17973149. ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTING CIRCUIT FOR OPTIMIZING DUAL CONVERSION GAIN OPERATION AND OPERATION METHOD THEREOF simplified abstract (SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.)
ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTING CIRCUIT FOR OPTIMIZING DUAL CONVERSION GAIN OPERATION AND OPERATION METHOD THEREOF
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
HYUKBIN Kwon of HWASEONG-SI (KR)
ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTING CIRCUIT FOR OPTIMIZING DUAL CONVERSION GAIN OPERATION AND OPERATION METHOD THEREOF - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17973149 titled 'ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTING CIRCUIT FOR OPTIMIZING DUAL CONVERSION GAIN OPERATION AND OPERATION METHOD THEREOF
Simplified Explanation
The disclosed circuit in this patent application includes two amplifiers that generate output signals based on pixel signals and ramp signals. The first amplifier compares a first pixel signal with a first ramp signal to generate a first output signal, and compares a second pixel signal with a second ramp signal to generate a second output signal. The second amplifier generates a third output signal based on the first output signal and a fourth output signal based on the second output signal.
- The first amplifier has a higher conversion gain than the second amplifier.
- The first amplifier has a different power current when comparing the first pixel signal and the first ramp signal compared to when comparing the second pixel signal and the second ramp signal.
Potential applications of this technology:
- Image sensors in digital cameras and smartphones
- Video recording devices
- Medical imaging devices
Problems solved by this technology:
- Provides a circuit that can generate multiple output signals based on different pixel signals and ramp signals.
- Allows for different conversion gains in the amplifiers, providing flexibility in signal processing.
Benefits of this technology:
- Improved image quality and accuracy in capturing pixel data.
- Increased flexibility in adjusting conversion gain for different applications.
- Efficient power management by adjusting power current based on the comparison being made.
Original Abstract Submitted
Disclosed is a circuit which includes a first amplifier that generates a first output signal by comparing a first pixel signal corresponding to a first conversion gain and a first ramp signal and generates a second output signal by comparing a second pixel signal corresponding to a second conversion gain and a second ramp signal, and a second amplifier that generates a third output signal based on the first output signal and generates a fourth output signal based on the second output signal, the first conversion gain is higher than the second conversion gain, and a first power current of the first amplifier when the first pixel signal and the first ramp signal are compared is different from a second power current of the first amplifier when the second pixel signal and the second ramp signal are compared.
