Princeton Instruments ProEM+ EMCCD, User Manual

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Chapter 6 Advanced Topics 83
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drawback is that a data overrun may occur if the number of images collected exceeds the
amount of allocated RAM or if the computer cannot keep up with the data rate.
Note: LightField always uses Fast Mode.
Safe Mode (WinX)
In Safe Mode operation, the computer processes each frame as it is received: the ProEM+
cannot collect the next frame until the previous frame has been completely processed.
Safe Mode operation is useful when the camera is operated from a slower computer that
cannot process the incoming data fast enough. It is also useful when data collection must
be coordinated with external devices such as external shutters and filter wheels. As seen
in Figure 46, in Safe Mode operation, the computer controls when each frame is taken.
After each frame is received, the camera sends the stop command to the camera,
instructing it to stop acquisition. Once that frame is completely processed and displayed,
another start command is sent from the computer to the camera, allowing it to take the
next frame. Display is therefore, at most, only one frame behind the actual data
collection. One disadvantage of the Safe mode is that events may be missed during the
experiment, since the camera is disabled for a short time after each frame.
Note:
When running WinX, Safe Mode must be used whenever the system is set up for
the optional Kinetics Readout Mode. See
“Kinetics
Mode” (page 86) for more
information about this type of image acquisition and readout.