Pixel architecture with high dynamic range
US11956557B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 17, 2022 |
| Grant date | Apr 9, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 17, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N25/63
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A given pixel of a pixel array includes various operation modes with each of the operation modes having a different conversion gain for the charge received from the photodetector of the pixel. When the modes are used in conjunction with one another, the dynamic range of the pixel can be increased. A readout circuit coupled to a photodetector within a given pixel includes a transfer gate between the photodetector and a gain mode select block that includes capacitors of different sizes and one or more switches to control which capacitors are to receive the charge from the photodetector. Depending on the state(s) of the one or more switches, different operation modes with different conversion gains can be selected to increase the dynamic range of the pixel. The adaptability of the readout circuit can allow for a high dynamic range even in extreme temperature environments by lowering the dark current.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.