user manual

pco.Silicon Software
grabber & driver installation
pco.Silicon Software
grabber & driver installation

Excelitas PCO GmbH asks you to carefully read and follow the instructions in this document.
For any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us at any time.

telephone: +49 (0) 9441 2005 50

fax: +49 (0) 9441 2005 20

postal address: Excelitas PCO GmbH

Donaupark 11
93309 Kelheim, Germany

email: [email protected]

web: www.pco.de

pco.Silicon Software
grabber & driver installation user manual 5.7.5

Released November 2023

©Copyright Excelitas PCO GmbH

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. To
view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ or send a letter to Creative
Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA.

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Contents
1 Introduction 4
1.1 Installation order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

2 Installing runtime 5
2.1 Linux . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.2 Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3 Uninstalling runtime 8
3.1 Linux . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.2 Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

4 Install grabber card to PC 10

5 Micro diagnostics tool 13

5.1 MEIV grabber firmware upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5.2 MEV grabber firmware upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
5.3 Performance test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

6 About Excelitas PCO 22

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Chapter 1
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1 Introduction
Instructions for installing and testing the Silicon Software microEnable IV (mEIV) Camera Link
grabber card and the Silicon Software micro Enable V (mEV) CLHS FOL grabber card for Microsoft
Windows and Linux (Ubuntu 20.04) operating systems.
These cards are required to be able to use a pco.edge with Camera Link interface or CLHS FOL
interface.
Frame grabber installation must be performed by a technican, because high voltages can occur
on single parts of your computer.
On 64bit systems by default 64bit and 32bit Runtime is installed. Optional only the 64bit runtime
can be installed.
Silicon Software mEIV AD4/VD4 grabber card (for Linux only VD4 grabber card)

Note: Deactivate power saving settings of your computer.

The variables for ambient temperature must be observed and sufficient air flow to the grabber
card must be ensured in the computer, see SiSo documentation.

1.1 Installation order

Steps Description
First step Install Silicon software runtime installation
Runtime See chapter 2
Second step Install grabber card to your computer
Grabber card See chapter 4
Third step Run microDiagnostics Tool
microDiagnostics See chapter 5
Fourth step Update the firmware of your grabber card
Firmware upgrade Follow the instructions
Fourth step mEIV grabber
Firmware upgrade See chapter 5.1
Fourth step mEV grabber
Firmware upgrade See chapter 5.2
Fifth step Apply board & Performance test
Performance See chapter 5.3
Final step Start camware

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2 Installing runtime

2.1 Linux
Install the PCO SiliconSoftware Grabber Runtime debian package pco.siso-runtime_5.7.5_amd64.deb
using

sudo dpkg -i pco.siso-runtime_<version>_amd64.deb

or

sudo apt-get install ./pco.siso-runtime_<version>_amd64.deb

After installation has finished your system needs to be rebooted.

2.2 Windows
Start PCO SiliconSoftware Grabber Runtime Installation package
PCO_DI_SILICONSOFTWARERUNTIME_<version>.exe
and follow the instructions.

The installer package includes the installation of the SiliconSoftware Runtime and all necessary
applet packages and files, which are necessary to work with pco.cameras.
Follow the steps in this order.

Figure 2.1: uninstall former versions.

Uninstall former versions of Silicon Software runtime.

e.g. use link from programs and features in control panel.

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Figure 2.2: start.

Start installation.

Figure 2.3: 64-bit version.

Setup Silicon Software 64Bit is executed.

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Figure 2.4: 32-bit version.

Setup Silicon Software 32Bit is executed.

Figure 2.5: finished installation.

Installation is finished. Start the microDiagnostics tool (see chapter 5).

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3 Uninstalling runtime

3.1 Linux
Uninstall the PCO SiliconSoftware Grabber Runtime using

sudo dpkg --purge pco.siso-runtime

or

sudo apt-get purge pco.siso-runtime

After uninstallation has finished your system needs to be rebooted.

3.2 Windows
Either use link from ”Programs and Features” in ”Control Panel” or start Installation Package
PCO_DI_SILICONSOFTWARERUNTIME_5_7_3.exe again and use remove option of maintenance
page.

Figure 3.1: uninstall runtime.

Uninstall from Control Panel.

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Figure 3.2: remove package.

Uninstall with installation package.

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4 Install grabber card to PC

The Silicon Software frame grabber card must be installed to your computer.
Electric shock warning due to voltage parts inside.
Risk of injury due to electric shock.

• Always pull mains plug before opening the computer.

Figure 4.1: mEIV.

Installation of new components to a computer should only be performed by a technician or

qualified personal.
• Shutdown your computer.
• Unplug it from mains.
• Open the computer case.
• Install the frame grabber card to a propper slot.
• mEIV: PCI Express x4 (Gen1), DMA900.
• Start your computer.

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Figure 4.2: mEV.

Installation of new components to a computer should only be performed by a technician or

qualified personal.
• Shutdown your computer.
• Unplug it from mains.
• Open the computer case.
• Install the frame grabber card to a propper slot.
• mEV: PCI Express x4 (Gen2), DMA1800.
• Start your computer.

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Figure 4.3: device manager 1. (Windows only)

Figure 4.4: device manager 2. (Windows only)

Device manager (Windows only):

The grabber card should be displayed within the device manager. If the device is not shown this
way, please reinstall the Silicon Software device driver.

Windows short-cut for device manager: press windows + pause/break key.

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5 Micro diagnostics tool

microDiagnostics Tool works with mEIV (AD4 / VD4) and mEV frame grabber cards.

Figure 5.1: microDiagnostics.

Run various diagnostic routines directly on the frame grabber, including Applets test, Board test,
Performance test.
Linux On Linux the microDiagnostics tool can be started simply by calling
microDiagnostics
in the terminal.

5.1 MEIV grabber firmware upgrade

Upgrade to the latest firmware for your Silicon Software mEIV frame grabber.

This is only necessary, if the latest firmware is not installed to your frame grabber!

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Figure 5.2: microdiagnosticstool.

• Click Firmware. (1)

• Click Load new applet. (2)
• Select the appropriate hap file. (3)
• Click Flash now. (4)

Figure 5.3: flash dialog 1.

Flash dialog opens.

• Click Flash. (5)

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Figure 5.4: flash dialog 2.

Now it is successfully flashed.

• Close this dialog. (6)
You must shut down (a restart is insufficient) your computer completely after the firmware upgrade
for the changes to take effect.

Figure 5.5: select diagnosis.

Last step:
Select Diagnosis -> Applets

Result must be: succeeded.

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5.2 MEV grabber firmware upgrade

Preparations

All steps described in the following chapter for the meV marathon AF2 grabber can also be used
in the same way for the meV VF2 grabber.

Latest firmware applet for the grabber card is already copied during installation. Check firmware
version on the grabber card using the microDiagnostics software is described below.
PCO cameras only use firmware applet Acq_DualCLHSx1AreaRAW.

Firmware upgrade

This is only necessary, if the latest firmware is not installed to your frame grabber!

Figure 5.6: MEV grabber 1.

First test, if a proper firmware is installed.

Select Diagnosis -> Applets (1)

If test result for Acq_DualCLHSx1AreaRAW.dll respectively libAcq_DualCLHSx1AreaRAW.so is

skipped an update is required. (2)

Select Diagnosis -> Firmware.

Figure 5.7: MEV grabber 2.

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The current Applet must be updated.

Click Load new applet (3) and select the new Acq_DualCLHSx1AreaRAWDLL.

Figure 5.8: MEV grabber 3.

Click Open. (4)

Figure 5.9: MEV grabber 4.

Click Flash now.(5)

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Figure 5.10: MEV grabber 5.

Flash dialog opens.

Click Flash. (6)

Figure 5.11: MEV grabber 6.

Now it is successfully flashed.

Close this dialog. (7)

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Figure 5.12: MEV grabber 7.

Restart all applications using the board.

Figure 5.13: MEV grabber 8.

Select Diagnosis -> Applets.

Now the Result is succeeded.

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5.3 Performance test

Figure 5.14: Test 1.

To test the board, open Diagnosis menu and click Board (1) to start the test.

Figure 5.15: Test 2.

All tests should succeed.

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Figure 5.16: Test 3.

Test the performance: click Performance (2) to start the test.

It is mandatory that the board PCIe is highspeed capable. Otherwise the board is probably not
able to transfer the necessary data rate.

Figure 5.17: Test 4.

These two screenshots show achievable data rates for mEIV (3) and mEV (4) boards.

For further information or problems with mainboards please contact PCO support section.

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Chapter 6
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6 About Excelitas PCO

PCO, an Excelitas Technologies® Corp. brand, is a leading specialist and Pioneer in Cameras
and Optoelectronics with more than 30 years of expert knowledge and experience of developing
and manufacturing high-end imaging systems. The company’s cutting edge sCMOS and high-
speed cameras are used in scientific and industrial research, automotive testing, quality control,
metrology and a large variety of other applications all over the world.
The PCO® advanced imaging concept was conceived in the early 1980s by imaging pioneer, Dr.
Emil Ott, who was conducting research at the Technical University of Munich for the Chair of
Technical Electrophysics. His work there led to the establishment of PCO AG in 1987 with the
introduction of the first image-intensified camera followed by the development of its proprietary
Advanced Core technologies which greatly surpassed the imaging performance standards of the
day.
Today, PCO continues to innovate, offering a wide range of high-performance camera technologies
covering scientific, high-speed, intensified and FLIM imaging applications across the scientific
research, industrial and automotive sectors.
Acquired by Excelitas Technologies in 2021, PCO represents a world renowned brand of high-
performance scientific CMOS, sCMOS, CCD and high-speed cameras that complement Excelitas’
expansive range of illumination, optical and sensor technologies and extend the bounds of our
end-to-end photonic solutions capabilities.

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List of Figures
2.1 uninstall former versions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.2 start. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.3 64-bit version. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.4 32-bit version. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.5 finished installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

3.1 uninstall runtime. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

3.2 remove package. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

4.1 mEIV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.2 mEV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.3 device manager 1. (Windows only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4.4 device manager 2. (Windows only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

5.1 microDiagnostics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5.2 microdiagnosticstool. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
5.3 flash dialog 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
5.4 flash dialog 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
5.5 select diagnosis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
5.6 MEV grabber 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
5.7 MEV grabber 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
5.8 MEV grabber 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
5.9 MEV grabber 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
5.10 MEV grabber 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
5.11 MEV grabber 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
5.12 MEV grabber 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5.13 MEV grabber 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5.14 Test 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.15 Test 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.16 Test 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5.17 Test 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

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telephone: + 49 (0) 9441 2005 50

fax: + 49 (0) 9441 2005 20

postal address: Excelitas PCO GmbH

Donaupark 11

93309 Kelheim, Germany

email: [email protected]

web: www.pco.de

www.excelitas.com