Ocean Optics External Triggering Options Instructions for Spectrometers with Firmware Version 3.0 and Above - Manual

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New External Triggering Options
Instructions for Spectrometers with
Firmware Version 3.0 and Above
Overview
Ocean Optics spectrometers with FPGA Firmware Version 3.0 and above provide several methods of
acquiring data (see table below). In the Normal/Free-Run mode, the spectrometer is “free running.” That
is, the spectrometer is continuously scanning, acquiring, and transferring data to your computer,
according to parameters set in the software. In this mode, however, there is no way to synchronize the
scanning, acquisition, and transfer of data with an external event. However, trigger pulses for
synchronizing an external event with the spectrometer are available.
To synchronize data acquisition with external events, other modes of acquiring data are available. Each
mode involves connecting an external triggering device to the spectrometer and then applying an external
trigger to the spectrometer before the software receives the data. The length of the integration time and
the source for the integration clock depend upon the mode chosen. All other acquisition parameters are set
in the software.
Also see the External Triggering Options Instructions for triggering information for other Ocean
Optics spectrometers with firmware versions below 3.0.
Triggering Mode Description Use This Trigger Mode When You …
Normal/Free-Run Spectrometer acquires spectra
continuously. No synchronization to other events is
needed
Software Integration time is set in the software.
Software receives a trigger event and
transmits spectra obtained in the data
acquisition cycle in which the trigger
occurred. Are using a continuous illumination
source, and the light intensity is
constant before, during, and after the
trigger.
Need to set the integration time in the
software.