Triple conversion gain image sensor pixels
US9247170B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 19, 2013 |
| Grant date | Jan 26, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 2, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N25/778
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An image sensor having pixel circuitry operable in multiple gain modes is provided. The pixel circuitry may include first and second floating diffusion (FD) regions, a first photodiode coupled to the first FD region via a first transfer gate, a second photodiode coupled to the first FD region via a second transfer gate, a third photodiode coupled to the second FD region via a third transfer gate, and a fourth photodiode coupled to the second FD region via a fourth transfer gate. The first FD region may be coupled to the second FD region via first and second control transistors. The control transistors may be connected to a shared reset transistor. During readout, both control transistors may be deactivated to provide a high gain mode, only one transistor may be activated to provide an intermediate gain mode, or both control transistors may be activated to provide a low gain mode.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.