User`s guide

SPECIAL GUIDES
SDK SECTION 9
Page 78
iCam
iCam technology is a combined firmware and software innovation that has been incorporated into Andor’s
EMCCD imaging cameras. iCam offers enhanced performance for acquisitions whether software triggered or
hardware (externally) triggered, with absolute minimal overheads. It allows for faster frame rates in software
by dedicated timing patterns that eliminate unnecessary overhead times. This, alongside the bi-directional
communication between camera and PC, facilitates unparalleled synchronization with other peripheral
equipment. A ring mode offers the capacity to use up to 16 different timing patterns uploaded into the camera
head, thus trigger events can yield virtually instantaneous switching between exposure channels.
This new functionality has been added to the
Run Till Abort acquisition mode and currently will only operate
with Image readout mode. Cameras must contain a suitable firmware and if a PCI card is being used it must
be a CCI-23 card and have a suitable firmware loaded. If you are unsure if your current Hardware is iCam
compatible please download the ‘iCam compatibility checker’ from andor.com.
It will operate in Software and External trigger mode, with both Frame Transfer and Non Frame Transfer
mode.
The idea behind this is that the SDK puts the camera into a ‘heightened state of readiness’ and when a
trigger comes (either software or hardware) the acquisition can be taken immediately.
If you hardware is compatible and needs to be upgraded please contact [e-mail] for a
further application which will upgrade your system.