Image sensor with charge transfer between pixels
US12289549B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 9, 2022 |
| Grant date | Apr 29, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 30, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N25/713
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Image sensor systems are disclosed that allow for charge transfer between pixels of a group included in a pixel array with a single digital readout of the accumulated charge from the group. Each of the pixels within a given group includes a photodetector. One or more pump gates are arranged between adjacent pixels of the given group to allow charge to be pumped from one pixel to the next in a serial fashion within the group. A readout circuit that includes at least a transfer gate and a capacitor may be coupled to a final pixel of the group to receive the accumulated charge and generate a photodetector signal (based on the accumulated charge) that can be amplified via a source follower component and ultimately read out to a column amplifier.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.