Image sensor having high resolution analog to digital converter
US11575853B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 29, 2020 |
| Grant date | Feb 7, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 19, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03M1/123
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An image sensor includes ADCs, each including a comparator receiving a ramp signal and an image signal, and generating a comparator output. Each ADC also includes a counter ceasing to change a digital count value in response to a change in the comparator output. The digital count value has a first resolution. Each ADC also includes a delay line circuit including a delay line generating a first digital value encoding a duration of a period of the counter clock and generating a second digital value encoding a first portion of the period of the counter clock. Each ADC also includes a delay to digital circuit generating a digital output value based on the first and digital values. The digital output value encodes a second value of the ramp signal, where the digital count value has a second resolution that is greater than the first resolution.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.