Apparatus and method for generating a DC pixel voltage are disclosed. The apparatus includes an amplifier configured to amplify an input signal to generate a voltage signal, wherein the input signal is generated in response to an ultrasonic wave reflecting off an item-to-be-imaged and propagating via a piezoelectric layer; a noise reduction circuit configured to pass the voltage signal from an output of the amplifier to a node, while reducing a propagation of noise from the output of the amplifier to the node; and a circuit configured to generate a DC pixel voltage based on the reduced-noise voltage signal.