4411-0068
Version 1.A
December 10, 1997
ꢀꢁꢁꢂꢂꢃꢄꢄꢅꢆꢀ
Table of Contents
Model IIC-200 Image Intensifier Controller........................................................ 5
Introduction.........................................................................................................................5
Dangers and Warnings........................................................................................................6
Features...............................................................................................................................7
Specifications......................................................................................................................7
Front Panel Features ...........................................................................................................8
Back Panel Features............................................................................................................8
Line Voltage Selection........................................................................................................9
Hardware Overview..........................................................................................................10
Operation...........................................................................................................................11
Connections with a Gen II Intensifier ........................................................................11
Gated Operation...................................................................................................11
Shutter Mode Operation.......................................................................................11
Connections with a Gen IV Intensifier.......................................................................12
Gated Operation...................................................................................................12
CW or Shutter Operation .....................................................................................12
Power Up Steps ..........................................................................................................13
The High Voltage Cable ...................................................................................................13
Warranty & Service............................................................................................ 15
Warranty............................................................................................................................15
Equipment Repairs............................................................................................................15
Contact Information..........................................................................................................16
Index ................................................................................................................... 17
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Model IIC-200 Operation Manual
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Model IIC-200
Image Intensifier Controller
Figure 1.
Model IIC-200
Image
Intensifier
Controller
Introduction
The IIC-200 is a stand-alone image intensifier controller. It supplies high-voltage DC
bias for Princeton Instruments image intensifiers plus circuitry to facilitate gating.
Gating pulses are provided by a Princeton Instruments high voltage pulser.
The IIC-200 allows front-panel control of the MCP gain (MCP voltage). In applications
where the average light level varies significantly, the automatic brightness control mode
can be switched on. In this mode, the MCP gain varies inversely with the signal level,
enhancing the input dynamic range while restricting the output dynamic range, and
facilitating focusing. An alarm feature automatically shuts down intensifier operation in
case of excessive phosphor current.
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Model IIC-200 Operation Manual
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The IIC-200 allows both Shutter and Gated modes of operation. Gating pulses can range
from 5 nsec to DC. Longer gate experiments can also use the 5 volt logic electronic
shutter control.
Dangers and Warnings
DANGERS
Voltages inside the IIC-200 may exceed 10,000 volts. To avoid possible hazard to
personnel, use the instrument only with the proper connectors and cables and only for the
purposes for which it is designed, i.e. the operation of image intensifier tubes which are
contained in proper housings and equipped with compatible connectors. Adequate
precautions must be taken to prevent persons from making contact with the output of the
IIC-200.
Never plug the AC cord into an outlet which is not properly grounded. Never attempt to
operate the unit without its covers in place.
WARNINGS
Never operate the unit with the high voltage cable disconnected. The high voltage
connectors are designed to seal out air to avoid arcing. An open high voltage connector
is a danger to personnel and can cause damage to the equipment. Connections should be
made before power is turned on.
Before disconnecting any cables, turn the power off and wait at least 5 minutes for
voltages to decay to safe levels.
The IIC-200 chassis uses a three wire power cord for connection to the power source and
to a protective ground. The exposed parts of the instrument, including the BNC shields,
are connected to the outlet ground to protect against electrical shock. Always use an
outlet which has a properly connected protective ground. Never make connections to
other instruments which might have voltages on BNC shields. Disconnecting the
protective earth terminal, inside or outside the chassis, or tampering with its operation
may render the IIC-200 dangerous and is prohibited.
The high-voltage Gate In connector (BNC with Gen II intensifier, SHV with Gen IV
intensifier) is located next to the Shutter In BNC connector on the back panel. The
Shutter In BNC connector is the input for a TTL (5 V) logic level signal and should
never be connected to a high-voltage gate pulse or damage could occur. Always take
care not to confuse these inputs.
During manufacture, a Model IIC-200 is configured for operation with a Gen II
Intensifier or with a Gen IV Intensifier, but not for operation with both types. The two
types are not interchangeable. Units configured for operation with a Gen IV Intensifier
will ordinarily have a green identification label on the back panel. Units configured for
operation with a Gen II Intensifier will have a blue label. Your detector may have
corresponding color-coded labeling. Check with the factory if you are in doubt. Using the
wrong IIC-200 type with your intensifier could damage the intensifier. Damage due to
such misuse is not covered by the Warranty.
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Model IIC-200 Operation Manual
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Note: The Model IIC-200 has automatic circuitry to help prevent damage. However, it
is far better not to place an expensive intensifier at risk than to depend on the protection
circuitry.
Features
Independently variable MCP power supply, independent of phosphor voltage.
Automatic alarm and shutdown in case of excessive phosphor current.
Automatic brightness control switch for ease of focus.
Gate input for gating between 5 nsec and DC, electronic shuttering input for long
gate times or CW operation.
Compatibility with Princeton Instruments gate pulsers and controllers.
Specifications
MCP power supply: 500 to 1000 volts, 100 µA maximum. Contact the factory for
higher current applications up to 500 µA.
Intensifier bias levels (Standard Configuration):
Phosphor: 0 volts, i.e. grounded phosphor.
MCP-Out: -5500 volts typical, Gen II
MCP-In: -6000 to -6500 volts typical, Gen II
Photocathode to MCP-In voltage: -180 volts in CW mode, +40 volts in gate
mode, Gen II. Gen IV versions have voltages appropriate to Gen IV intensifiers.
Gate pulse
Gen II Intensifier: -180 to -220 V, 5 nsec to 1 msec, externally supplied.
Princeton Instruments PG-200 Pulser recommended.
Gen IV Intensifier: Approximately -1000 V, 12 nsec to 1 msec, externally
supplied. BNC Corp. Model 6040 Pulse Generator with Model 310H plug-in
module recommended (12 ns to 10 µs).
Shutter pulse: 5 volt TTL input. Logic 1 turns the Intensifier on in CW mode.
Logic 0 (0 V) turns it off. Used to achieve gate times longer than the 80 ms delay +
gate width obtainable with a PG-200. Minimum TTL 1 pulse width to turn intensifier
on is 50 sec.
Automatic Brightness Control: Gain reduction of 16 typical under maximum
incident light.
Phosphor over-current shutdown: 30 nA typical. Over-current condition
sounds audio beeper.
Audio beeper: ~1 kHz, cycles on/off at rate dependent on overload.
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Front Panel Features
MCP GAIN: This adjustment is used to control the gain of the MCP by controlling the
voltage across it. Display units are arbitrary.
SHUTTER/GATE: This switch selects between Gate mode or Shutter mode. In Gate
mode, the intensifier is normally off and a high-voltage gate pulse is needed to
turn it on. In the Shutter mode, the intensifier is normally on, and a TTL logic
low (0 V) must be applied to the back panel Shutter In BNC connector to turn
the intensifier off. The Shutter Monitor output provided by Princeton
Instruments CCD Controllers can be applied to turn off the intensifier during
readout.
AUTO BRIGHT CONTROL ON/OFF: This switch turns the automatic brightness
control feature on or off. Brightness control reduces the MCP gain when
exposed to high light levels. This compresses the output dynamic range to keep
signal levels on screen during set-up.
Note: When making quantitative measurements, AUTO BRIGHT should be
OFF.
MCP POWER ON/OFF: This switch turns the intensifier voltages on or off while
chassis power remains on.
POWER ON/OFF: This switch turns the IIC-200 chassis power on or off.
Back Panel Features
GATE IN: This is the input for high voltage (-200 V) gate pulses used to turn on the
intensifier. In units intended for use with a Gen II intensifier, GATE IN is a
BNC connector. In units supplied for operation with a Gen IV Intensifier, which
requires a gate pulse of approximately -1000 V, GATE IN is a type SHV
connector. A high-voltage pulser is required in both cases.
SHUTTER IN BNC: This TTL (5 V) input is used to synchronize the intensifier with
the CCD exposure time or to hold the intensifier on in Shutter mode operation.
WARNING
If the front-panel Shutter/Gate switch is set to SHUTTER, the intensifier will be biased
on if the Shutter In connector is floating, or if +5 V is applied. As a result, the intensifier
is particularly vulnerable to overload damage in this mode. If the switch is set to GATE,
the Shutter In connector is inactive and the intensifier can only be biased on for the
duration of high-voltage gate pulses applied to the Gate In connector.
INTENSIFIER H.V.P.S: This connector is used to supply High Voltage DC power to
the intensifier through the cable supplied by Roper Scientific. The high voltage
cable must always be connected at both ends before turning the power on.
POWER MODULE: This module contains the line-cord socket, line fuse and line
voltage selection assembly. The power and fuse requirements are printed on the
panel above the power module.
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Model IIC-200 Operation Manual
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Figure 2.
Model IIC-200
back panel
The plug on the line cord supplied with the system should be compatible with the
line-voltage outlets in common use in the region to which the system is shipped. If
the line cord plug should prove to be incompatible, a compatible plug should be
installed, taking care to maintain the proper polarity to protect the equipment and
assure user safety.
There is provision for changing the selected line voltage and for changing the fuse.
The line fuse value depends on the line voltage as indicated above the Power
Module. Figure 3 illustrates the fuse access and voltage selection mechanisms. The
Power Module is designed to accept one ¼ × 1-1/8 fuse or two 5 × 20 mm fuses.
Line Voltage Selection
➧ If the IIC-200 has been in operation, turn it off and wait at least 5 minutes for
voltages to decay to safe levels.
Disconnect the power cord.
➧ Insert a small screwdriver under the cover tab at the top of the Power Module.
➧ Gently pry open the voltage selector cover and rotate the voltage selector until the
setting for the local line voltage is facing you.
Check that the appropriate fuse(s) have been installed. (1/2 Ampere T time delay for
100/120 V AC; ¼ Ampere, T time delay for 220/240 V AC).
➧ Close the cover making sure the desired voltage setting appears in the window.
Normally, the correct voltage setting and line fuses for your area will be installed at
the factory, provided that information was specified in the order.
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Model IIC-200 Operation Manual
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Figure 3.
Power Module
line voltage
selection and
fuse installation
Hardware Overview
The IIC-200 consists of a printed circuit board and a modular high voltage supply which
are mounted in a stand-alone chassis.
The IIC-200 contains circuitry for the following functions:
A variable high voltage power supply for the MCP voltage. The MCP voltage is a
linear function of the voltage supplied by the MCP Gain potentiometer.
Upper and lower limit circuits for the MCP voltage (normally set to -500 V and
-800 V respectively for Gen II).
Note: When the image intensifier and IIC-200 are purchased from Roper Scientific
as part of the same order, the upper limit circuit will be set for the maximum limit of
the intensifier. The upper limit circuit also provides a slow turn-on during power-up.
High-voltage adjustment circuit for the voltage between MCP-Out and the Phosphor
(normally set for -5500 V for Gen II Intensifiers).
Alarm and shutdown circuit to shut down the high voltage and bring the MCP
voltage to almost zero if an over-current condition exists due to excessive light on
the Photocathode. This circuit additionally actuates an audible alarm if an over-
current condition occurs. The circuit automatically resets and retries after about 0.5
seconds. Thus it will not prevent intensifier damage if excessive light is allowed to
continuously fall on the intensifier.
Automatic Brightness Control circuit to reduce the MCP voltage in response to
increasing light intensity on the Photocathode. This can be useful in focusing. When
properly interfaced to a Princeton Instruments CCD Controller, the Brightness
Control circuit uses a sample/hold to sample the phosphor current during CCD
exposure and hold it between exposures. The sample/hold is inactive in the Gate
mode. The automatic Brightness Control function should be turned off for normal
operation, since the response isn’t linear (and may not even be constant) when it is
used.
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Shutter circuitry which allows an electrically isolated logic signal to control the
voltage between the Photocathode and MCP In. This allows long gate times or CW
operation.
Operation
➧ Review the Danger and Warning notices on page 6 before operating the IIC-200.
➧ Set the IIC-200 Power switch to OFF and wait 5 minutes.
The high voltage cable should be handled with care. Dropping the cable, banging the
connectors, twisting the wires or applying excessive force when tightening may damage
the pins, resulting in a poor or intermittent connection.
CAUTION
Connections with a Gen II Intensifier
➧
Connect one end of the high-voltage cable supplied by Roper Scientific to the high-
voltage connector on the image intensifier. If you have purchased more than one
image intensifier, make sure you are using the cable supplied with that particular
intensifier. The connectors are keyed and must be properly oriented. Push the cable
connector into the receptacle and continue to turn the threaded ring clockwise until it
is tight (10 inch-lbs maximum torque).
Note: Two versions of the 6-pin high voltage cable have been shipped by Roper
Scientific. Early high-voltage cables have a white housing. Later ones have a black
housing and a white stripe. These cables are wired differently. The IIC-200 is
compatible with the newer style cables only. For more information, see The High
Voltage Cable on page 13.
➧ Connect the opposite end of the cable to the high-voltage output connector of the
IIC-200 using the same procedure.
Gated Operation
➧ For gating, set the Shutter/Gate switch to Gate.
➧ Connect a cable from the output of the pulser to the Gate In BNC connector. For
Gen II units, the mating connector must be a BNC type.
Shutter Mode Operation
➧ For shuttering, set the Shutter/Gate switch to Shutter.
➧ Connect a BNC cable to the IIC-200 Shutter In BNC connector. Connect the other
end to the Controller’s TTL SHUTTER OUT BNC connector (may also be named
SHUTTER or SHUTTER MONITOR, depending on the controller model) .
WARNING
Unlike Princeton Instruments integrated ICCD detectors, in Shutter mode operation, if
the Shutter In BNC on the IIC-200 is allowed to float, the intensifier will be On
Continuously. Overexposing the image intensifier at any time when the intensifier is
turned on can result in permanent damage to the image intensifier.
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Connections with a Gen IV Intensifier
➧ Connect one end of the high-voltage cable supplied by Roper Scientific to the
high-voltage connector on the image intensifier. If you have purchased more than
one image intensifier, make sure you are using the cable supplied with this
intensifier. The connectors are keyed and must be properly oriented. Push the cable
connector into the receptacle and continue to turn the threaded ring clockwise until it
is tight (10 inch-lbs maximum torque). Connect the opposite end of the cable to the
high-voltage output connector of the IIC-200 using the same procedure.
Note: Two versions of the 6-pin high voltage cable have been shipped by Roper
Scientific. Early high-voltage cables have a white housing. Later ones have a black
housing and a white stripe. These cables are wired differently. The IIC-200 is
compatible with the newer style cables only. For more information, see The High
Voltage Cable on page 13.
Gated Operation
➧ For gating, set the Shutter/Gate switch to Gate.
➧ Connect a SHV Tee (A SHV connector in the shape of the letter “T”) to the to the
Gate In SHV connector of the IIC-200.
➧ Be sure the Pulser power is OFF.
➧ Connect a cable from one side of the SHV Tee to the HV output of a Berkeley
Nucleonics Corp. Model 6040 Universal Pulse Generator equipped with a Model 310
plug-in Electrical Module. This cable should be no more than 1 m long. A type N-to-
SHV adapter will be required to make the connection. This adapter is provided if the
6040 is ordered from Roper Scientific.
Note: Although SHV and BNC connectors are superficially similar, they are
dimensionally different and incompatible. The SHV connector is designed for high-
voltage applications.
➧ Connect a second cable from the other side of the SHV “Tee” to the high-power
50 terminator. This cable should also be no longer than 1 m, although the
requirement is less stringent than for the cable connecting the pulser output to the
“Tee.”
CW or Shutter Operation
WARNING
To prevent damage to the IIC-200 circuitry, the Berkeley Nucleonics Corp. Pulser
should be disconnected for Shutter mode operation.
➧ For shuttering, set the Shutter/Gate switch to Shutter.
➧ Connect a BNC cable to the IIC-200 Shutter In BNC connector. Connect the other
end to the Controller’s TTL SHUTTER OUT BNC connector (may also be named
SHUTTER or SHUTTER MONITOR, depending on the controller model) .
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Power Up Steps
➧ Make sure the front-panel MCP Power switch is Off. Adjust MCP Gain to minimum
and turn on the chassis power.
Note: As long as the image intensifier and IIC-200 are purchased from Roper
Scientific as part of the same order, the upper limit circuit will be set for the
maximum safe limit of the intensifier. In this case, the maximum voltage may be less
than -1000 V.
➧ After the MCP voltage has been properly set, set the MCP Power switch on and
slowly bring up the MCP voltage to the desired setting. High voltage will now be on
the intensifier. It is normal for the alarm beeper to sound when power is first applied.
However, if it continues to sound, set the MCP power switch off and determine the
cause (e.g. switch set to Shutter instead of Gate or excessive light on the
Photocathode).
If the intensifier is operated at excessive MCP voltage, ion feedback may occur. If
allowed to continue this condition may damage the intensifier. Therefore, be sure to
monitor the light output from the intensifier (usually done by reading the CCD or other
readout device) when increasing the MCP voltage setting. A sudden increase in output
light, especially if not related to light on the input, is evidence of ion feedback. As
intensifier tubes age, they sometimes become more susceptible to ion feedback, so it is
advisable to check rather than to rely entirely on the factory limit setting.
CAUTION
➧ For initial set-up, the Brightness Control feature can be used. Set the Auto Bright
Control switch to the on position. This will reduce MCP voltage (and hence gain) in
proportion to light level, so a greater range of input light can be tolerated. The alarm
is still functional in this mode, and the intensifier voltage will still be shut down in
case of excessive exposure levels. Be sure to set the Auto Bright Control switch off
before taking data, or the intensifier will be nonlinear.
The High Voltage Cable
Two versions of the 6-pin high voltage cable have been shipped by Roper Scientific.
Early high-voltage cables have a white housing. Later ones have a black housing and a
white stripe. These cables are wired differently. The IIC-200 is compatible with the
newer style cables only.
If you have an older style Princeton Instruments image intensifier unit, originally
supplied with the old-style cable, it will be necessary to return intensifier back to Roper
Scientific to be updated before it can be used with the IIC-200. Intensifiers for use with
black cables always have 6 conductors on the intensifier connector.
WARNING
The cable with the white housing is unsafe if not used strictly according to instructions.
If a white cable is connected at one end only to an IIC-200 and the IIC-200 is turned on,
arcing at the open end of the cable is likely and could cause painful and possibly
hazardous electrical shock. Roper Scientific can update any white cable and 4 conductor
image intensifier combination to the black-cable 6-conductor combination. Roper
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Scientific highly recommends updating old units at the user’s earliest convenience.
Contact the factory for details.
Connecting the wrong cable at both ends can result in non-functioning of the image
intensifier. If you suspect that you may be using the wrong cable for your intensifier,
contact the factory or your local sales representative. If you have only purchased a single
image intensifier and IIC-200 combination, the correct cable was shipped with your
system.
Warranty & Service
Warranty
This equipment is warranted to be free from defects of material and workmanship. It is
sold subject to the mutual agreement that the liability of Roper Scientific is limited to
replacing defective parts and/or repairing malfunctioning equipment at its factory,
provided the equipment is returned, transportation prepaid, within twelve (12) months of
its factory ship date.
The purchaser agrees that Roper Scientific shall assume no liability for consequential
damages resulting from its use or from packaging of shipments returned to the factory.
Components which are damaged by misuse are not warranted. Units which have been
modified by a customer are not warranted.
UV coatings are not covered by this warranty.
Equipment Repairs
It is recommended that units requiring service in the United States be returned to the
factory located in Trenton, New Jersey. Before instrumentation is returned for service,
please consult a service engineer at the factory. In many cases, the problem may be
cleared up over the telephone.
If the unit needs to be returned, the service engineer will ask for a detailed explanation of
the problems encountered and a purchase order to cover any charges. You will then
receive a Returned Materials Authorization (RMA) number. Place this number on the
package so the returned equipment can be easily identified when received at the factory.
You must also include with the equipment a completed RMA form explaining the
symptoms or problems encountered. Without this document, repair turnaround time will
be considerably longer.
If the unit is under warranty, the customer is only responsible for the transportation and
insurance charges to Roper Scientific. Roper Scientific is responsible for the return
transportation charges. If the unit is out of warranty, the customer is responsible for all
transportation charges (including insurance and duty fees, when applicable) as well as all
charges incurred to perform the repairs. In this case, the customer can decide the
insurance value.
International customers should contact your local manufacturers representative or
distributor for repair information. See next page for contact information.
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Contact Information
Roper Scientific’s manufacturing facility is located at the following address:
Roper Scientific
3660 Quakerbridge Road
Trenton, NJ 08619 (USA)
Tel: 609-587-9797
Fax: 609-587-1970
Tech Support E-mail: [email protected]
For technical support and service outside the United States, see our web page at
addresses of Roper Scientific’s overseas offices and representatives is maintained on the
web page.
Index
Alarm circuit, 10
Audio beeper, 7
Intensifier H.V.P.S. cable
versions, 13
Auto Bright Control switch, 8
Auto Brightness Control, 7, 10
Beeper, 7
Bias levels
MCP-In, 7
warnings, 13
Intensifier H.V.P.S. input, 8
Line voltage selection, 9
MCP Gain dial, 8
MCP power supply, 7
MCP Power switch, 8
Operation instructions, 11
gated operation (Gen II), 11
gated operation (Gen IV), 12
Gen II, 11
Gen IV, 12
power up, 13
Shutter mode operation (Gen II, 11
Overcurrent condition
beeper, 7
MCP-Out, 7
phosphor, 7
Brightness control, 7, 10
Contact information, 16
e-mail address, 16
street address, 16
teelphone and fax numbers, 16
web site, 16
CW mode, 7
CW operation (Gen IV), 12
Fuses, 9
shutdown, 7
Gain reduction, 7
Gate In input, 8
Gate mode, 8
Power (IIC-200) switch, 8
Power module, 8, 9
Power Up instructions, 13
Repair policy, 15
Gate pulse
Gen II intensifier, 7
Gen IV intensifier, 7
Gated operation
sample/hold, 10
Shutter In input, 8
Shutter mode, 8
Gen II, 11
Gen IV, 12
Shutter mode operation
Gen II, 11
Gen II intensifier, 7
connection instructions, 11
gated operation, 11
shutter mode operation, 11
Gen IV intensifier, 7
connection instructions, 12
CW operation, 12
gated operation, 12
shutter mode operation, 12
High voltage cable, 11
versions, 13
Shutter pulse, 7
Shutter/Gate switch, 8
Switches
AutoBright Control, 8
MCP Power switch, 8
power (IIC-200), 8
Shutter/Gate, 8
Technical support
e-mail address, 16
telephone and fax numbers, 16
web site address, 16
Voltage
warnings, 13
High voltage input, 8
High voltage power supply (H.V.P.S.), 8
High voltage shutdown, 10
Inputs
photocathode to MCP, 7
Voltages
IIC-200 power modules, 8
intensifier, 8
Gate In, 8
high voltage, 8
Intensifier H.V.P.S., 8
Shutter In, 8
intensifier H.V.P.S., 8
line voltage selection, 9
Warranty, 15
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