Apple inc. (20240098386). Image sensor with stacked pixels having high dynamic range and low noise simplified abstract

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Image sensor with stacked pixels having high dynamic range and low noise

Organization Name

apple inc.

Inventor(s)

Vladimir Koifman of Rishon LeZion (IL)

Image sensor with stacked pixels having high dynamic range and low noise - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240098386 titled 'Image sensor with stacked pixels having high dynamic range and low noise

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes an image sensor with a logic die and a sensor die overlaying it, containing an array of detector elements with sensing circuits. Each detector element includes a photodiode, a floating diffusion node, a reset transistor, and a source follower transistor. A pixel circuit on the logic die includes a select transistor connected to the output of the source follower and one of the bitlines, along with a current memory circuit to sense and output noise levels in the detector element.

  • Image sensor with logic die and sensor die overlay
  • Array of detector elements with sensing circuits
  • Components in each detector element: photodiode, floating diffusion node, reset transistor, source follower transistor
  • Pixel circuit on logic die with select transistor and current memory circuit to sense noise levels

Potential Applications

The technology can be used in:

  • Digital cameras
  • Smartphones
  • Surveillance systems

Problems Solved

The technology helps in:

  • Improving image quality
  • Reducing noise in images

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include:

  • Enhanced image sensor performance
  • Higher quality images
  • Improved noise reduction capabilities

Potential Commercial Applications

The technology can be applied in various commercial sectors such as:

  • Consumer electronics
  • Security and surveillance industry
  • Medical imaging

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art for this technology could be:

  • Previous image sensor designs with similar pixel circuits and sensing circuits

Unanswered Questions

How does this technology compare to existing image sensor designs in terms of noise reduction capabilities?

The article does not provide a direct comparison with existing image sensor designs in terms of noise reduction capabilities. Further research and testing would be needed to determine the effectiveness of this technology in reducing noise compared to other designs.

What are the potential limitations or drawbacks of implementing this technology in practical applications?

The article does not address any potential limitations or drawbacks of implementing this technology in practical applications. It would be important to consider factors such as cost, power consumption, and compatibility with existing systems when evaluating the feasibility of using this technology in real-world scenarios.


Original Abstract Submitted

an image sensor includes a logic die, including column readout circuits and bitlines connected to the column readout circuits. a sensor die is overlaid on the logic die. the image sensor includes an array of detector elements, each including a sensing circuit on the sensor die, which includes a photodiode, a floating diffusion node connected to one of the terminals of the photodiode, a reset transistor coupled to the floating diffusion node, and a source follower transistor. in each detector element, a pixel circuit on the logic die includes a select transistor, which has an input coupled to the output of the source follower and an output coupled to one of the bitlines. a current memory circuit is coupled to the input of the select transistor and is configured to sense and output a signal indicative of a level of noise in the detector element.