Imagers with improved analog-to-digital circuitry
US9319612B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 14, 2013 |
| Grant date | Apr 19, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 1, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N25/78
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An imager may include an array of pixels. The pixel array may be arranged in rows and columns. Each pixel of the pixel array may include a photodiode that is coupled to a floating diffusion region by a transfer gate. A source-follower transistor may be coupled between the floating diffusion region and a pixel output node. The imager may include ramp circuitry that provides a ramp signal to the floating diffusion region. A capacitor interposed between the ramp circuitry and the floating diffusion region may be used in conveying the ramp signal to the floating diffusion region. The pixel may be coupled to a comparator that is implemented using separate circuitry or may include portions of the pixel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.