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Oxford Instruments ANDOR Sona, Hardware Manual

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Oxford Instruments ANDOR Sona Hardware Manual Download Page 10

version 1.1 rev 04 Mar 2020

10

Sona & 

Marana

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION

This manual provides an overview of the Sona and Marana camera series. The Sona and Marana feature the latest 
back-illuminated sCMOS sensor technology for an exceptional sensitivity, speed and field of view. This makes it 
particularly suitable for demanding applications - 

Sona for life science imaging

: such as live-cell imaging, embryo 

imaging; 

Marana for physical science imaging

: such as space debris tracking and occultations. This manual includes a 

description of the main features of the cameras, their installation, routine operation and troubleshooting. It also provides 
a summary of some of the technical features of the Sona and Marana back-illuminated sCMOS camera series. For 
further information on operation and control of the camera refer to the relevant software guide e.g. Solis, and to the 
andor website for further technical information to help you get the best from your camera.

Figure 1: The Sona (left) and Marana (right) back-illuminated sCMOS Cameras

Summary of Contents for ANDOR Sona

Page 1: ...Sona Marana andor com andor com Andor Technology Ltd 2020 Andor Technology Ltd 2020 Version 1 1 rev 4 March 2020 Hardware Guide for Sona 4 2B 6 and Marana 4 2B 6 Models ...

Page 2: ...8 3 2 Using the Lens mount 18 3 2 1 C Mount Replacement 18 3 2 2 F mount and T mount Adaptors 19 3 3 Mounting the Camera using the Mounting Flange 19 3 4 Connecting the Camera to the PC 20 3 4 1 Installing the USB 3 Card or CXP Card in the PC if required 20 3 4 2 Connecting the Camera to the PCIe Card 21 3 4 2 1 Connecting via USB 21 3 4 2 2 Connecting via CoaXPress 21 3 5 Connecting the Camera to...

Page 3: ...4 Binning 30 4 4 5 Spurious Noise Filter 30 4 4 6 Blemish Correction Filter 31 4 5 Trigger Modes 31 4 6 Software Acquisition Events 32 4 7 Rolling Shutter 32 4 7 1 Rolling Shutter Mechanism 33 4 7 2 Signal Information 33 4 7 3 Timing Parameters and External Triggering 34 4 7 4 Rolling Shutter Internal Triggering Non Overlap Mode 34 4 7 5 Rolling Shutter Internal Triggering Overlap Mode 36 4 7 6 Ro...

Page 4: ...ra Window 42 5 4 1 Tools Required 43 5 4 2 Window Cleaning Procedure 43 5 5 Fuse Replacement 43 5 6 Cooling Hoses and Connections 43 SECTION 6 TROUBLESHOOTING 44 6 1 Preventing Condensation 44 6 2 Quick Troubleshooting Guide 45 APPENDIX A TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 46 APPENDIX B MECHANICAL DRAWINGS 49 APPENDIX C DEWPOINT INFORMATION 50 APPENDIX D REFERENCE INFORMATION 51 APPENDIX E OTHER INFORMATION...

Page 5: ...version 1 1 rev 04 Mar 2020 5 Sona Marana ...

Page 6: ...y released Marana 4 2B 6 model Updates to the Manual Changes are periodically made to the product and these will be incorporated into new editions of the manual Please check for new releases of the manual in MyAndor http my andor com login aspx If you find an issue in this manual please contact your customer support respresentative Section 1 1 with a description of the issue ...

Page 7: ...ply cord is located so that it will not be subject to damage If replacement of the detachable power supply cord is required ensure replacement is of same type and rating 11 Performance of the system may be adversely affected by rapidly changing environmental conditions or operation outside of the operating conditions specified in TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 12 While running an experiment try to keep ...

Page 8: ...eaks that may find their way to the mains electricity supply and create a hazard Refer to the information in SECTION 3 7 for general guidelines on the correct installation and use of a liquid cooling system 22 See SECTION 5 1 Cleaning and Decontamination 23 Do not expose the product to extreme hot or cold temperatures 24 Do not expose the product to open flames 25 Do not allow objects to fall on t...

Page 9: ...ng Information Carefully unpack the unit If the equipment appears damaged in any way return it to sales outlet No responsibility for damage arising from the use of non approved packaging will be accepted Ensure all items and accessories specified at the time of ordering and as detailed on the packing list are present if any items are missing please contact your sales representative The camera has ...

Page 10: ...ana for physical science imaging such as space debris tracking and occultations This manual includes a description of the main features of the cameras their installation routine operation and troubleshooting It also provides a summary of some of the technical features of the Sona and Marana back illuminated sCMOS camera series For further information on operation and control of the camera refer to...

Page 11: ...792 Andor Technology 300 Baker Avenue Suite 150 Concord MA 01742 USA Tel 1 860 290 9211 Fax 1 860 290 9566 Asia Pacific China Andor Technology Japan 5F IS Building 3 32 42 Higashi Shinagawa Tokyo 140 0002 Japan Tel 81 3 6732 8968 Fax 81 3 6732 8939 Andor Technology China Haitong Times Business Center Building B2 West No 11 West Third Ring North Road Haidian District Beijing 100089 China Tel 86 0 1...

Page 12: ... THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN 1 3 Copyright and Protective Notices The copyright in this document and the associated drawings are the property of Andor Technology Ltd and all rights are reserved This document and the associated drawings are issued on condition that they are not copied reprinted or reproduced nor their contents disclosed The publication of information in this documentation does ...

Page 13: ...in electronic format 1 Power Supply 1 x 15 V 1 Power Cord Country specific 1 USB 3 Card 1 Quick Start Guide 1 USB 3 Standard A to Standard B cable 1 Anti static Wrist band 1 CoaXPress Card with ext trigger input CoaXPress variant only 1 CoaXPress Cable CoaXPress variant only 1 Multi timing I O cable Trigger Cable BNC to D type 1 Trigger Cable BNC to SMB CoaXPress variant only 1 Performance Sheet 1...

Page 14: ...es A range of accessories is available see below The Sona and Marana are intended only for use with accessories supplied and recommended by Andor Description Code C mount replacement ACC MEC 11936 F mount convert Sona 4 2B 6 to F mount F MOUNT ADP KIT Re circulator for enhanced cooling performance supplied with 2x2 5 m tubing as standard XW RECR Oasis 160 Ultra compact chiller unit tubing to be or...

Page 15: ...pters are available Sensor The Sona and Marana feature high resolution sCMOS 4 2 Megapixel back illuminated sCMOS sensors Andor s unique UltraVacTM vacuum technology has been utilized UltraVac provides a permanent hermetically sealed enclosure so that the QE and cooling performance can be maintained over many years operation Camera Window There is a single AR coated UV grade silica window for opti...

Page 16: ...rising edge ARM and AUX_OUT_1 FIRE FIRE n and AUX_OUT_2 for 7 way cable only outputs are all TTL timing outputs These can be individually inverted via software e g Solis or SDK AUX_OUT_1 supplies the FIRE ALL output by default This is the logical AND of the FIRE pulses associated with Row 1 and Row n the last row read out in the image frame Therefore the FIRE ALL pulse represents the time within a...

Page 17: ... power connector for the camera is inserted securely The connector is keyed to aid correct orientation A 15 V DC External Power Supply supplies the camera Refer to the Technical Specifications for the External Power Supply requirements NOTES 1 The electrical mains lead should be certified for use in your country and in applicable countries the plug must be fitted with a 240 V 5 A fuse 2 If users u...

Page 18: ... to condensation see Section 6 1 for further information Storage Storage Temperature 10 C to 50 C If it is to be stored after use at a temperature below the coolant freezing point ensure that all liquid coolant has been expelled from the camera 3 2 Using the Lens mount A C mount lens mounting system is present on the 4 2B 6 models 3 2 1 C Mount Replacement Note C Mount Uses the inner set of mounti...

Page 19: ...late is clean and free from debris 2 Ensure that the o ring is fully seated in the groove 3 Locate the F T Mount part into the faceplate aligning the 4xM3 CSK screw holes 4 Using the M3 CSK screws provided tighten the mount to 1 1Nm onto the faceplate 3 3 Mounting the Camera using the Mounting Flange The camera mounting face features 4 off M4x0 7 6H tapped holes x8 0 0 31 deep These can be used to...

Page 20: ...nded 2 Open the PC enclosure to gain access to the expansion slots 3 Locate a suitable PCIe 2 0 or newer slot USB Card operates in an x1 slot or one with a greater number of channels i e x4 x8 or x16 For CoaXPress please note that a minimum of x8 slot is required 4 If you are unsure which slot is correct please consult the PC user manual 5 Remove the filler bracket corresponding to the slot you in...

Page 21: ...s cable from the camera to the CXP PCIe card on the control PC 3 5 Connecting the Camera to the Power Supply Connect the mains power cable between the camera power input 15 V DC and the 15 V DC Power Supply Unit Route cables carefully so they do not pose a tripping hazard or at risk of being unplugged Avoid tight bends or strain at the connections Connect the PSU to the mains power supply 4BV6 Sep...

Page 22: ... head is above the dew point of the camera ambient temperature and humidity conditions Refer to the Dew Point graph in Appendix C for guidance Use of coolant at or below the dew point can result in permanent damage to the camera head due to formation of condensation on internal components Never use damaged split or worn hoses as leaks may find their way to the mains electricity supply and create a...

Page 23: ...cted by distance between camera head and cooler Recommended coolant water or water glycol mix depending on the ambient environmental temperature during operation De ionized water without additives may be used as the coolant Some mains supply water is heavily mineralized i e Hard which could cause deposits in the water circuit inside the camera This can reduce the flow rate and cooling efficiency N...

Page 24: ...the camera head ensure they click into place 3 Confirm the hoses are connected securely by applying pressure on the front of the camera body and pulling backwards on each hose 4 Connect the other ends of the coolant hoses to the cooling system refer to the cooling system manual 3 8 2 Disconnecting the Coolant Hoses 1 Press the latch on the camera hose connection away from the hose 2 Hold the latch...

Page 25: ...ontinue installation and restart your computer when prompted to successfully complete the installation 6 The shortcut icon for Solis will appear on the desktop on re start 7 The camera is now ready to be connected to a PC laptop and powered on 3 9 3 New Hardware Wizard When the Sona camera is connected to a PC for the first time the New Hardware Wizard screen will appear 1 Select the No not this t...

Page 26: ...select System Setup in the One Time Boot Menu For Dell workstations 3 options in the Performance menu of the BIOS need to be checked set C States Control Disable C States Intel Speed step Disable Speed step Memory Node Interleaving Set from NUMA to SMP Note This option is only available on larger workstations with 2 physical processors and may have a different name ensure that NUMA is disabled ...

Page 27: ...you start up the camera software e g Solis or SDK Otherwise the SW SDK will not be able to connect to the camera 5 Launch your camera control software e g Solis or SDK3 6 The camera will now start up under control of the software Note It will take some time for the camera to reach the target cooling temperature This is visible in the temperature status bar in Solis Please wait until the camera has...

Page 28: ...um well depth to be used simultaneously This delivers a very high linearity of 99 7 across this range allowing for quantitative analyses When combined with the high frame rates and large sensor area this provides a lot of flexibility for how the camera may be used For dynamic images Use 16 bit mode to provide the data range required to capture full range images Frame rates will be lower than for 1...

Page 29: ... 6 7 mm 512x512 295 174 295 174 3 3 mm x 3 3 mm 256x256 587 346 587 346 1 7 mm x 1 7 mm 128x128 1165 686 1166 687 0 8 mm x 0 8 mm Imaging Mode Number of Tracks Track height h Track separation d Max Acquisition Rate Pixels µm Pixels µm 16 bit 12 bit Low Noise 2 10 65 10 65 6887 4058 2 10 65 0 0 6887 4058 2 20 130 10 65 3608 2126 6 50 325 40 260 502 296 10 10 65 0 0 1485 875 10 20 130 0 0 750 442 10...

Page 30: ...s the read noise the dominant noise source in CCDs to be reduced since there are less read events Binning is therefore commonly used for CCD cameras to increase the signal to noise ratio and speed of readout at the expense of lower resolution For further information refer to the technical note CCD Binning However for cameras with sCMOS sensors such as in the Andor Zyla Neo Sona and Marana models t...

Page 31: ...external intervention External Trigger the camera and software are in a high state of readiness to accept a trigger from an external source Refer to Table X for the minimum pulse width required to guarantee a trigger The external trigger is fed via the External Trigger input on the I O Connector on the camera head Software Trigger works in a similar manner to External Trigger mode whereby the came...

Page 32: ...ng shutter readout mechanism is illustrated below Figure 6 Rolling Shutter Operation At the start of an exposure the Reset wave sweeps through the sensor clearing any accumulated charge from the pixels The pixels then start accumulating light induced charge At the end of the exposure the readout wave sweeps through the sensor transferring the charge from each row into the readout node of each pixe...

Page 33: ...because every time the node is reset it does not settle at exactly the same level and hence the actual level must be measured Step 2 and subtracted from the signal level Step 4 to get the real signal 4 7 2 Signal Information The Rolling Shutter signals in the diagrams are as follows FIRE Exposure for Row 1 In Rolling Shutter mode the FIRE output from the camera indicates to the user the exposure t...

Page 34: ... the minimum trigger pulse width detected by the camera is Minimum EXT Trigger Width EXT Trig Pulse Width 10 ns 4 7 4 Rolling Shutter Internal Triggering Non Overlap Mode Internal Trigger Mode allows the user to configure an exposure time and cycle time For Internal Triggering Non overlap mode the exact acquisition sequence depends on the exposure time and cycle time set as shown in Figures 7 and ...

Page 35: ...triggering long non overlap Parameter Minimum Maximum Exposure 4 Rows 600 s Cycle Time 1 Frame Rate Exposure 1 Frame 2 Rows Note actual minimum Exposure time is 11 2 μs in 12 bit mode and 6 6 μs in 16 bit mode The exposure time is incremented in 1 Row time steps ...

Page 36: ... exposure is being read out from the sensor When the required exposure time is less than the time it takes to read out a frame Short Exposures the cycle time is always defined by the time taken to read out a frame 1 Row time See figure 9 below Figure 9 Internal Triggering short overlap When the required exposure time is greater than the time it takes to read out a frame Long Exposures the cycle ti...

Page 37: ...e same The trigger event can either be from the EXT Trigger input or sent via software The ARM signal is asserted to indicate it is ready to detect an incoming trigger input Once the trigger event is detected a rolling reset is initiated this effectively begins a new exposure When the exposure period has completed a signal frame read out phase begins Once the frame has been read out completely the...

Page 38: ...2020 38 Sona Marana Figure 12 External Triggering long non overlap Parameter Minimum Maximum Exposure 4 Rows 600 s Cycle Time 1 Frame Rate Exposure 1 Frame 2 Rows External Start Delay 1 Rows 2 Rows EXT Trig Pulse Width 10 ns ...

Page 39: ...rigger pulse width defines the exposure time for all rows but is only coincident with the exposure time for Row 1 The exposure for Row 2 will be delayed by one row time relative to Row 1 and so forth The period of the external trigger pulse defines the overall cycle time If the width of the trigger event is less than 4 Rows the falling edge will be missed and a subsequent falling edge will be requ...

Page 40: ... the start of the next Row read period This frame is discarded as it does not contain the correct exposure period Reading out this first frame effectively begins the first exposure When the next positive edge of the external trigger is detected a signal frame read out is initiated at the start of the next Row read period As each row is read out the new exposure for that row begins Figure 14 Extern...

Page 41: ...lling Shutter Triggering Modes Exposure Range Max Trigger Jitter Min Trigger Pulse Width Fast Exposure Switching Supported Internal Non Overlap User settable exposure time User settable Cycle Time 4 Rows to 600 s P Internal Overlap On User settable exposure time 4 Rows to 600 s P External Non Overlap Exposure time user settable Cycle Time controlled via exter nal trigger pulse 4 Rows to 600 s 1 ro...

Page 42: ... with the dampened cloth Do not use abrasive or other detergents to clean the camera Decontamination In the event any product must be returned the customer must complete a decontamination form to declare the equipment os contamination free and safe for Andor employees to work on http www andor com decontamination aspx 5 4 Cleaning the Camera Window At some point it may become necessary to clean de...

Page 43: ...t particles onto the camera window 3 With the shutter if present open turn the camera on its side making it easier for particles to fall out of the camera head Face the window toward you at the edge of a table 4 Give the window short blasts of compressed air to work dust particles out of the camera head 5 If there are still particles stuck on the window use an optics brush to very carefully dislod...

Page 44: ...ion be detected You may see condensation on the outside of the camera body if the cooling water is at too low a temperature or if the water flow is too high The first signs of condensation will usually be visible around the connectors where the water tubes are attached If this occurs carry out the following actions 1 Switch off the system 2 Wipe the camera with a soft dry cloth NOTE It is likely t...

Page 45: ...pected Fans rotate at full speed if temperature gets too high Check settings Check fans and vents are rotating and free of obstruction Camera does not cool to the required temperature Ambient temp is above specified operating range Check ambient temp is with specified range Fans may be obstructed Check fans and vents are rotating and free of obstruction Liquid cooling system not functioning correc...

Page 46: ...sor operating temperature 3 Air cooled Water liquid cooled 25 C up to 30 C ambient 45 C 16 C water 25 C up to 30 C ambient 45 C 16 C water Dark Current Air cooled 25 C Water liquid cooled 45 C 0 7 e pixel s 0 3 e pixel s 0 15 e pixel s 0 10 e pixel s Active area pixel well depth 85 000 e High Dynamic Range mode 16 bit 2600 e Fast Speed mode 12 bit bit depth limited 55 000 e Fast High Dynamic Range...

Page 47: ...SDK only of the start and end of acquisition 6 The Sona connects to your control PC using a USB 3 0 connection This may also be referred to as USB 3 1 Gen 1 Andor provide a USB 3 0 card and cable and recommend that these are used to ensure optimum performance Please note USB 3 0 USB 3 1 Gen 1 and USB 3 2 Gen 1x1 are equivalent 7 Optional user switchable C mount accessory available for use with sma...

Page 48: ...a 0 15 Ω source resistance is 2 7 A min peak and a pulse width of 15 ms min measured at half the peak Safety Certified to an appropriate IEC standard e g IEC 60950 1 and meet the reinforced insulation from mains requirement of IEC 61010 1 Environmental Ensure that the EPS meets the environmental specification of the overall product see above Camera Power Specifications Mains Input for Supplied Ext...

Page 49: ...x 2 7 kg 5 95 lbs Note CoaXPress connection on SONA 4BV6X and MARANA 4BV6X models only Sona 4 2B 6 Marana 4 2B 6 8 0 50 0 1 969 CUSTOMER MOUNTING POINTS 8 X 1 4 20 UNC 8 0 0 313 2 PER SIDE 175 4 6 906 36 5 1 437 15 2 0 598 166 8 6 565 17 5 0 75 0 75 0 691 0 030 0 030 C MOUNT FOCAL PLANE ...

Page 50: ... condensation is forming will be on the coolant connections entering and exiting the camera Use of coolant at or below the dewpoint can result in permanent damage to the camera head due to formation of condensation on internal components It is therefore very important to ensure that coolant temperature is above the dewpoint Further guidelines are provided in Section 6 1 The relationship between Re...

Page 51: ...Time Between Failure MTBF value is 100 years Outgassing is minimized through assembly in a state of the art facility with a stringent protocol and use of proprietary materials Outgassing is the release of trapped gasses that would otherwise degrade cooling performance and potentially cause sensor failure UltraVac also features a single camera window for the best optical performance For more inform...

Page 52: ...ng warranty conditions will have been made available during the ordering process The current version may be viewed at www andor com pdfs literature Andor_Standard_Warranty pdf Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment Regulations 2006 WEEE The company s statement on the disposal of WEEE can be found in the Terms and Conditions found on the Andor website WEEE Policy ...

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