公开(公告)号：US09166614B2

公开(公告)日：2015-10-20

申请号：US14053206

申请日：2013-10-14

Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION

Inventor： Masahiro Higuchi ,  Kazuko Nishimura ,  Yuusuke Yamaoka ,  Yutaka Abe ,  Hiroshi Fujinaka

IPC: H04N3/14 ,  H04N5/217 ,  H03M1/56 ,  H04N5/378 ,  H03M1/06 ,  H04N5/365 ,  H03M1/12 ,  H03M1/74 ,  H03K4/06

CPC classification number: H03M1/56 ,  H03K4/06 ,  H03M1/0612 ,  H03M1/123 ,  H03M1/742 ,  H04N5/3658 ,  H04N5/378

Abstract: The ramp-signal generator circuit includes a reference voltage generator that changes the voltage of a reference signal Vr to a comparator setting voltage VR for compensating for a voltage difference between a reference signal Vr and an analog input signal (Vs1-Vsn) before comparison by an analog-to-digital converter circuit and outputs a ramp signal whose slope starts from the comparator setting voltage VR in response to a start of the comparison. The ramp-signal generator circuit is configured to add a predetermined enhanced voltage VA to the comparator setting voltage VR before the comparison.

Abstract translation: 斜坡信号发生器电路包括参考电压发生器，其将参考信号Vr的电压改变为比较器设置电压VR，用于在比较之前补偿参考信号Vr和模拟输入信号（Vs1-Vsn）之间的电压差，由 模拟 - 数字转换器电路，并且响应于比较开始输出其斜率从比较器设置电压VR开始的斜坡信号。 斜坡信号发生器电路被配置为在比较之前向比较器设置电压VR添加预定的增强电压VA。

公开(公告)号：US20150288909A1

公开(公告)日：2015-10-08

申请号：US14735602

申请日：2015-06-10

Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION

Inventor： Takafumi KOMABA

IPC: H04N5/3745 ,  H04N5/378 ,  H03M1/14 ,  H03M1/56 ,  H04N5/262 ,  H03M1/12

CPC classification number: H04N5/37455 ,  H03M1/123 ,  H03M1/1295 ,  H03M1/144 ,  H03M1/56 ,  H04N5/2621 ,  H04N5/361 ,  H04N5/378 ,  H04N9/045

Abstract: Provided is an ADC in which a plurality of pixel signals input through a vertical signal line of a solid-state image pickup apparatus are held in advance using some capacitors among a plurality of capacitors within the ADC. A potential of a node is generated by the respective pixel signals held in the capacitors. Thereafter, the potential of the node is changed by changing the voltages of counter electrodes of the capacitors, and the digital values of the pixel signals are generated by comparing the potential of the node with a predetermined potential.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种ADC，其中通过ADC内的多个电容器中的一些电容器预先保持通过固态图像拾取装置的垂直信号线输入的多个像素信号。 通过保持在电容器中的各个像素信号产生节点的电位。 此后，通过改变电容器的相对电极的电压来改变节点的电位，并且通过将节点的电位与预定电位进行比较来生成像素信号的数字值。

公开(公告)号：US09143152B2

公开(公告)日：2015-09-22

申请号：US13975542

申请日：2013-08-26

Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION

Inventor： Susumu Yamazaki

IPC: H03M1/50 ,  H03M1/56 ,  H03M1/34 ,  H04N5/378 ,  H03M1/14 ,  H03M1/12

CPC classification number: H03M1/34 ,  H03M1/123 ,  H03M1/14 ,  H03M1/56 ,  H04N5/378

Abstract: An AD conversion circuit includes: a comparison unit that receives an analog signal and a reference signal, compares voltages of the signals, and outputs a first comparison signal; a signal generation unit that outputs a second comparison signal for switching a logic state, and outputs a third comparison signal that is a result of a logic operation on the first comparison signal and the second comparison signal; a control unit that outputs an enable signal; a clock generation unit that outputs first to nth clock signals having different phases; a latch unit that includes first to nth latch units, each of the first to nth latch units including an input terminal, a first control terminal, a second control terminal, and an output terminal, and latches a logic state of the one of the first to nth clock signals; and a count unit that performs a count operation.

Abstract translation: AD转换电路包括：比较单元，其接收模拟信号和参考信号，比较所述信号的电压，并输出第一比较信号; 信号生成单元，输出用于切换逻辑状态的第二比较信号，并输出作为第一比较信号和第二比较信号的逻辑运算结果的第三比较信号; 输出使能信号的控制单元; 时钟生成单元，输出具有不同相位的第一至第n时钟信号; 包括第一至第N锁存单元的锁存单元，所述第一至第N锁存单元中的每一个包括输入端，第一控制端，第二控制端和输出端，并锁存所述第一至第N锁存单元的逻辑状态 到第n个时钟信号; 以及执行计数操作的计数单元。

公开(公告)号：US09077919B2

公开(公告)日：2015-07-07

申请号：US14244482

申请日：2014-04-03

Applicant: Sony Corporation

Inventor： Hayato Wakabayashi ,  Masaru Kikuchi ,  Hiroshi Iwasa ,  Yuuki Yamagata

IPC: H04N5/357 ,  H04N5/335 ,  H03M1/06 ,  H03M1/10 ,  H04N5/378 ,  H03M1/34 ,  H03M1/08 ,  H04N5/3745 ,  H03M1/12 ,  H03M1/56 ,  H03M1/74

CPC classification number: H04N5/357 ,  H03M1/0658 ,  H03M1/08 ,  H03M1/1023 ,  H03M1/1205 ,  H03M1/123 ,  H03M1/129 ,  H03M1/34 ,  H03M1/56 ,  H03M1/745 ,  H04N5/335 ,  H04N5/37455 ,  H04N5/378

Abstract: In a reference signal comparison AD conversion scheme, a reference signal SLP_ADC and each of P and D phases of a pixel signal voltage Vx are compared. A count clock CKcnt1 is counted based on the comparison result. The counting result data is converted into signal data Dsig, i.e., the difference between the P and D phases, which is also subjected to CDS. At this time, the n-bit AD conversion is performed on each of the P and D phases of the pixel signal voltage Vx, followed by summation for digital integration. This prevents any possible detrimental effects that may be caused by summation in the analog domain. Although the signal data becomes W times greater, noise will likely become √W times greater. This alleviates the problem of random noise resulting from AD conversion such as quantizing noise and circuit noise that do not exist in the analog domain, thus reducing the noise.

Abstract translation: 在参考信号比较AD转换方案中，比较参考信号SLP_ADC和像素信号电压Vx的P和D相位中的每一个。 基于比较结果对计数时钟CKcnt1进行计数。 计数结果数据被转换为信号数据Dsig，也就是也经历CDS的P相和D相之间的差。 此时，对像素信号电压Vx的P相和D相进行n位AD转换，然后进行数字积分的求和。 这可以防止可能由模拟域中的相加引起的任何可能的有害影响。 虽然信号数据变为W倍，噪声可能会增加到更多的√W倍。 这减轻了AD转换产生的随机噪声的问题，例如量化噪声和模拟域中不存在的电路噪声，从而降低噪声。

公开(公告)号：US09071779B2

公开(公告)日：2015-06-30

申请号：US13797064

申请日：2013-03-12

Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA

Inventor： Seiji Hashimoto ,  Takeru Suzuki ,  Yasushi Matsuno ,  Takashi Muto

IPC: H04N5/228 ,  H04N5/217 ,  H04N3/14 ,  H03M1/12 ,  H03M1/56 ,  H04N5/335 ,  H03M1/06 ,  H04N5/225 ,  H03M1/18

CPC classification number: H04N5/3355 ,  H03M1/06 ,  H03M1/123 ,  H03M1/186 ,  H03M1/56 ,  H04N5/225

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion apparatus includes a plurality of pixels provided in a plurality of columns, a plurality of analog-to-digital conversion units each provided for a corresponding one of the plurality of columns, and a correction unit. Each of the plurality of analog-to-digital conversion units is configured to convert a signal of a corresponding one of the plurality of pixels into a digital signal at a resolution corresponding to a magnitude of the signal. The correction unit is configured to correct a difference in the resolution.

Abstract translation: 一种光电转换装置，包括设置在多列中的多个像素，多个模数转换单元，分别设置在多个列中的相应一列上，以及校正单元。 多个模数转换单元中的每一个被配置为以与信号幅度相对应的分辨率将多个像素中相应的一个像素的信号转换为数字信号。 校正单元被配置为校正分辨率的差异。

公开(公告)号：US09070608B2

公开(公告)日：2015-06-30

申请号：US13626205

申请日：2012-09-25

Applicant: SK hynix Inc.

Inventor： Eun Jun Kim

IPC: H03M1/56 ,  H01L27/146 ,  H04N5/378 ,  H03M1/12 ,  H04N5/335 ,  H03M1/00 ,  H04N3/14 ,  G01J1/44

CPC classification number: H01L27/146 ,  G01J1/44 ,  H01L27/14643 ,  H03M1/00 ,  H03M1/12 ,  H03M1/56 ,  H04N3/155 ,  H04N5/335 ,  H04N5/378

Abstract: An image sensor includes, inter alia: a first and second capacitors arranged serially between an input terminal and a first node, a first comparing unit connecting to a first reference signal and a connecting node of the first and second capacitors, and an output terminal connecting to the first node wherein the first comparing unit provides first or second preliminary ramp signals on the first node, first and second switches arranged between the first comparing unit and the first capacitor to selectively connect the first capacitor to a ground voltage or the input terminal, a third capacitor connecting to the second capacitor in parallel, a third switch selectively connecting the first node to the third capacitor, a first ramp signal output unit generating a first ramp signal with the first preliminary ramp signal provided, and a second ramp signal output unit generating a second ramp signal using the second preliminary ramp signal.

Abstract translation: 图像传感器尤其包括：串联地设置在输入端和第一节点之间的第一和第二电容器，连接到第一参考信号的第一比较单元和第一和第二电容器的连接节点，以及连接 其中所述第一比较单元在所述第一节点上提供第一或第二初步斜坡信号，所述第一和第二开关布置在所述第一比较单元和所述第一电容器之间，以选择性地将所述第一电容器连接到接地电压或所述输入端子， 并联连接到第二电容器的第三电容器，选择性地将第一节点连接到第三电容器的第三开关;产生具有提供的第一初级斜坡信号的第一斜坡信号的第一斜坡信号输出单元;以及第二斜坡信号输出单元 使用所述第二预备斜坡信号产生第二斜坡信号。

公开(公告)号：US09053999B2

公开(公告)日：2015-06-09

申请号：US13643917

申请日：2011-04-22

Applicant: Hiroyuki Iwaki ,  Hirotaka Murakami ,  Yoshiaki Inada ,  Yasuaki Hisamatsu

Inventor： Hiroyuki Iwaki ,  Hirotaka Murakami ,  Yoshiaki Inada ,  Yasuaki Hisamatsu

IPC: H03M1/06 ,  H01L27/146 ,  H04N5/376 ,  H04N5/378 ,  H03M1/12 ,  H03M1/14 ,  H03M1/56

CPC classification number: H04N5/357 ,  H01L27/14609 ,  H03M1/0624 ,  H03M1/123 ,  H03M1/14 ,  H03M1/56 ,  H04N5/3742 ,  H04N5/3765 ,  H04N5/378

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device having an analog-digital converter, and an analog-digital conversion method are described herein. An example of a solid-state imaging device includes a bit inconsistency prevention section configured to prevent bit inconsistency between output of a low-level bit latch section and a high-level bit counting section.

Abstract translation: 本文描述了具有模拟数字转换器和模数转换方法的固态成像装置。 固态成像装置的一个例子包括：位不一致性防止部，被配置为防止低电平位锁存部分的输出与高电平位计数部分之间的位不一致。

公开(公告)号：US08957994B2

公开(公告)日：2015-02-17

申请号：US13835065

申请日：2013-03-15

Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Inventor： Claudio Jakobson

IPC: H04N5/217 ,  H04N5/378 ,  H03K5/24 ,  H03M1/06 ,  H04N5/357 ,  H03M1/12 ,  H03M1/56

CPC classification number: H04N5/378 ,  H03K5/2481 ,  H03M1/0639 ,  H03M1/123 ,  H03M1/56 ,  H04N5/3575

Abstract: A correlated double sampling circuit includes a first input terminal receiving a ramp signal having first and second ramp sections, a second input terminal receiving a pixel signal, and a comparing circuit comparing the ramp signal with the pixel signal to generate an output signal, wherein the comparing circuit changes a point in time at which the output signal logically transitions during the first ramp section and the second ramp section in response to an applied dithering enable signal.

Abstract translation: 相关双采样电路包括接收具有第一和第二斜坡部分的斜坡信号的第一输入端子，接收像素信号的第二输入端子以及将斜坡信号与像素信号进行比较以产生输出信号的比较电路，其中， 响应于所施加的抖动使能信号，比较电路改变在第一斜坡部分和第二斜坡部分期间输出信号逻辑转换的时间点。

公开(公告)号：US08922668B2

公开(公告)日：2014-12-30

申请号：US12845027

申请日：2010-07-28

Applicant: Keisuke Ota

Inventor： Keisuke Ota

IPC: H04N5/335 ,  H04N5/357 ,  H04N5/374 ,  H04N5/378 ,  H03M1/18 ,  H03M1/56 ,  H03M1/12

CPC classification number: H04N5/357 ,  H03M1/123 ,  H03M1/188 ,  H03M1/56 ,  H04N5/3742 ,  H04N5/378

Abstract: In a solid-state image sensing element which includes a pixel array portion in which a plurality of pixels each including a photoelectric converter are arranged two-dimensionally, and readout circuits which read out analog pixel signals from the pixel array portion by column, and in which each of the readout circuits includes an A/D conversion circuit which converts the analog pixel signal from the pixel array portion into a digital pixel signal, and the A/D conversion circuit performs A/D conversion by comparing, by a comparison unit, a signal level of the analog pixel signal from the pixel array portion with a temporally changing reference level, a frequency band characteristic of the comparison unit is switched in accordance with the signal level of the analog pixel signal from the pixel array portion.

Abstract translation: 在包括像素阵列部分的固态图像感测元件中，其中包括光电转换器的多个像素被二维布置，以及读出电路，其从像素阵列部分逐列地读出模拟像素信号，并且在 每个读出电路包括将来自像素阵列部分的模拟像素信号转换为数字像素信号的A / D转换电路，并且A / D转换电路通过比较单元进行A / D转换， 根据来自像素阵列部分的模拟像素信号的信号电平，切换来自具有时间上变化的参考电平的像素阵列部分的模拟像素信号的信号电平，比较单元的频带特性。

公开(公告)号：US08890742B2

公开(公告)日：2014-11-18

申请号：US13792262

申请日：2013-03-11

Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

Inventor： Kuo-Yu Chou ,  Shang-Fu Yeh ,  Erik Tao ,  Calvin Yi-Ping Chao

IPC: H03M1/56 ,  H03M1/12 ,  H04N5/335

CPC classification number: H04N5/3355 ,  H03M1/144 ,  H03M1/56 ,  H04N5/378

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for an imaging device and/or an analog to digital converter which converts an analog input signal to a digital data signal using a comparator which compares the analog input signal to a first ramped reference signal to determine an operating point and then uses the same comparator to compare the analog input signal to a second ramped reference signal multiple times about the determined operating point.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种用于成像装置和/或模数转换器的系统和方法，其使用将模拟输入信号与第一斜坡参考信号进行比较的比较器将模拟输入信号转换为数字数据信号，以确定操作点， 然后使用相同的比较器将模拟输入信号与第二斜坡参考信号相比较多次确定的工作点。