Camera System Subassemblies

All of the subassemblies we use to manufacture our systems are available separately; the range of parts available enables us to build customised systems at relatively low cost.

CONTROL UNITS

The XCAM control unit (XCU) can be configured to drive all commercially available detectors. The standard control units available are listed below. More details on XCU-A, XCU-19D and XCU-19EM can be found on the Literature pages.

XCU-A

This control unit is designed for low-noise operation of n-channel CCDs and EMCCDs at slow speeds. ADC options include a low-noise, 150 kHz, 4-channel card and a 2-channel 1 MHz card. The control unit can be configured to drive multiple detectors, in either a single camera head, or in several. The control unit provides all clock and bias signals to the detector down a cable, with coaxial cables bringing the output image back to the controller.

XCU-P

This control unit is designed for low-noise operation of p-channel CCDs at slow speeds. This is available with a low-noise, 4-channel ADC card. The control unit provides all clock and bias signals to the detector down a cable, and coaxial cables bring the detector output back to the controller.

XCU-19D

This controller is designed for higher speed operation of n-channel CCDs at higher speeds. The system can operate a 4-output-node device at speeds up to 3 MHz. The system uses fibre-optic transfer of clock and image data, allowing a large separation between the control unit and PC.

XCU-19EM

This controller is designed for higher speed operation of n-channel EMCCDs at higher speeds and includes the additional bias circuitry necessary for the generation of the HV clocks required by EMCCDs. The system can operate a 4-output-node device, at speeds up to 3 MHz. The system uses fibre-optic transfer of clock and image data, allowing a large separation between the control unit and PC.

DETECTOR HEADBOARDS

In order for the controller to interface correctly to a detector, the detector must have a headboard which is specific to that detector type. This ensures that the correct detector pins are connected to the correct controller function and also handles preamplification. Different detector headboards are required depending on the controller which is used as below.

XCU-A HEADBOARDS

The following headboards were designed for use with the XCU-A system prior to 2014:
Please enquire for availability

BUSI-XCAM-SY-00013.pdf
CABLES

Cables are required both to take clock and bias signals down to the headboard and to return data to the controller in the XCU-A and XCU-P systems. For the fibre-optic systems XCU-19D and XCU-19EM a power cable is the only electrical cable required. For all types of system additional cables may be required to handle temperature monitoring and control. Please enquire with your requirements.

MECHANICAL CAMERA HEADS

We have a range of camera heads, some which are used for our standard products, and some which have been custom-made for specific requirements but which can easily be customised to suit your requirement. Please enquire with your requirements for more details.

SOFTWARE

The XCAM controllers are supplied complete with software which enables you to get up and running quickly. The windows-based software will enable you to operate the camera system easily. Please enquire for software manuals.