18329836. IMAGE SENSOR AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING THE SAME simplified abstract (Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.)
Contents
IMAGE SENSOR AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING THE SAME
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Seokyong Park of Suwon-si (KR)
IMAGE SENSOR AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING THE SAME - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18329836 titled 'IMAGE SENSOR AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING THE SAME
Simplified Explanation
The abstract describes an image sensor with a pixel array that includes two pixels connected to different column lines. Each pixel has two photodiodes and a shared driving transistor. The pixels can operate in different modes based on the conversion gain of the first photodiode and the second photodiode. The image sensor also includes an analog-to-digital converter with three correlated double sampling circuits that read pixel signals from the column lines in a time-division manner.
- The image sensor has a pixel array with two pixels connected to different column lines.
- Each pixel has two photodiodes and a shared driving transistor.
- The pixels can operate in different modes based on the conversion gain of the photodiodes.
- The image sensor includes an analog-to-digital converter with three correlated double sampling circuits.
- The correlated double sampling circuits read pixel signals from the column lines in a time-division manner.
Potential applications of this technology:
- Digital cameras
- Mobile phones
- Surveillance cameras
- Medical imaging devices
Problems solved by this technology:
- Improved image quality
- Higher sensitivity to light
- Reduced noise in image signals
Benefits of this technology:
- Enhanced image resolution
- Improved low-light performance
- Higher dynamic range
- Reduced image noise
Original Abstract Submitted
An image sensor includes a pixel array including a first pixel connected to a first column line and a second pixel connected to a second column line, each of the first pixel and the second pixel including a first photodiode (PD) and a second PD, which share a driving transistor, are configured to operate in a first mode and a second mode according to a conversion gain based on the first PD, and are configured to operate in a third mode and a fourth mode based on the second PD; and an analog-to-digital converter including a first correlated double sampling (CDS) circuit, a second CDS circuit, and a third CDS circuit, which read pixel signals output through the first column line and the second column line. The first CDS circuit is connected to the first column line and the second column line in a time-division manner.
