Image sensors with dual conversion gain pixels and anti-eclipse circuitry
US10582138B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 22, 2017 |
| Grant date | Mar 3, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 22, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N25/78
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An image sensor may include an array of dual conversion gain image pixels arranged in rows and columns. The image pixels arranged along the same column may be coupled to a column line. The column line may be coupled to anti-eclipse control circuitry. In one suitable arrangement, the anti-eclipse control circuitry may include a comparator that compares the output signal on the column line to an anti-eclipse bias voltage. If, during a reset sampling period, the output signal on the column line is less than the anti-eclipse bias voltage, a current source may be used to charge the bottom plate of a dual conversion gate capacitor in the selected image pixel to help restore the voltage of the floating diffusion node in the selected pixel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.