.1.
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Transferring Bias and Flat corrections files ................... 73 Median Filter ..................................74 Binning ....................................74 12. CAMERA MAINTENANCE ............................76 12.1. Troubleshooting .................................... 76 12.2. Pattern Generation ..................................78 12.3. Firmware update ..................................79 12.4. Cleaning of the window ................................79 12.5.
1.1. Overview Andor CB2 is a family of high-performance scientific cameras based on Sony’s CMOS sensors. Andor CB2 simultaneously integrates a global shutter architecture and low noise acquisitions. This is critical for fast acquisition scientific applications. The global shutter mode is a key feature of the camera, enabling artefact-free acquisitions in dynamic imaging.
1.2. Camera interface and framerate Andor CB2 cameras are equipped with CoaXPress or SFP+ interfaces. The SFP+ model is operated using GigE Vision protocol. In the firmware 3.1.0 release, only the left SFP+ interface is activated. ® The CoaXPress model uses CoaXPress 2.0 protocol to transfer the massive amount of data...
The following table indicates dead time values obtained when the camera is operated using CoaXPress ® protocol for all available pixel formats. Table 4: Dead times when using CoaXPress ® protocol for Andor CB2 camera Sensor IMX530 IMX530 Format (binned) Mono8 85.41 µs...
The following table shows typical minimum exposure time values obtained when the camera is operated using GigE Vision interface. Exact values depend on the performance of the full GigE Vision setup. Table 7: Minimum exposure times when using GigE-Vision protocol for Andor CB2 cameras Sensor IMX530 IMX530...
This User Manual describes precisely how to handle your material properly and to avoid accidents. Please follow the instructions of use to get the optimum performance out of your Andor CB2 camera. Please carefully read the warnings (Section 2) and follow the safety precautions to avoid any personal injury or damage when using the camera.
2. READ BEFORE USE 2.1. General warnings The equipment must be plugged on an electrical wiring compliant with the relevant standards in the country (in France: NFC 15-100). This wiring must be protected from overcurrent, overvoltage, and ground defaults. Any connected equipment must be compliant with the EN 60950-1 Ed.2006 standard, or to their own standards.
DO NOT throw the Li-ion button cell battery in municipal waste. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal waste. In case of disposal, do not throw your camera in a waste disposal, you can send it back to Oxford Instruments Andor.
3. CAMERA DELIVERY 3.1. Package content Your Andor CB2 camera will be delivered in a hard Pelicase, with the following components: Table 8: Package items description Items Quantity Camera Power supply Power cord (IEC / NEMA / other) Quick Coupling set (for hydraulic cooling) Zebra GigE Vision dongle (for GigE Vision cameras) Press button tool (cf.
Opened Pelicase® with dedicated spaces*. * Items may differ from pictures. 3.2. Camera serial and part numbers The camera’s serial number (S/N) is available on a sticker at the rear of the camera. All support requests require the involved camera (or cameras) serial number(s) (S/N). Please include them in your mail/support ticket outreach.
Additional resources, such as technical notes, user manuals, latest software releases, technical notes, etc. are available online. As a customer of Oxford Instruments Andor, you can request access to the documents and resources you are interested in on the website https://andor.oxinst.com/.
4. SPECIFICATIONS 4.1. Operating conditions The table below presents the operating conditions of Andor CB2. Do not operate the camera beyond these environmental specifications, as this may cause damage to the camera. Table 11: Andor CB2 operating conditions Parameter Values...
4.4. Quantum efficiency curve The typical spectral response curve of the sensor measured at a sensor temperature of 20°C is shown below. The peak quantum efficiency of > 70% is obtained at 490 nm. Experimental quantum efficiency of an Andor CB2 camera.
The cameras can be configured to maintain the sensor’s temperature at a setpoint specified by the user. This feature is disabled by default. Andor CB2 is designed with an integrated liquid cooling system, allowing it to take advantage of the full capabilities of the IMX530 sensor.
L/min Maximum pressure bars Hydraulic cooling connectors of Andor CB2. Andor CB2 CXP on the left, Andor CB2 SFP on the right. Optional chiller An optional quick coupling kit set includes Stäubli connectors, pipes and a chiller. This section details how to mount the pipes on the chiller. Stäubli female connectors are already plugged to the pipes.
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Water pipes with the hydraulic connectors for the cooling plate (left side) and for the chiller (right side) To mount the system: Step 1: Connect the two male white connectors to the chiller white female connectors (see ▪ Figure 8:). A small click should be heard when doing so. Step 2: Connect the Stäubli female connector to the provided cooling plate.
Thermal performances The table below sums up the performances that can be expected from the camera with the different thermal management options available. Table 17: Thermal management performances and temperature minimum set point Sensor Water Cooling method minimum temperature temperature set point Air cooling, fan at full speed <...
The camera is designed to get the best precision possible regarding the optical alignment of the sensor and the highest thermal performance. For further information about mechanical tolerances, see drawings below. The camera’s latest mechanical drawings are available from Oxford Instruments Andor at: fli- support@oxinst.com, or on https://andor.oxinst.com/.
The connectors and status LEDs are all positioned on the rear panel of the camera. Andor CB2 rear panel interface overview. Andor CB2 CXP on the left, Andor CB2 SFP with SFP+ modules plugged in on the right. 7.2. Camera status LEDs Once the camera is properly powered up by following the steps of section 9, the system boots and Andor CB2 is ready to operate.
On the left, Andor CB2 CXP back views. The orange box shows the female power connector. On the center, Andor CB2 GigE Vision back views. The orange box shows the female power connector. On the right, the female power connector pinout.
10Gbit SFP+ connection. For the firmware update procedure, please contact Oxford Instruments Andor at fli- support@oxinst.com. Ix Industrial Ethernet cable connected to the Ethernet port on an Andor CB2 CXP camera. 7.7. I/O port Electronic sensitive interface Please use appropriate grounding methods...
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Table 20: Pinout of Cable version A and B Cable version A Cable version B 1 White 1 Red 2 Red 2 Blue 3 Green 3 Green 4 Yellow 4 Yellow The I/O Port is composed of two input trigger signals and two output trigger signals. Table 21: Pin Signal description Connector Pin Signal...
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-0.5 Input impedance: High Z Failure to observe the voltages indicated in the table will permanently damage the camera Andor CB2 I/O LEMO Port. Andor CB2 CXP is on the left, Andor CB2 SFP is on the right.
The Master connection is indicated by digit 0 and the Extension connections are indicated by digits 1, 2 and 3. Schematic of the four CoaXPress® links required in the configuration implemented in Andor CB2 CXP. Each connection (Master and Extension) provides: A high-speed downlink of 12.5 Gbps (camera to frame grabber).
® /GenICam compliant solutions. The default Andor CB2 camera configuration uses 4 CXP links, operating at CXP-10 speed. This configuration lets the camera operate its sensor at full speed. This configuration can be changed with degraded performances (decrease of maximum framerate) using the user set GenICam features.
Andor CB2 CXP back view. The HD-BNC connectors are plugged in. Connectors The CoaXPress ® protocol uses 75 coaxial cables. The CoaXPress ® 2.0 interface requires four Ω cables with male HD-BNC connectors (also known as Micro BNC). CoaXPress cables with HD-BNC connectors.
0.5 Hz 50% (1s on color 1, 1s off, 1s on color 2, 1s off) CoaXPress® supported functionalities The main functionalities offered by CoaXPress® and supported by the Andor CB2 CXP camera are the following: ▪ CoaXPress® 2.0. This enables to reach the maximum frame offered by the sensor.
GenICam is developed by the European Machine Vision association. Andor CB2 GigE Vision cameras are equipped with two SFP+ cages compatible with 10 Gbit SFP+ RJ45 or 10 Gbit SFP+ optical modules Note : In the current Firmware version (version 3.1.0), only the left SFP+ connector is...
The SFP+ cage can be equipped with 10Gbit copper or fiber SFP+ module, at the user’s convenience. Andor CB2 CXP back view. The SFP+ transceiver is connected : RJ45 on the left, optical fiber on the right. To increase acquisition reliability, the settings of the Network Interface Card (NIC) should be tuned: Increase the packet size by enabling jumbo frames, ideally to at least 9000 / 9014 ▪...
The Graphical User Interface (GUI) demo software is provided in the USB key supplied with the Andor CB2 camera, or available in Your Library on the website. It is a dedicated interface developed by Oxford Instruments Andor which allows you to control almost all the parameters of the camera.
Software Development Kit A Software Development Kit (SDK) is also provided with your camera. It will allow developers to code their own interface to control the camera. A code in C/C++ is provided to make a demo, and additional example codes are provided in several languages: C, Python, Matlab, LabVIEW.
11. CAMERA FUNCTIONALITIES This section will describe non-exhaustively the camera’s features provided by Oxford Instruments Andor. Functionalities can be configured using First Light Vision, Oxford Instruments Andor’s graphical user interface, your custom developed interface using Oxford Instruments Andor’s SDK, or GenICam’s API and GUI.
Temperature control The temperature of the camera can be monitored thanks to several measurement probes. Table 31: Description of the SFNC registers associated to temperature control Name Access Value Description Sensor, CPU, DeviceTemperature Power, Temperature of the defined part Selector Frontend, Heatsink, Case...
Trigger mode This section describes how to use Andor CB2 triggers and the related set of registers. Andor CB2 camera trigger implementation closely follows GenICam and SFNC specifications, with some limitations. The camera supports four trigger modes associated with their own, independent settings.
11.2.3.2. Example use of triggers In this section, an example of using triggers with the SFNC registers is provided. We will configure an acquisition of 10 frames, which are taken after a delay of 10 µs when the user requests them via the TriggerSoftware register. We will also implement the possibility of interrupting the capture of these 10 frames with a falling edge on the LEMO0 connector.
Trigger registers The registers used to configure the various triggers are the following. Table 34: Description of the trigger control registers Name Access Values Description Selects the trigger used to start a AcquisitionStart continuous acquisition of frames. Selects the trigger used to stop a AcquisitionEnd continuous acquisition of frames.
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Note 1: The trigger mode of a given trigger must be ON to change its source. This rule is set to be SFNC compliant. Note 2: When a trigger is activated, the only other trigger that can be activated is its counterpart.
11.2.4.1. AcquisitionStart This mode captures frames at the rate indicated by the AcquisitionFrameRate register, exposed according to the ExposureTime register. Below is an example of the output through the LEMO connector when using this trigger. Configuration sequence: ▪ TriggerSelector: AcquisitionStart ▪...
11.2.4.3. FrameBurstStart This mode captures the number of frames indicated by the AcquisitionFrameCount register at the rate indicated by the AcquisitionFrameRate register, exposed according to the ExposureTime register. Below is an example of the output through the LEMO connector when using this trigger. Configuration sequence: ▪...
11.2.4.5. FrameStart This mode captures frames exposed according to the ExposureTime register. The value of the MaximumExternalAcquisitionFrameRate register is the maximum trigger frequency allowed by the camera. Below is an example of the output through the LEMO connector when using this trigger. Configuration sequence: ▪...
11.2.4.6. ExposureStart/ExposureEnd This mode starts exposing a frame on an ExposureStart trigger and stops on an ExposureEnd trigger. The value of the MaximumExternalAcquisitionFrameRate register is the maximum trigger frequency allowed by the camera. The value of the MinimalExternalExposureTime register is the minimum time that must be respected between an ExposureStart and ExposureEnd trigger.
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Second example of ExposureStart/ExposureEnd Legend : Blue – ExposureStart (FallingEdge Line0) + ExposureStop (RisingEdge Line0); Pink – SENSOR_EXPOSURE; Yellow – SENSOR_READOUT Third example of ExposureStart/ExposureEnd Legend : Blue – ExposureStart (FallingEdge Line0) + ExposureStop (RisingEdge Line0); Pink – SENSOR_EXPOSURE; Yellow – SENSOR_READOUT...
When the exposition of the sensor is controlled with the ExposureStart and ExposureEnd triggers, two consecutives ExposureEnd trigger must not occur at a faster rate than the value specified in MaximumExternalAcquisitionFrameRate register. Sensor frame output is disabled after at most 10 wrong consecutives ExposureEnd. Sensor frame output is re-enabled after at most 10 correct consective ExposureEnd.
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Table 35: Generic timings for trigger IMX530 IMX530 (BINNED) 12 bits 8 bits 10 bits 8 bits 10 bits 12 bits 16bits Pre-exposition 16 H 32 H 24 H delay 16 H 24 H Post-exposition delay 2.46 µs 2.46 µs 2.46 µs Pre-exposition jitter...
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Example of the 12bits pre-exposition delay, here 14.39 µs Example of the 12bits post exposition delay, here 18.30 µs...
Example of the 12bits sensor data output delay, here 187.00 µs 11.3. Basic Image Format Control The Image Format Control register contains the features related to the format of the transmitted images. Sensor format The dimensions of the sensor and pixels depend on the sensor and are provided by the following registers.
Pixel bit depth The sensor has a configurable 8-, 10- or 12-bits integrated Analog/Digital converter. The sensor also supports a dual ADC mode, used by the camera to create HDR images, transferred using 16-bits values. The choice of pixel bit depth influences the maximum achievable framerate. The pixel format is selected using the standard SFNC PixelFormat register.
HDR Mode HDR mode is implemented through the Dual ADC feature of the sensor, using 12-bits quantization and a difference of 24 dB of analog gain between the two ADC. The camera can be configured to send the raw image sent by the sensor, or to process it to send a single combined image.
11.4. Analog control Analog and digital gains When operated in 8-, 10- and 12-bits pixel format mode, the sensor has a configurable gain up to 48 dB: 0 dB to 24 dB: Analog Gain (0.1 dB step) ▪ 24.1 dB to 48 dB: Digital Gain (0.1 dB step) ▪...
11.5. Camera presets The camera contains factory-defined user sets, corresponding to generic use cases. In addition, Andor CB2 can store up to ten custom user configurations. These user sets can be used to switch easily from one configuration to another.
11.6. Region of interests The sensors support up to 64 Regions of Interest (ROIs). The CoaXPress ® specifies that data associated to different ROIs must be sent using different data streams, but none of the grabbers tested in our lab is able to handle 64 streams. To bypass this limitation, all the ROIs data are sent in a single stream which should be handled properly by any CoaXPress ®...
Table 47: Description of the SFNC registers associated to single ROI support (without binning) Name Access Values Description Controls whether the region is contiguous or Sparse ON/ OFF (Boolean) split in different areas. Width of the image provided by the device (in Width 16, 32, …, WidthMax pixels).
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Rules for IMX530 (normal mode) ▪ All ROIs must be aligned on 16 columns and 16 rows boundaries All ROIs width must be multiple of 16 columns ▪ All ROIs height must be multiple of 16 rows ▪ Rules for IMX530 (binning mode) ▪...
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Below are examples of the definition of multiple ROIs. Figure 33: shows the configuration in which multiple sets of full columns are selected. Figure 34: illustrates the case when multiple sets of lines are selected. Figure 35: is an example of the definition of multiple ROIs. Example of 2 vertical ROIs, defined using 2 sets of active columns/rows.
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Example of definition of 4 ROIs, defined using two sets of rows and columns All ROIs must be separated: they cannot overlap and cannot be adjacent. The figure below illustrates ROIs that cannot be defined once Region#1 is set. Example of ROIs that cannot be defined...
Impact of the ROI on the acquisition frame rate 11.6.3.1. CoaXPress When the camera is operated using CoaXPress ® protocol, it can operate at the maximum frame rate supported by the sensor. In this mode, due to the sensor’s communication protocol, the acquisition frame rate can only be increased when the number of active lines is reduced.
The bias correction is used to compensate the difference in dark level and the flat correction to compensate the difference in sensitivity between all the pixels. Since the cosmetic of the Andor CB2 sensors is natively good, the bias and flat corrections are more useful for long exposure duration acquisitions.
ADU offset The AduOffset register allows to specify an offset applied to all the pixels of the sensor. This is last operation done pixels before their conversion Mono8, Mono10/Mono10Packed or Mono12/Mono12Packed pixel formats. The main purpose of this offset is to allow to ensure no pixels are truncated to 0 when a bias correction is applied.
For Mono8 pixel format, the value to be subtracted is stored on an unsigned 8-bits integer. For Mono10 and Mono10Packed formats, the value to be subtracted in stored on the 10 least significant bits of an unsigned 16-bits register. The 6 most significant bits must be set to 0. The coding of the 16-bits value in the bias correction file is Least Significant Bit (LSB).
For Mono12 and Mono12Packed pixel formats, the value of the multiplier is stored on the 12 least significant bits of a 16-bits value. The 4 most significant bits must be set to 0. The coding of the 16-bits value in the bias correction file is LSB. Examples of values : 001000000000b / 0x200 is the representation of value 1.0 ▪...
Median Filter The camera integrates an optional built-in 3x3 median filter. This feature allows to replace eligible pixels by the median of its adjacent pixels. Two criteria of eligibility of pixels are supported ▪ Saturated pixels Pixels that are too far from the median of their adjacent pixels ▪...
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BinningHorizontal and BinningVertical registers are always equal (modifying one automatically impacts the other) and can only be set to 1 or 2. When BinningHorizontal and BinningVertical are set to 1, binning is disabled. When the registers are set to 2, a 2 x 2 binning is implemented. Table 55: Description of the binning registers Name Access...
12. CAMERA MAINTENANCE 12.1. Troubleshooting Information useful for troubleshooting is available in several SNFC registers. The table below lists the related parameters. Table 56: Description of the parameters useful to troubleshoot. Value Access Description Device's indicators are active showing Active their respective status.
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The table below provides a troubleshooting shortlist : Table 57: Common issues and troubleshooting procedures Issue Possible cause Troubleshooting ▪ Check in Section 5 that the set points are within the reach of the The cooling plate is not in good thermal system.
12.2. Pattern Generation The sensor can be configured to send a fixed pattern. The pattern generation is configurable through the SFNC TestPattern register. Table 58: Descriptions of the control for pattern generation Name Access Values Description Sensor normal operation, the image is coming from the sensor Generate frames with fixed pixels values 0x00 (8 Black...
GigE Vision interface, then firmware is downloaded by the camera using the Ethernet interface. The Ethernet cable is not provided in the Andor CB2 camera package. It is strongly advised to use shielded cable to respect Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) recommendations.
13. PRECAUTIONS & PRODUCT SAFETY 13.1. Precaution of use Your Andor CB2 is a high-end scientific instrument, if this equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired and the warranty will not be applicable.
14. WARRANTY AND LIABILITY 14.1. For the USA Limited Warranty Subject to the limitations set forth herein, FLI represents and warrants that the Products (including the Sensor, if applicable) will correspond, at the time of delivery, to the specifications provided to FLI by Purchaser, and shall be free from defects in material and workmanship (the “Limited Warranty”).
Returns In the event the Limited Warranty applies, Purchaser shall return the Product to FLI within thirty (30) days of receiving written authorization from FLI to do so, in the same condition as the Product was originally delivered to Purchaser. Purchaser shall assume all costs, risk and liability in connection with the shipment and return of the Product.
Purchaser Indemnification Purchaser agrees to defend, indemnify and hold FLI harmless from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, penalties, forfeitures, and associated costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) that FLI may incur as a result of any breach by purchaser of any warranty, representation or covenant set forth in these terms.
15. CONTACT US 15.1. For the USA FIRST LIGHT IMAGING Corp. 185 Alewife Brook Parkway, Ste 210 Cambridge, MA 02138 Phone: + 33 4 42 61 29 20 E-mail: fli-support@oxinst.com Website: https://andor.oxinst.com/ 15.2. For the rest of the world FIRST LIGHT IMAGING SAS Europarc Sainte Victoire, Bât.
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