Fast CMOS active-pixel sensor array readout circuit with predischarge circuit

US6157016A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Intel Corporation · US

Inventors

• Lawrence T. Clark · Phoenix, US
• Mark A. Beiley · Chandler, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 30, 1997
• Grant date: Dec 5, 2000
• Expiry date: Sep 30, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H10F77/95

Abstract

A read out circuit for an active pixel sensor array is provided. The read out circuit includes a first circuit, coupled to a pixel of the array, to receive from the pixel information indicative of an intensity of light detected by the pixel and to drive the information to a read out device when the pixel is accessed. The read out circuit further includes a second circuit, coupled to the first circuit, to reset the read out device prior to access to the pixel.