公开(公告)号：US20120126094A1

公开(公告)日：2012-05-24

申请号：US13293969

申请日：2011-11-10

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

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

IPC: H01L27/146 ,  H03M1/56 ,  H03M1/00 ,  H03M1/58

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：US20120012736A1

公开(公告)日：2012-01-19

申请号：US13182071

申请日：2011-07-13

Applicant: Laurent Simony

Inventor： Laurent Simony

IPC: H01L27/146

CPC classification number: H04N5/378 ,  H04N5/3745

Abstract: Image sensor, comprising a matrix of active pixels having several columns for delivering at least one information signal of an active pixel, the sensor comprising means for processing the information signals delivered by the said active pixels which comprise at least one amplification stage biased by a current source, the processing means comprising a device for voltage-limiting the signal delivered on an output terminal of the said at least one amplification stage comprising an input terminal connected to the output terminal, a first transistor connected between the input terminal and a reference terminal connected to a reference power supply source, a gain device comprising an input connected to the input terminal, an output connected to the gate of the first transistor and configured so as to decrease the voltage span necessary to cause the first transistor to toggle from its off state to a state in which it absorbs the current provided by the said current source.

Abstract translation: 图像传感器，包括具有多个列的有源像素的矩阵，用于传送有源像素的至少一个信息信号，所述传感器包括用于处理由所述有源像素传递的信息信号的装置，所述信号信号包括由电流偏置的至少一个放大级 源，所述处理装置包括用于对所述至少一个放大级的输出端子上传送的信号进行电压限制的装置，包括连接到输出端子的输入端子，连接在输入端子和连接到参考端子之间的第一晶体管 参考电源，增益装置，包括连接到所述输入端的输入端，连接到所述第一晶体管的栅极的输出，并且被配置为减小使所述第一晶体管从其截止状态切换所需的电压跨度 到其吸收由所述电流源提供的电流的状态。

公开(公告)号：US07126636B2

公开(公告)日：2006-10-24

申请号：US10437741

申请日：2003-05-14

Applicant: Laurent Simony

Inventor： Laurent Simony

IPC: H04N3/14

CPC classification number: H04N5/363

Abstract: A low-noise CMOS active pixel for image sensors comprises a photosensitive element (PD), a feedback capacitive element (CF) with a capacitance CF, and four transistors, namely a first transistor (M1), two reset transistors (M3, M4) and one pixel selection transistor (M2). These components are laid out and controlled in such a way that the first transistor (M1) is mounted as an amplifier during the pixel reset phase and as a follower during the read phase. The reset transistors (M3, M4) are parallel-connected so that one of them (M4) compensates for the negative effects of the other transistor (M3) on the node common to the two transistors.

Abstract translation: 用于图像传感器的低噪声CMOS有源像素包括光敏元件（PD），具有电容C F F的反馈电容元件（CF）和四个晶体管，即第一晶体管（M 1） ，两个复位晶体管（M 3，M 4）和一个像素选择晶体管（M2）。 这些部件被布置和控制，使得第一晶体管（M 1）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。 复位晶体管（M 3，M 4）并联，使得它们中的一个（M 4）补偿两个晶体管公共的节点上的另一个晶体管（M 3）的负面影响。

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。}