Amplifier sharing technique for low power charge mode readout in CMOS image sensors

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 9521342
APP PUB NO 20160100116A1
SERIAL NO

14875588

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Abstract

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Presented herein are novel shared amplifier charge mode readout architectures for image sensors, for example, configured to process a pair of signals comprising photointegration and reset signals from a pixel. The invention encompasses a novel 2-channel configuration wherein a single amplifier can serve the two channels in alternating phases. In the first phase, a selected pair of signals from the first channel is read out to an ADC using the amplifier while the readout components of the second channel are reset. In the second phase, a selected pair of signals from the second channel is read out an ADC using the amplifier while the readout components of the first channel are reset. This alternating arrangement allows a single amplifier to be shared between two readout channels. Level shifting may be included in the signal pathway to modulate output swing and other signal parameters.

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Patent Owner(s)

  • FORZA SILICON CORPORATION

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Mesgarani, Ali Pasadena, US 15 24

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