Instruction manual
Description of the data path 
8.12  Binning (CCD b/w models) 
Binning is the process of combining neighboring pixels while being read out from the CCD chip. 
All CCD equipped b/w Marlin models have this feature. 
Binning is used primarily for 3 reasons: 
  A reduction in the number of pixels and thus the amount of data while retaining the original 
image area angle, 
  an increase in the frame rate (vertical binning only), 
l to noise ratio of the image. 
ignal to noise ratio (SNR) and signal to noise separation specify the quality of a signal with 
lue signifies how high the ratio of noise is in 
gard to the maximum wanted signal intensity expected. 
kno level. 6 dB is the signal level at approximately a 
ctor of 2. 
However, the advantages of increasing signal quality are accompanied by a reduction in 
. 
  Changing binning modes involve the generation of new shading reference images due to a 
change in the image size. 
In general a difference is made between two types of binning, that can also be combined: 
8.12.1 Vertical binning 
Vertical binning increases the light sensitivity of the camera by a factor of two by adding 
together the values of two adjoining vertical pixels output as a single pixel. At the same time 
this normally improves signal to noise separation by about 2 dB. 
  an improvement in the signa
S
regard to its reproduction of 
intensities. The va
re
The higher this value, the better the signal quality. The unit of measurement used is generally 
wn as the decibel (dB), a logarithmic power 
fa
resolution
Binning is possible only in video Format_7. The type of binning used depends on the video mode. 
Figure 46: Vertical binning 
MARLIN Technical Manua
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