Instruction manual
Guppy PRO Technical ManualV4.1.0
99
Description of the data path
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 at approximately a factor of 2.
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 the following types of binning
(H=horizontal, V=vertical):
• 2 x H-binning
• 2 x V-binning
• 4 x H-binning (only F-503)
• 4 x V-binning (only F-503)
and the full binning modes:
• 2 x full binning (a combination of 2 x H-binning and 2 x V-binning)
• 4 x full binning (a combination of 4 x H-binning and 4 x V-binning) (only F-
503)
For Guppy F-503 there are also mixed modes via mode mapping available:
For example:
• 4 x H-binning 2 x V-binning (only F-503)
• 2 x H-binning 4 x V-binning (only F-503)
... and many other mixed modes. For more information see the mapping table of
possible Format_7 modes (for F-503 only) on page 112.
Note
• Binning does not change offset, brightness or black-
level.