17971690. ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTING CIRCUIT USING AUTO-ZERO PERIOD OPTIMIZATION AND OPERATION METHOD THEREOF simplified abstract (SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.)
ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTING CIRCUIT USING AUTO-ZERO PERIOD OPTIMIZATION AND OPERATION METHOD THEREOF
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ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTING CIRCUIT USING AUTO-ZERO PERIOD OPTIMIZATION AND OPERATION METHOD THEREOF - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17971690 titled 'ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTING CIRCUIT USING AUTO-ZERO PERIOD OPTIMIZATION AND OPERATION METHOD THEREOF
Simplified Explanation
The patent application describes a circuit that includes two amplifiers and a capacitor to process pixel signals from a pixel array. Here is a simplified explanation of the abstract:
- The circuit has a first amplifier that compares a ramp signal and a reset signal of a pixel signal in a first operation period and compares the ramp signal and an image signal of the pixel signal in a second operation period.
- Based on the comparison results, the first amplifier generates a first output signal in both the first and second operation periods.
- The circuit also includes a second amplifier that charges a capacitor during a second auto-zero period in response to a second auto-zero signal.
- The second amplifier stops its operation from the end of the second auto-zero period until the start of the first operation period.
- Finally, the second amplifier generates a second output signal based on the first output signal from the first operation period and the second operation period.
Potential applications of this technology:
- Image sensors: The circuit can be used in image sensors to process pixel signals and generate output signals.
- Cameras: This technology can be applied in cameras to enhance image quality and improve signal processing.
Problems solved by this technology:
- Signal processing: The circuit provides a method to compare and process pixel signals accurately, improving the overall quality of the output signal.
- Auto-zeroing: The second amplifier charges a capacitor during the auto-zero period, allowing for better calibration and reducing noise in the output signal.
Benefits of this technology:
- Improved image quality: By accurately comparing and processing pixel signals, the circuit can enhance the quality of images captured by image sensors or cameras.
- Reduced noise: The auto-zeroing feature of the second amplifier helps in reducing noise in the output signal, resulting in cleaner and clearer images.
Original Abstract Submitted
A circuit includes a first amplifier that first compares a ramp signal and a reset signal of a pixel signal output from a pixel array in a first operation period, second compares the ramp signal and an image signal of the pixel signal in a second operation period, and generates a first output signal in the first and second operation periods based on first and second comparison results; and a second amplifier that charges a capacitor in response to a second auto-zero signal in a second auto-zero period, stops an operation of the second amplifier from a time point at which the second auto-zero period ends to a time point at which the first operation period starts, and generates a second output signal based on the first output signal in the first operation period and the second operation period.
