Samsung electronics co., ltd. (20240114265). 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

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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 20240114265 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 the comparison of pixel signals with ramp signals, and a counter that counts pulses and outputs digital signals to determine the need for a second digital signal based on the first digital signal.

  • The comparator generates a first conversion gain output signal by comparing a first pixel signal with a first ramp signal, and a second conversion gain output signal by comparing a second pixel signal with a second ramp signal.
  • The counter counts pulses of the first conversion gain output signal and outputs a counting result as a first digital signal.
  • The counter determines the need for a second digital signal based on the first digital signal, with the first conversion gain being higher than the second conversion gain.
  • If the output of the second digital signal is not required, the counter controls the comparator to not generate the second conversion gain output signal.

Potential Applications

This technology could be applied in image sensors, cameras, and other devices that require accurate conversion gain control for optimal image quality.

Problems Solved

This technology solves the problem of efficiently determining and controlling conversion gain output signals based on pixel signals and ramp signals in a circuit.

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include improved image quality, reduced noise in pixel signals, and efficient conversion gain control for better overall performance.

Potential Commercial Applications

One potential commercial application of this technology could be in the development of high-quality digital cameras with advanced conversion gain control features.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art for this technology could be existing patents related to conversion gain control in image sensors and cameras.

Unanswered Questions

How does this technology compare to existing methods of conversion gain control in image sensors?

This article does not provide a direct comparison to existing methods of conversion gain control in image sensors.

What are the specific technical specifications of the comparator and counter in this circuit?

This article does not delve into the specific technical specifications of the comparator and counter used in the circuit.


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.