Imaging sensor with amplifier having variable bias and increased output signal range
US9961292B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 2017 |
| Grant date | May 1, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 31, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N25/77
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A pixel circuit includes a photodiode, and a transfer transistor coupled to the photodiode. A floating diffusion is coupled to the transfer transistor coupled to transfer image charge from the photodiode to the floating diffusion. An amplifier circuit includes an input coupled to the floating diffusion, an output coupled to generate an image data signal of the pixel circuit, and a variable bias terminal coupled to receive a variable bias signal. A reset switch is coupled between the output and input of the amplifier circuit to reset the amplifier circuit in response to a reset signal. A variable bias generator circuit is coupled to generate the variable bias signal in response to a reset signal to transition the variable bias signal from a first bias signal value to a second bias signal value in response to a transition of the reset signal from an active state to an inactive state.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.