Importance

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Abstract

The invention relates to the sampling of temporally changing amounts of charge (102) by receiving varying amounts of charge (102) varying as a function of time, transforming the varying amounts of charge received into a linear distribution pattern, sampling the linear distribution pattern at a plurality of discretely spaced sampling locations (104), and collecting the amounts of charge (102) located between two adjacent scanning locations, and further detecting the collected amounts of charges (102). A temporal sampling device for time-varying analog signals encompasses a transducer (100) in which the analog signals are converted into a corresponding electrical current, a time conversion element (103) in which the electronic charge packets (102) composing the current signal are transported in an electric field along a one-dimensional path, a fast charge-storing and accumulation mechanism with which the charge packets (102) on the one-dimensional path of the time conversion element (103) can all be stored simultaneously, so that their spatial relationship is retained, and a charge detection circuit (109) with which the stored charge packets (102) can be accessed individually and read out with an electronic circuit. In a preferred embodiment, all elements of the sampling device are monolithically integrated using a semiconductor process such as a commercially available CMOS process based on silicon. This makes it possible to provide one- and two-dimensional arrays of such sampling devices, forming line and image sensors.

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First Claim