Pixel having two cascade-connected sample stages, pixel array, and method of operating same
US8754357B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 5, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jun 17, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 5, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N25/78
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A pixel includes a photo-sensitive element for generating charges in response to incident radiation. A transfer gate is positioned between the photo-sensitive element and a sense node for controlling transfer of charges to the sense node. A reset switch is connected to the sense node for resetting the sense node to a predetermined voltage. A first buffer amplifier has an input connected to the sense node and an output connected to a sample stage operable to sample a value of the sense node. A second buffer amplifier has an input connected to the sample stage. Control circuitry operates the reset switch and causes the sample stage to sample the sense node while the photo-sensitive element is exposed to radiation. An array of pixels is synchronously exposed to radiation. Sampled values for a first exposure period can be read while the photo-sensitive element is exposed for a second exposure period.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.