CCD imaging array with improved charge sensing circuit
US7132638B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 10, 2004 |
| Grant date | Nov 7, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 2, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N25/78
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An imaging array having a CCD imaging array that includes a plurality of pixels that accumulate charge when exposed to light and a readout amplifier is disclosed. The readout amplifier includes an operational amplifier having an input and an output port and a feedback capacitor connecting the input and output ports and a variable impedance path between the input and output ports, the path having an impedance controlled by a reset signal. A reset signal generator generates the reset signal in three sequential phases in which the path between the input and output ports has three impedance values to provide a starting voltage at the amplifier input prior to the measurement of charge from each pixel that has reduced noise.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.