Acquisition Modes; Free-Run; Triggered Acquisition; Software Trigger - XIMEA xiQ series Technical Manual

4.3.

Acquisition modes

4.3.1.

Free-Run

Also known as continuous acquisition. In this mode the sensor delivers a constant stream of image data at the maximum speed
available by the current bandwidth, without any external trigger. Each image exposition is started automatically when possible.
For all sensors the exposure of the next frame overlaps with the data readout of the previous frame.
This Overlapped mode gives the highest number of frames per second (FPS).
figure 4-1, acquisition mode - free run
In this mode the timing depends on minimum of Exposure Time and Data Readout Time.
4.3.2.

Triggered Acquisition

Unlike in the free-run, each image exposition can also be triggered with an input trigger signal. In this mode, the sensor waits in
stage until the trigger signal arrives. Only then, the exposure is started, which is followed by the data readout.
4.3.2.1.

Software Trigger

The trigger signal can be send to the sensor using a software command. In this case, common system related latencies and jitter
apply.
4.3.2.2.

Hardware Trigger

A hardware trigger can be send to the sensor using the digital input described in 3.8.3 Digital Input. Triggering by hardware is
usually used to reduce latencies as well as jitter in applications that require the most accurate timing.
xiQ - Technical Manual Version 1.0 60