Active pixel sensors with variable threshold reset
US8853639B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 26, 2012 |
| Grant date | Oct 7, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 26, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH10F39/811
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A CMOS image sensor array has rows and columns of active pixels, and column lines in communication with the active pixels in the respective columns. Each active pixel has an output connected to a column line and includes a photodetector that produces a signal proportional to incident light intensity that is coupled to an active pixel output based on column select and row select signals. Each active pixel has a reset transistor for resetting the active pixel, wherein each reset transistor has a first gate terminal and a second gate terminal. The reset transistors have a variable threshold capability that allows increased sensor array dynamic range or mitigation of the effects of temperature or radiation induced transistor threshold voltage shifts. Row select, column select, and sense transistors can also be configured to have variable thresholds.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.