Instruction manual
Guppy Technical ManualV7.4.0
113
Description of the data path
Binning
(only Guppy F-036B and Guppy F-503B/C)
2 x and 4 x binning
Definition Binning is the process of combining neighboring pixels while being read out
from the sensor.
Binning is used primarily for 3 reasons:
• A reduction in the number of pixels; thus, the amount of data while retain-
ing the original image area angle
• An increase in the frame rate (vertical binning only)
• A brighter image, resulting in an improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio
of the image (depending on the acquisition conditions)
Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and signal-to-noise separation specify the quality
of a signal with regard to its reproduction of intensities. The value signifies how
high the ratio of noise is in regard to the maximum achievable signal intensity.
The higher this value, the better the signal quality. The unit of measurement
used is generally known as the decibel (dB), a logarithmic power level. 6 dB is
the signal level gain when binning two pixels, giving a theoretical SNR improve-
ment of about 3 dB.
However, the advantages of increasing signal quality are accompanied by a
reduction in resolution.
Only Format_7 Binning is possible only in video Format_7. The type of binning used depends on
the video mode.
Types In general, we distinguish between four types of binning:
• 2 x H-binning
• 2 x V-binning
• 4 x H-binning
• 4 x V-binning
and the full binning modes:
• 2 x full binning (a combination of 2 x H-binning and 2 x V-binning)
Note
All DPC data transfers between PC and camera run through
GPData buffer. Block writes are thus limited by the GPData buf-
fer size.
See Chapter GPDATA_BUFFER on page 257.
Note
Only Guppy F-036B and Guppy F-503B/C cameras have this
feature.
Guppy F-036: only b/w cameras
Guppy F-503: b/w and color cameras