公开(公告)号：US20100039306A1

公开(公告)日：2010-02-18

申请号：US12543071

申请日：2009-08-18

Applicant: Laurent Simony ,  Lionel Vogt

Inventor： Laurent Simony ,  Lionel Vogt

IPC: H03M1/12

CPC classification number: H03M1/20 ,  H03M1/164 ,  H03M1/182 ,  H03M1/187 ,  H03M1/44 ,  H03M1/46 ,  H03M1/56

Abstract: A method of analog-to-digital conversion over n bits of an analog signal, including the steps of: comparing the amplitude of the analog signal with a threshold representing the amplitude of the full-scale analog signal divided by 2k, where k is an integer smaller than n; performing an analog-to-digital conversion of the analog signal over n-k bits to obtain the n-k most significant bits of a binary word over n bits if the result of the comparison step indicates that the amplitude of the input signal is greater than the threshold, and the n-k least significant bits of this binary word otherwise. An analog-to-digital converter and its application to image sensors.

Abstract translation: 一种在模拟信号的n位上进行模数转换的方法，包括以下步骤：将模拟信号的幅度与表示满量程模拟信号的幅度除以2k的阈值进行比较，其中k是 小于n的整数; 如果比较步骤的结果指示输入信号的幅度大于阈值，则在nk位上执行模拟信号的模数转换以获得n比特以上的二进制字的nk个最高有效位， 否则这个二进制字的nk最低有效位。 一种模数转换器及其对图像传感器的应用。

公开(公告)号：US06664530B2

公开(公告)日：2003-12-16

申请号：US10156710

申请日：2002-05-28

Applicant: Laurent Simony

Inventor： Laurent Simony

IPC: H01L2700

CPC classification number: H04N5/363

Abstract: A CMOS active pixel for image sensors has a photosensitive element, a capacitive feedback element with a capacitance CF, and four transistors, namely a first transistor, two reset transistors and a transistor for the selection of the pixel. These transistors are laid out and controlled in such a way that the first transistor is mounted as an amplifier during the pixel reset phase and as a follower during the read phase.

Abstract translation: 用于图像传感器的CMOS有源像素具有光敏元件，具有电容CF的电容反馈元件和四个晶体管，即第一晶体管，两个复位晶体管和用于选择像素的晶体管。 这些晶体管被布局和控制，使得第一晶体管在像素复位阶段期间作为放大器安装，并且在读取阶段期间作为跟随器安装。

公开(公告)号：US06275076B1

公开(公告)日：2001-08-14

申请号：US09526200

申请日：2000-03-15

Applicant: Laurent Simony

Inventor： Laurent Simony

IPC: G11C2702

CPC classification number: G11C27/026

Abstract: The proposed sample-and-hold device using a complementary bipolar technology comprises a follower input stage having an input receiving a voltage Vin to be sampled, at least one sampling circuit having a switching stage to be placed either in a first state called a “follower” state where its output follows the potential at its signal input or in a second state called an “isolated” state where its output is isolated from it signal input, the output of the switching stage being connected to the base of a first follower transistor whose emitter is connected to a terminal of an output sampling capacitor, the sampling circuit furthermore comprising a second transistor, having its emitter supplied by a current source and having its base connected to a potential copying that of the terminal of the output sampling capacitor, and a third transistor controlled by the digital command so as to be crossed by a current when the switching stage is in the >, and so as to be off when the switching stage is in the > state, the third transistor having its emitter connected to the base of the first transistor and its base connected to the emitter of the second transistor. Application to analog-digital converters, analog signal processing systems.

Abstract translation: 所提出的使用互补双极性技术的采样和保持装置包括：跟随器输入级，其具有接收要采样的电压Vin的输入端，至少一个采样电路，其具有将被放置在称为“跟随器”的第一状态的开关级 “状态，其输出跟随其信号输入或称为”隔离“状态的第二状态的电位，其中其输出与信号输入隔离，开关级的输出连接到第一跟随器晶体管的基极， 发射极连接到输出采样电容器的端子，该采样电路还包括第二晶体管，其第二晶体管具有由电流源提供的发射极，其基极连接到输出采样电容器的端子的潜在复制，以及 第三晶体管由数字命令控制，以便当开关级处于“隔离状态”时被电流交叉，并且当t 他的开关级处于“跟随器”状态，第三晶体管的发射极连接到第一晶体管的基极，其基极连接到第二晶体管的发射极。 应用于模数转换器，模拟信号处理系统。

公开(公告)号：US08659465B2

公开(公告)日：2014-02-25

申请号：US13293969

申请日：2011-11-10

Applicant: Laurent Simony ,  Benoît Deschamps ,  Alexandre Cellier ,  Frédéric Barbier

Inventor： Laurent Simony ,  Benoît Deschamps ,  Alexandre Cellier ,  Frédéric Barbier

IPC: H03M1/56

CPC classification number: H03M1/58 ,  H03M1/201 ,  H03M1/56

Abstract: A method of analog to digital voltage conversion including: generating a quadratic signal based on an analog time varying reference signal; generating a ramp signal based on the quadratic signal; and converting an analog input voltage to a digital output value based on a time duration determined by a comparison of the analog input voltage with the ramp signal.

Abstract translation: 一种模数电压转换方法，包括：基于模拟时变参考信号产生二次信号; 基于二次信号产生斜坡信号; 并且基于通过模拟输入电压与斜坡信号的比较确定的持续时间，将模拟输入电压转换为数字输出值。

公开(公告)号：US08305474B2

公开(公告)日：2012-11-06

申请号：US12622373

申请日：2009-11-19

Applicant: Matthew Purcell ,  Graeme Storm ,  Derek Tolmie ,  Mhamed El Hachimi ,  Laurent Simony ,  Min Qu

Inventor： Matthew Purcell ,  Graeme Storm ,  Derek Tolmie ,  Mhamed El Hachimi ,  Laurent Simony ,  Min Qu

IPC: H04N3/14 ,  H04N5/335

CPC classification number: H04N5/3355 ,  H04N5/3577

Abstract: An image sensor has a per-column ADC arrangement including first and second capacitors allowing a comparator circuit to perform correlated double sampling. The capacitors are continuously connected to, respectively, the analog pixel signal and a ramp signal without use of a hold operation. The comparator circuit comprises a differential input being connected to the junction of the two capacitors and being biased by a reference signal. The reference signal is preferably sampled and held from a reference voltage. The use of a differential input as first stage of the comparator addresses problems arising from ground voltage bounce when a large pixel array images a scene with low contrast. Connectivity of the differential input stage allows the ramp signal to see a constant capacitive load thus reduce image artifacts referred to as smear.

Abstract translation: 图像传感器具有包括允许比较器电路执行相关双重采样的第一和第二电容器的每列ADC布置。 电容器分别连续地连接到模拟像素信号和斜坡信号，而不使用保持操作。 比较器电路包括差分输入端，连接到两个电容器的结，并被参考信号偏置。 参考信号优选地从参考电压采样和保持。 使用差分输入作为比较器的第一级，当大像素阵列以低对比度的场景成像时，可以解决地电压反弹引起的问题。 差分输入级的连接允许斜坡信号看到恒定的电容性负载，从而减少称为污迹的图像伪影。

公开(公告)号：US20100157035A1

公开(公告)日：2010-06-24

申请号：US12622373

申请日：2009-11-19

Applicant: Matthew Purcell ,  Graeme Storm ,  Derek Tolmie ,  Mhamed El Hachim ,  Laurent Simony ,  Min Qu

Inventor： Matthew Purcell ,  Graeme Storm ,  Derek Tolmie ,  Mhamed El Hachim ,  Laurent Simony ,  Min Qu

IPC: H04N7/18 ,  H04N5/335 ,  G06G7/18

CPC classification number: H04N5/3355 ,  H04N5/3577

Abstract: An image sensor has a per-column ADC arrangement including first and second capacitors allowing a comparator circuit to perform correlated double sampling. The capacitors are continuously connected to, respectively, the analog pixel signal and a ramp signal without use of a hold operation. The comparator circuit comprises a differential input being connected to the junction of the two capacitors and being biased by a reference signal. The reference signal is preferably sampled and held from a reference voltage. The use of a differential input as first stage of the comparator addresses problems arising from ground voltage bounce when a large pixel array images a scene with low contrast. Connectivity of the differential input stage allows the ramp signal to see a constant capacitive load thus reduce image artifacts referred to as smear.

Abstract translation: 图像传感器具有包括允许比较器电路执行相关双重采样的第一和第二电容器的每列ADC布置。 电容器分别连续地连接到模拟像素信号和斜坡信号，而不使用保持操作。 比较器电路包括差分输入端，连接到两个电容器的结，并被参考信号偏置。 参考信号优选地从参考电压采样和保持。 使用差分输入作为比较器的第一级，当大像素阵列以低对比度的场景成像时，可以解决地电压反弹引起的问题。 差分输入级的连接允许斜坡信号看到恒定的电容性负载，从而减少称为污迹的图像伪影。

公开(公告)号：US07667181B2

公开(公告)日：2010-02-23

申请号：US12060697

申请日：2008-04-01

Applicant: Laurent Simony

Inventor： Laurent Simony

IPC: H01J40/14 ,  H04N5/217

CPC classification number: H04N5/3598

Abstract: An image sensor and a method for acquiring images by sampling of the level of a voltage representative of the charge of a photodiode, in which a first sample is taken during a reset of the charge level of the photodiode; and a second sample is taken provided that the decrease slope of the voltage after the reset is lower than a threshold, said second sample replacing the first one.

Abstract translation: 一种图像传感器和用于通过对代表光电二极管的电荷的电压的电平的采样来获取图像的方法，其中在光电二极管的电荷水平的复位期间获取第一样本; 并且提供第二样本，其中复位后的电压的减小斜率低于阈值，所述第二样本代替第一样本。

公开(公告)号：US20080237448A1

公开(公告)日：2008-10-02

申请号：US12060697

申请日：2008-04-01

Applicant: Laurent Simony

Inventor： Laurent Simony

IPC: H01L27/00

CPC classification number: H04N5/3598

Abstract: An image sensor and a method for acquiring images by sampling of the level of a voltage representative of the charge of a photodiode, in which a first sample is taken during a reset of the charge level of the photodiode; and a second sample is taken provided that the decrease slope of the voltage after the reset is lower than a threshold, said second sample replacing the first one.

Abstract translation: 一种图像传感器和用于通过对代表光电二极管的电荷的电压的电平的采样来获取图像的方法，其中在光电二极管的电荷水平的复位期间获取第一样本; 并且提供第二样本，其中复位后的电压的减小斜率低于阈值，所述第二样本代替第一样本。

公开(公告)号：US07098838B2

公开(公告)日：2006-08-29

申请号：US11191614

申请日：2005-07-28

Applicant: Laurent Simony

Inventor： Laurent Simony

IPC: H03M1/12

CPC classification number: H03M1/18

Abstract: An amplified reading device includes an adjustable gain amplifier AMP receiving analog information and of which 2j successive gain values, respectively adjustable by 2j successive values of a first control word of j bits, follow a geometric progression of ratio a; an analog/digital converter CAN connected to the output of the amplifier, having an adjustable input full scale, of which 2k different values, respectively adjustable, for each gain value, from 2k successive values of a second control word of k bits, follow a geometric progression of ratio a1/2 k, the converter delivering a digital code corresponding to the analog information amplified by an overall gain, the value of which depends on the gain value of the amplifier and on that of the full scale, and a controller MCM designed to deliver the first and second control words.

公开(公告)号：US20060071842A1

公开(公告)日：2006-04-06

申请号：US11191614

申请日：2005-07-28

Applicant: Laurent Simony

Inventor： Laurent Simony

IPC: H03M1/12

CPC classification number: H03M1/18

Abstract: An amplified reading device includes an adjustable gain amplifier AMP receiving analog information and of which 2j successive gain values, respectively adjustable by 2j successive values of a first control word of j bits, follow a geometric progression of ratio a; an analog/digital converter CAN connected to the output of the amplifier, having an adjustable input full scale, of which 2k different values, respectively adjustable, for each gain value, from 2k successive values of a second control word of k bits, follow a geometric progression of ratio a1/2 k, the converter delivering a digital code corresponding to the analog information amplified by an overall gain, the value of which depends on the gain value of the amplifier and on that of the full scale, and a controller MCM designed to deliver the first and second control words.

Abstract translation: 放大的读取装置包括可接收模拟信息的可调增益放大器AMP，以及分别由j的第一控制字的2个连续值可调的2个连续增益值 比特，遵循比率a的几何进展; 模拟/数字转换器CAN连接到放大器的输出端，具有可调整的输入满量程，其中对于每个增益值，可以从2K k < k比特的第二控制字的连续值遵循比率a ^{k 的几何级数， 对应于由总体增益放大的模拟信息的数字代码，其值取决于放大器的增益值和满量程的增益值，以及被设计为递送第一和第二控制字的控制器MCM。}