Princeton Instruments ProEM+ EMCCD, User Manual

Page: 75 / 152

74 ProEM
®
+ System Manual Version 1.B
Full Frame (Sequential) Mode for Frame-Transfer EMCCD
Full Frame mode allows you to expose the array for the
exposure time specified in the software and is
similar in performance to a normal, full-frame
CCD device. The operational sequence for this
mode is:
1. Clearing the CCD,
2. Exposing for the specified exposure time,
3. Shifting the image from the sensor area to the frame-
transfer area, and
4. Reading out the CCD.
Steps 1-4 are repeated for each frame in a sequence. Steps 1 and 3, clearing the CCD and
shifting the image, are usually very short and do not impact the frame rate.
In WinX, Full Frame mode can be selected from Hardware Setup|Controller/Camera
tab. In LightField, it is selected on the Sensor expander.
Note:
Since the software you are using may show the settings differently, you should
refer to the software documentation for accurate information.
Example: Full Frame Mode for Frame-Transfer EMCCD
Operation in Full Frame mode is illustrated in the timing diagram below. In this example,
the exposure time is 10 ms and the readout time is 30 ms. The total time to take 3 frames
is 120 ms (3

10 ms + 3

30 ms), equivalent to a frame rate of 25 fps (3 frames

0.120
seconds).
Note: The exposure and readout times listed are for illustration purpose only. Actual
values may vary. Refer to the product data sheet for the actual readout times.
Figure 37. Timing Diagram for Full Frame Mode. Timing information shown is for
illustration purpose only. Specific readout times vary depending on the model.