18141164. RAMP SIGNAL GENERATOR FOR CALIBRATING RAMP LINEARITY, OPERATING METHOD THEREOF, AND IMAGE SENSOR DEVICE INCLUDING THE SAME simplified abstract (SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.)

RAMP SIGNAL GENERATOR FOR CALIBRATING RAMP LINEARITY, OPERATING METHOD THEREOF, AND IMAGE SENSOR DEVICE INCLUDING THE SAME

Organization Name

SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.

Inventor(s)

Dongjae Han of Suwon-si (KR)

Haneul Jung of Suwon-si (KR)

YOUNGHYUN Yoon of Suwon-si (KR)

RAMP SIGNAL GENERATOR FOR CALIBRATING RAMP LINEARITY, OPERATING METHOD THEREOF, AND IMAGE SENSOR DEVICE INCLUDING THE SAME - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18141164 titled 'RAMP SIGNAL GENERATOR FOR CALIBRATING RAMP LINEARITY, OPERATING METHOD THEREOF, AND IMAGE SENSOR DEVICE INCLUDING THE SAME

Simplified Explanation

The ramp signal generator described in the patent application includes a first unit current source and a second unit current source, each with sub-unit current sources operating according to specific control signals.

• The ramp signal generator consists of a first unit current source with first sub-unit current sources and a second unit current source with second sub-unit current sources.
• The first sub-unit current sources operate based on first sub-ramp control signals, while the second sub-unit current sources operate based on second sub-ramp control signals.
• The generator activates n first sub-ramp control signals and m second sub-ramp control signals, where n and m are different natural numbers.

Potential Applications

The technology described in this patent application could be applied in:

• Signal processing systems
• Communication devices
• Power management systems

Problems Solved

This technology helps in:

• Generating precise ramp signals
• Controlling current flow efficiently

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include:

• Improved accuracy in signal generation
• Enhanced control over current sources

Potential Commercial Applications

The potential commercial applications of this technology could be in:

• Semiconductor industry
• Electronics manufacturing

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art for this technology could be:

• Current source generators in electronic devices

Unanswered Questions

How does this technology compare to existing ramp signal generators in terms of efficiency?

The efficiency of this technology compared to existing ramp signal generators is not explicitly discussed in the patent application. Further research or testing may be required to determine this.

What specific industries or fields could benefit the most from this technology?

While some potential applications are mentioned, a more detailed analysis of the specific industries or fields that could benefit the most from this technology is not provided in the patent application. Additional market research may be needed to identify these areas.

Original Abstract Submitted

Disclosed is a ramp signal generator. The ramp signal generator includes: a first unit current source including first sub-unit current sources, and configured to output a first unit current during a first time period; and a second unit current source including second sub-unit current sources, and configured to output a second unit current during a second time period. The first sub-unit current sources are configured to operate according to first sub-ramp control signals, respectively. The second sub-unit current sources are configured to operate according to second sub-ramp control signals, respectively. n first sub-ramp control signals among the first sub-ramp control signals are activated, and m sub-ramp control signals among the second sub-ramp control signals are activated, n and m being different natural numbers.