Abstract:
An image sensor comprises a pixel array and an analog-digital conversion unit. The pixel array generates an analog signal by detecting incident light. The analog-digital conversion unit performs sigma-delta analog-digital conversion and cyclic analog-digital conversion for the analog signal in a first operation mode to generate a digital signal, and performs single slope analog-digital conversion for the analog signal in a second operation mode to generate a digital signal. The image sensor can provide images of good quality having a high signal-to-noise ratio in both a still image recording mode and a video recording mode.
Abstract:
PURPOSE: A sense amplifier including a negative capacitance circuit and apparatuses including the same are provided to improve a data readout speed by accurately sensing and amplifying input data at high operation speed. CONSTITUTION: A negative capacitance circuit(13) is connected between data line pairs. A current bias circuit supplies a bias current to the negative capacitance circuit. A voltage bias circuit(15) supplies a bias voltage to data line pairs. A differential-single-ended amplifier(19) is connected between the data line pairs.
Abstract:
PURPOSE: A two-path sigma-delta analog-to-digital converter and an image sensor including the same are provided to process two different inputs through one calculating amplifier by shaping the calculating amplifier. CONSTITUTION: An integrator(510) divides a clock signal into a front cycle and a back cycle by sharing one calculating amplifier. The integrator integrates a first input signal during the back cycle. The integrator integrates a second input signal during the first cycle. A quantizer(540) quantizes a signal which is integrated through the integrator and outputs first and second digital signals. A feedback path(550) feeds-back the first and the second digital signals.
Abstract:
PURPOSE: An image sensor and an image pick-up device is provide to maximally restraint a phenomena which switching noise is kicked-back to a pixel. CONSTITUTION: A plurality of pixels(21) is connected to column line. A plurality of pixels comprises photoelectric conversion element. A signal processing unit(61) processes a signal outputted from the column line according to switching operation. A kickback noise blocking circuit(51) is connected in between the column line and the signal processing circuit for reducing kick-back noise generated according to the switching operation.
Abstract:
PURPOSE: An amplifier capable of reducing horizontal bend noise and apparatuses including the same are provided to maintain a current of the amplifier regardless of each level of input signals and to minimize horizontal band noise which is generated in an image sensor including the amplifier. CONSTITUTION: An amplifier(3) comprises a differential amplifier(10), a current mirror(20), and a first switching circuit(40). The differential amplifier comprises a first transistor(11), a second transistor(13), and a current source(14). A plurality of transistors(23,25,29,31) forms a current mirror. The current mirror is connected between output terminals(17,19) of the differential amplifier and power source. The first switching circuit executes a switching operation between a first output terminal and a tail in response to one among input signals.
Abstract:
PURPOSE: An analog digital converter and an image sensor including the same which controls gain through the change of a clock signal is provided to change the number of clocks and analog/digital converting time. CONSTITUTION: A sigma-delta modulator(11) modulates an input signal into a sigma-delta modulated signal. The sigma-delta modulator outputs the modulated digital output signal. An accumulator(13) accumulates the digital output signal every clock signal period at an analog-digital conversion time. The number of clock cycles is varied.
Abstract:
PURPOSE: A correlated double sampling circuit of an image sensor including the same, and an image processing system using the same are provided to perform CDS(Correlated Double Sampling), PGA(Programmable Gain Amplifier) operation without increasing overall space of the CIS(CMOS Image Sensor). CONSTITUTION: A sampling circuit outputs the difference between a CDS reset signal and a CDS image signal. A feedback unit(140) feedbacks the difference between the CDS reset signal and the CDS image signal to the input of the sampling circuit during the PGA phase. A switch controller(131) outputs each switching signal(SC1-SC8) in order to control switching operation of each switch(S1-S8).