Patent · US Active

Layout and operation of pixels for image sensors

US9825074B2 · kind B2 · utility

11Cited by
2References
24Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 9, 2015
Grant dateNov 21, 2017
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 9, 2035

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01L2224/48091
  • WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Various embodiments include methods and apparatuses for forming and using pixels for image sensors. In one embodiment, an image sensor having at least two pixel electrodes per color region, and having at least two modes is disclosed. The example image sensor includes a first, unbinned, mode; and a second, binned, mode. In the first, unbinned mode, the at least two pixel electrodes per color region are to be reset to substantially similar levels. In the second, binned mode, a first pixel electrode of the at the least two pixel electrodes is to be reset to a high voltage that results in efficient collection of photocharge, and a second pixel electrode of the at the least two pixel electrodes is to be reset to a low voltage that results in less efficient collection of photocharge. Other methods and apparatuses are disclosed.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.