18536803. ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTING CIRCUIT FOR OPTIMIZING POWER CONSUMPTION OF DUAL CONVERSION GAIN OPERATION, OPERATION METHOD THEREOF, AND IMAGE SENSOR INCLUDING THE SAME simplified abstract (Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.)

From WikiPatents
Jump to navigation Jump to search

ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTING CIRCUIT FOR OPTIMIZING POWER CONSUMPTION OF DUAL CONVERSION GAIN OPERATION, OPERATION METHOD THEREOF, AND IMAGE SENSOR INCLUDING THE SAME

Organization Name

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Inventor(s)

Jaehoon Jun of Suwon-si (KR)

Youngwoo Lee of Seongnam-si (KR)

ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTING CIRCUIT FOR OPTIMIZING POWER CONSUMPTION OF DUAL CONVERSION GAIN OPERATION, OPERATION METHOD THEREOF, AND IMAGE SENSOR INCLUDING THE SAME - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18536803 titled 'ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTING CIRCUIT FOR OPTIMIZING POWER CONSUMPTION OF DUAL CONVERSION GAIN OPERATION, OPERATION METHOD THEREOF, AND IMAGE SENSOR INCLUDING THE SAME

Simplified Explanation

The circuit described in the patent application includes a comparator that generates output signals based on comparing pixel signals with ramp signals, as well as a counter that counts pulses and outputs digital signals to determine if a second digital signal is required based on the first digital signal. The circuit is designed to control the generation of output signals based on the comparison of conversion gains.

  • The circuit includes a comparator that generates output signals by comparing pixel signals with ramp signals.
  • A counter counts pulses and outputs digital signals to determine if a second digital signal is required based on the first digital signal.
  • The circuit controls the generation of output signals based on the comparison of conversion gains, with the first conversion gain being higher than the second.

Potential Applications

This technology could be applied in image sensors, cameras, and other devices where precise control of conversion gains is necessary.

Problems Solved

This technology solves the problem of efficiently determining and controlling the generation of output signals based on different conversion gains.

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include improved accuracy in signal processing, better control over conversion gains, and potentially enhanced image quality in devices utilizing this circuit.

Potential Commercial Applications

Potential commercial applications of this technology could include digital cameras, medical imaging devices, and industrial inspection systems.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art for this technology could be existing circuits or methods for controlling conversion gains in image sensors or cameras.

Unanswered Questions

== How does this circuit compare to existing methods of controlling conversion gains in image sensors? This article does not provide a direct comparison to existing methods, leaving the reader to wonder about the specific advantages of this circuit over other techniques.

== What specific devices or industries could benefit the most from implementing this circuit? The article does not delve into specific examples of devices or industries where this circuit could have the most significant impact, leaving readers curious about potential applications beyond general imaging systems.


Original Abstract Submitted

A circuit includes a comparator configured to generate a first conversion gain output signal by comparing a first pixel signal corresponding to a first conversion gain with a first ramp signal, and generate a second conversion gain output signal by comparing a second pixel signal corresponding to a second conversion gain with a second ramp signal, and a counter configured to count pulses of the first conversion gain output signal, output a counting result as a first digital signal, and determine whether an output of a second digital signal corresponding to the second conversion gain is required, based on the first digital signal. The first conversion gain is higher than the second conversion gain, and based on determining that the output of the second digital signal is not required, the counter is further configured to control the comparator such that the second conversion gain output signal is not generated.