A pixel cell includes a photodiode disposed within a first semiconductor chip for accumulating an image charge in response to light incident upon the photodiode. A transfer transistor is disposed within the first semiconductor chip and coupled to the photodiode to transfer the image charge from the photodiode. A bias voltage generation circuit disposed within a second semiconductor chip for generating a bias voltage. The bias voltage generation circuit is coupled to the first semiconductor chip to bias the photodiode with the bias voltage. The bias voltage is negative with respect to a ground voltage of the second semiconductor chip. A floating diffusion is disposed within the second semiconductor chip. The transfer transistor is coupled to transfer the image charge from the photodiode on the first semiconductor chip to the floating diffusion on the second semiconductor chip.