Method and system for implementing dynamic ground sharing in an image sensor with pipeline architecture
US9712774B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 14, 2016 |
| Grant date | Jul 18, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 14, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N25/65
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method of implementing dynamic ground sharing in an image sensor with pipeline architecture starts with a pixel array capturing image data. Pixel array includes pixels to generate pixel data signals, respectively. A readout circuitry acquires the image data from a row in the pixel array. An analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) circuitry included in the readout circuitry samples the image data from the row to obtain sampled input data. When the ADC circuitry is sampling, a ground sharing switch is closed to couple the pixel array and the ADC circuitry to a common ground. When the ADC circuitry is not sampling, the ground sharing switch is open to separate the pixel array and the ADC circuitry from the common ground. The ADC circuitry converts the sampled image data from analog to digital to obtain an ADC output. Other embodiments are described.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.