Imaging sensor with boosted photodiode drive
US9967504B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 6, 2017 |
| Grant date | May 8, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 6, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH10F39/807
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A pixel circuit for use in an image sensor includes an unpinned photodiode disposed in a semiconductor material. The unpinned photodiode adapted to photogenerate charge carriers in response to incident light. A floating diffusion is disposed in the semiconductor and coupled to receive the charge carriers photogenerated in the unpinned photodiode. A transfer transistor is disposed in the semiconductor material and coupled between the unpinned photodiode and the floating diffusion. The transfer transistor is adapted to be switched on to transfer the charge carriers photogenerated in the unpinned photodiode to the floating diffusion. A boost capacitor is disposed over a surface of the semiconductor material proximate to the unpinned photodiode. The boost capacitor is coupled to receive a photodiode boost signal while the transfer transistor is switched on to further drive the charge carriers photogenerated in the unpinned photodiode to the floating diffusion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.