Unity Gain

Glossary

updated: 2023-07-18

Refers to CCD Cameras

Unity gain is where one electron in the pixel well corresponds to 1 unit (ADU) output by the ADC.

Example: ZWO Cameras

The ASI website shows how camera gain values map to electrons per ADU (e-/ADU)

Unit gain is indicated on the graph as 117.

ZWO generally sets the gain values to be tenths of a decibel above the lowest gain so a gain of 117 is 11.7dB

Best dynamic results: set gain < 120

Lowest noise results: set gain > 120