Binning

Binning is a process used for both CCD and sCMOS sensors in which the signal for a number of pixels is combined into a single array with a single signal output. For CCD sensors combining the charge from arrays of pixels e.g. 4 pixels (2x2 binning) into single larger “super-pixels” allows the read noise (the dominant noise source in CCDs) to be reduced since there are less read events. Binning is therefore commonly used for CCD cameras to increase the signal to noise ratio and speed of readout, at the expense of lower resolution. For further information refer to the technical note: CCD Binning.

However, for cameras with sCMOS sensors such as in the Andor ZL41, Zyla, Neo, Sona and Marana models, the binning process is performed slightly differently. Binning is processed by the FPGA after the pixels have been readout- therefore there is not the speed increase observed in CCD cameras from the reduced number of pixels being read out. After FPGA processing the pixel information is transmitted to the control PC - this may be faster when binning is applied under some conditions. For further information refer to the technical note: Binning in sCMOS cameras.