公开(公告)号：US20080210848A1

公开(公告)日：2008-09-04

申请号：US11965970

申请日：2007-12-28

Applicant: Matthew PURCELL

Inventor： Matthew PURCELL

IPC: G09G3/10

CPC classification number: H04N5/335 ,  H04N5/23241 ,  H04N5/378

Abstract: A column current source for an image sensor includes an array of pixels arranged in rows and columns, a reference current source, a transistor connected as a source follower to the reference current source and forming one half of a current mirror, and a plurality of current sources each connected to a column of pixels and with each current source forming the other half of the current mirror, thereby mirroring the reference current source. The current sources are connected to a first common node. A resistor is connected between the first common node and a second common node. One or more resistors are connected in series between the second common node and the transistor drain, and two or more switches are selectively operable to short circuit the resistors allowing the current sources to provide more than two current levels, thereby optimizing the image sensor current consumption for mobile devices.

Abstract translation: 用于图像传感器的列电流源包括排列成行和列的像素阵列，参考电流源，连接到参考电流源的源极跟随器并形成电流镜的一半的晶体管，以及多个电流 每个源连接到像素列，并且每个电流源形成电流镜的另一半，从而镜像参考电流源。 当前的源连接到第一个公共节点。 电阻器连接在第一公共节点和第二公共节点之间。 一个或多个电阻器串联连接在第二公共节点和晶体管漏极之间，并且两个或更多个开关选择性地可操作以使电阻器短路，从而允许电流源提供多于两个电流水平，由此优化图像传感器电流消耗 适用于移动设备。

公开(公告)号：US20120312963A1

公开(公告)日：2012-12-13

申请号：US13324009

申请日：2011-12-13

Applicant: Graeme STORM ,  Matthew PURCELL ,  Derek TOLMIE ,  John Kevin MOORE ,  Michael WIGLEY

Inventor： Graeme STORM ,  Matthew PURCELL ,  Derek TOLMIE ,  John Kevin MOORE ,  Michael WIGLEY

IPC: H01L27/146

CPC classification number: H04N5/378 ,  H04N5/347 ,  H04N5/363

Abstract: Each column of pixels in an image sensor array has at least two column bitlines connected to an output of each pixel. A readout input circuit includes first inputs and a second input. Each first input is connected, via a capacitance, to a comparator input node. The second input is connected via a capacitance to the same comparator input node. The first inputs receive, in parallel, an analog signal acquired from the pixels via the column bitlines. The analog signals vary during a pixel readout period and have a first level during a first calibration period and a second level during a second read period with the analog signals being constantly read onto the capacitances during both the first calibration period and the second read period. The comparator compares an average of the signals on the plurality of first inputs to the reference signal.

Abstract translation: 图像传感器阵列中的每列像素具有连接到每个像素的输出的至少两列列位线。 读出输入电路包括第一输入和第二输入。 每个第一输入通过电容连接到比较器输入节点。 第二个输入通过电容连接到同一个比较器输入节点。 第一输入并行地接收通过列位线从像素获取的模拟信号。 模拟信号在像素读出周期期间变化，并且在第一校准周期期间具有第一电平，并且在第二读取周期期间具有第二电平，同时在第一校准周期和第二读取周期期间模拟信号恒定地读取到电容上。 比较器将多个第一输入端的信号的平均值与参考信号进行比较。