Image sensor with voltage-limiting device
US8569673B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 13, 2011 |
| Grant date | Oct 29, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 9, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N25/78
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An image sensor includes an active pixel, an amplifier stage, and a voltage-limiting stage. The active pixel is configured to generate an information signal. The amplifier stage is coupled to the active pixel and configured to amplify the information signal. The voltage-limiting stage is coupled to the amplifier stage and includes a current shunting device and a gain device. The current shunting device has a first terminal connected to an output of the amplifier stage, a second terminal connected to a reference voltage node, and a control terminal. The gain device is connected to the control terminal of the current shunting device and configured to decrease the voltage span required to cause the current shunting device to enter into a current shunting mode.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.