公开(公告)号：US09083906B2

公开(公告)日：2015-07-14

申请号：US13591903

申请日：2012-08-22

Applicant: Kohichi Nakamura ,  Hiroki Hiyama ,  Tetsuya Itano ,  Kazuhiro Saito

Inventor： Kohichi Nakamura ,  Hiroki Hiyama ,  Tetsuya Itano ,  Kazuhiro Saito

IPC: H04N5/378 ,  H04N5/3745 ,  G02F7/00

CPC classification number: H04N5/378 ,  G02F7/00 ,  H04N5/37455

Abstract: Provided is an A/D converter including an input terminal, a reference signal line for supplying a reference signal which changes temporally, a comparator, a correction capacitor connected to an inverting input terminal of the comparator; and an output circuit which outputs digital data corresponding to an analog signal input to the input terminal. In a first state in which a total voltage of a first analog signal and an offset voltage of the comparator is held in the correction capacitor, a second analog signal input to the input terminal is supplied to a non-inverting input terminal of the comparator, and the second analog signal or the total voltage is changed using the reference signal, thereby outputting, from the output circuit, digital data.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种A / D转换器，其包括输入端子，用于提供在时间上变化的参考信号的参考信号线，比较器，连接到比较器的反相输入端子的校正电容器; 以及输出与输入到输入端子的模拟信号对应的数字数据的输出电路。 在校正电容器中保持比较器的第一模拟信号和偏移电压的总电压的第一状态，输入到输入端的第二模拟信号被提供给比较器的非反相输入端， 并且使用参考信号改变第二模拟信号或总电压，从而从输出电路输出数字数据。

公开(公告)号：US08928786B2

公开(公告)日：2015-01-06

申请号：US13611476

申请日：2012-09-12

Applicant: Koichiro Iwata ,  Hiroki Hiyama ,  Tetsuya Itano ,  Kohichi Nakamura ,  Kazuhiro Saito

Inventor： Koichiro Iwata ,  Hiroki Hiyama ,  Tetsuya Itano ,  Kohichi Nakamura ,  Kazuhiro Saito

IPC: H04N5/335 ,  H04N5/365

CPC classification number: H04N5/3658

Abstract: A solid-state imaging apparatus includes: a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix; a plurality of amplifier circuits each arranged correspondingly to each of columns of the pixels, for amplifying a signal from the pixel; and a current source transistor whose source is supplied with a power source voltage and which supplies the amplifier circuit with a bias current. When the current source transistor is operating in the saturation region, the gate voltage of the current source transistor that is supplied from the bias line is sampled and held. The gate voltage of the current source transistor with respect to the power source voltage is controlled to the sampled voltage, thereby suppressing variation. This suppression can, in turn, suppress occurrence of line noise and a lateral smear due to difference of drop in voltage of a power source line concerning a column circuit on each row.

Abstract translation: 固态成像装置包括：以矩阵排列的多个像素; 多个放大器电路，每个放大器电路分别对应于每个像素列排列，用于放大来自像素的信号; 以及电流源晶体管，其源极被提供有电源电压并且向放大器电路提供偏置电流。 当电流源晶体管工作在饱和区域时，从偏置线提供的电流源晶体管的栅极电压被采样和保持。 电流源晶体管相对于电源电压的栅极电压被控制为采样电压，从而抑制变化。 这可以抑制线路噪声的发生以及由于与各列的列电路有关的电源线的电压下降而导致的横向拖尾。

公开(公告)号：US08836838B2

公开(公告)日：2014-09-16

申请号：US13586956

申请日：2012-08-16

Applicant: Kohichi Nakamura ,  Hiroki Hiyama ,  Tetsuya Itano ,  Kazuhiro Saito

Inventor： Kohichi Nakamura ,  Hiroki Hiyama ,  Tetsuya Itano ,  Kazuhiro Saito

IPC: H04N3/14 ,  H04N5/378 ,  H04N5/359

CPC classification number: H04N5/378 ,  H04N5/3598

Abstract: A solid-state imaging apparatus includes a plurality of pixels arranged two-dimensionally in a matrix, a reference signal generating circuit adapted to generate a ramp signal, a counter circuit adapted to perform a counting operation according to output of the ramp signal, comparators arranged on a column by column basis and adapted to compare signals read out of the pixels with the ramp signal, and memories arranged on a column by column basis and adapted to store digital data, wherein if output of the comparator is not changed during an AD conversion period, digital data of a predetermined value is stored in the memory. The solid-state imaging apparatus implements overflow handling using a simplified circuit configuration.

Abstract translation: 一种固态成像装置，包括以矩阵二维排列的多个像素，适用于生成斜坡信号的基准信号发生电路，适于根据斜坡信号的输出进行计数动作的计数器电路， 并且适于将从像素读出的信号与斜坡信号进行比较，以及逐列地布置的存储器，并适于存储数字数据，其中如果比较器的输出在AD转换期间没有改变 期间，将预定值的数字数据存储在存储器中。 固态成像装置使用简化的电路配置实现溢出处理。

公开(公告)号：US08723099B2

公开(公告)日：2014-05-13

申请号：US13608145

申请日：2012-09-10

Applicant: Tetsuya Itano ,  Hiroki Hiyama ,  Kazuhiro Saito ,  Kohichi Nakamura ,  Koichiro Iwata ,  Yu Maehashi ,  Takeshi Akiyama

Inventor： Tetsuya Itano ,  Hiroki Hiyama ,  Kazuhiro Saito ,  Kohichi Nakamura ,  Koichiro Iwata ,  Yu Maehashi ,  Takeshi Akiyama

IPC: G01J1/44 ,  H01L27/14

CPC classification number: H04N5/3572 ,  H04N5/365 ,  H04N5/3742 ,  H04N5/378

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a plurality of unit pixels arranged in a matrix and configured to generate a signal by photoelectric conversion, a plurality of pixel output lines connected to each column of the unit pixels, a plurality of column amplifiers configured to amplify a signal of the pixel output lines, and a driving circuit configured to generate a control signal of the column amplifiers. Each of the column amplifiers includes first and second input terminals, an output terminal, an input capacitance between the first and second input terminals, and a first switch between the second input and output terminals. The driving circuit is configured to generate the control signal so as to make a period for switching the first switch from a conductive state to a non-conductive state longer than a period for switching the first switch from the non-conductive state to the conductive state.

Abstract translation: 一种成像装置，包括以矩阵形式布置并被配置为通过光电转换产生信号的多个单位像素，连接到单位像素的每列的多个像素输出线，多个列放大器，被配置为放大 像素输出线以及被配置为产生列放大器的控制信号的驱动电路。 每个列放大器包括第一和第二输入端子，输出端子，第一和第二输入端子之间的输入电容以及第二输入和输出端子之间的第一开关。 驱动电路被配置为产生控制信号，以便使第一开关从导通状态切换到非导通状态的时段长于将第一开关从非导通状态切换到导通状态的时段 。

公开(公告)号：US20130087686A1

公开(公告)日：2013-04-11

申请号：US13610440

申请日：2012-09-11

Applicant: Tetsuya Itano ,  Hiroki Hiyama ,  Kazuhiro Saito ,  Kohichi Nakamura ,  Yu Maehashi

Inventor： Tetsuya Itano ,  Hiroki Hiyama ,  Kazuhiro Saito ,  Kohichi Nakamura ,  Yu Maehashi

IPC: H01L27/146

CPC classification number: H04N5/378 ,  H04N5/3742

Abstract: A solid-state imaging apparatus includes a plurality of pixels arrayed in a matrix, and configured to generate signals by photoelectric conversion; a plurality of read-out circuits disposed on each column of the plurality of pixels arrayed in a matrix pattern, and configured to read out the signals from the plurality of pixels; a plurality of comparison units configured to compare the signals output from the plurality of read-out circuits with a reference signal whose level changes with time; a counter configured to count a clock signal after the level of the reference signal starts a change; a storage unit configured, when a magnitude relationship between the signals output from the plurality of the read-out circuits and the reference signal is reversed; and a reset unit configured to reset the count value stored in the storage unit.

Abstract translation: 固态成像装置包括以矩阵排列的多个像素，并且被配置为通过光电转换产生信号; 多个读出电路，设置在以矩阵图案排列的多个像素的每列上，并且被配置为从多个像素读出信号; 多个比较单元，被配置为将从多个读出电路输出的信号与其电平随时间变化的参考信号进行比较; 配置为在参考信号的电平开始变化之后对时钟信号进行计数的计数器; 存储单元，当从所述多个读出电路输出的信号与所述参考信号之间的大小关系被反转时， 以及复位单元，被配置为重置存储在存储单元中的计数值。

公开(公告)号：US20130087685A1

公开(公告)日：2013-04-11

申请号：US13608145

申请日：2012-09-10

Applicant: Tetsuya Itano ,  Hiroki Hiyama ,  Kazuhiro Saito ,  Kohichi Nakamura ,  Koichiro Iwata ,  Yu Maehashi ,  Takeshi Akiyama

Inventor： Tetsuya Itano ,  Hiroki Hiyama ,  Kazuhiro Saito ,  Kohichi Nakamura ,  Koichiro Iwata ,  Yu Maehashi ,  Takeshi Akiyama

IPC: H01L27/148

CPC classification number: H04N5/3572 ,  H04N5/365 ,  H04N5/3742 ,  H04N5/378

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a plurality of unit pixels arranged in a matrix and configured to generate a signal by photoelectric conversion, a plurality of pixel output lines connected to each column of the unit pixels, a plurality of column amplifiers configured to amplify a signal of the pixel output lines, and a driving circuit configured to generate a control signal of the column amplifiers. Each of the column amplifiers includes first and second input terminals, an output terminal, an input capacitance between the first and second input terminals, and a first switch between the second input and output terminals. The driving circuit is configured to generate the control signal so as to make a period for switching the first switch from a conductive state to a non-conductive state longer than a period for switching the first switch from the non-conductive state to the conductive state.

Abstract translation: 一种成像装置，包括以矩阵形式布置并被配置为通过光电转换产生信号的多个单位像素，连接到单位像素的每列的多个像素输出线，多个列放大器，被配置为放大 像素输出线以及被配置为产生列放大器的控制信号的驱动电路。 每个列放大器包括第一和第二输入端子，输出端子，第一和第二输入端子之间的输入电容以及第二输入和输出端子之间的第一开关。 驱动电路被配置为产生控制信号，以便使第一开关从导通状态切换到非导通状态的时段长于将第一开关从非导通状态切换到导通状态的时段 。

公开(公告)号：US08355066B2

公开(公告)日：2013-01-15

申请号：US13417960

申请日：2012-03-12

Applicant: Koichiro Iwata ,  Tetsuya Itano ,  Hidekazu Takahashi

Inventor： Koichiro Iwata ,  Tetsuya Itano ,  Hidekazu Takahashi

IPC: H04N3/14 ,  H04N5/335

CPC classification number: H04N5/376 ,  H04N5/2327 ,  H04N5/3532

Abstract: A solid-state imaging apparatus includes: a pixel region including a plurality of pixels, each including a photoelectric conversion element, arranged in matrix, and a reset switch for discharging electric charge of the photoelectric conversion element; and a first scanning circuit for supplying a reset control signal for controlling an operation of the reset switch, the pixel region and the first scanning circuit being formed on a semiconductor substrate, in which the pixel region includes a first pixel region and a second pixel region, and the first scanning circuit includes a first decoder for controlling the operation of the reset switch arranged in the first pixel region, and a second decoder for controlling the operation of the reset switch arranged in the second pixel region.

Abstract translation: 固态成像装置包括：包括多个像素的像素区域，每个像素包括矩阵布置的光电转换元件和用于放电光电转换元件的电荷的复位开关; 以及第一扫描电路，用于提供用于控制复位开关的操作的复位控制信号，像素区域和第一扫描电路形成在半导体衬底上，其中像素区域包括第一像素区域和第二像素区域 并且第一扫描电路包括用于控制布置在第一像素区域中的复位开关的操作的第一解码器和用于控制布置在第二像素区域中的复位开关的操作的第二解码器。

公开(公告)号：US20120286140A1

公开(公告)日：2012-11-15

申请号：US13512281

申请日：2010-11-29

Applicant: Tetsuya Itano ,  Kazuo Yamazaki ,  Nobuyuki Endo ,  Kyouhei Watanabe

Inventor： Tetsuya Itano ,  Kazuo Yamazaki ,  Nobuyuki Endo ,  Kyouhei Watanabe

IPC: H01L27/148

CPC classification number: H04N5/361 ,  H01L27/14609 ,  H01L27/14612 ,  H01L27/14634 ,  H01L27/1464 ,  H04N5/3698 ,  H04N5/3742

Abstract: Dark current from a transfer transistor is suppressed and power-supply voltage in a second semiconductor substrate is lowered. A solid-state image pickup device includes a pixel array, a plurality of common output lines receiving signals read out from a plurality of pixels, a transfer scanning unit sequentially driving the plurality of transfer transistors, a signal processing unit processing the signals output to the common signal lines, and a level shift unit making amplitude of a pulse supplied to a gate of the transfer transistor larger than amplitude of a pulse supplied to a gate of a transistor constituting the signal processing unit. The pixel array and the level shift unit are arranged on a first semiconductor substrate, whereas the plurality of common output lines and the signal processing unit are arranged on a second semiconductor substrate.

Abstract translation: 来自转移晶体管的暗电流被抑制，并且第二半导体衬底中的电源电压降低。 一种固态摄像装置，包括：像素阵列，多个公共输出线，接收从多个像素读出的信号;顺序地驱动多个传输晶体管的传送扫描单元;信号处理单元，处理输出到 公共信号线和电平移位单元，使提供给转移晶体管的栅极的脉冲的幅度大于提供给构成信号处理单元的晶体管的栅极的脉冲的幅度。 像素阵列和电平移位单元布置在第一半导体衬底上，而多个公共输出线和信号处理单元布置在第二半导体衬底上。

公开(公告)号：US20120267690A1

公开(公告)日：2012-10-25

申请号：US13517357

申请日：2010-12-22

Applicant: Nobuyuki Endo ,  Tetsuya Itano ,  Kazuo Yamazaki ,  Kyouhei Watanabe ,  Takeshi Ichikawa

Inventor： Nobuyuki Endo ,  Tetsuya Itano ,  Kazuo Yamazaki ,  Kyouhei Watanabe ,  Takeshi Ichikawa

IPC: H01L27/148

CPC classification number: H01L27/14636 ,  H01L27/14632 ,  H01L27/14643 ,  H01L27/1465

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid-state image pickup device. The device includes a first substrate including a photoelectric conversion element and a transfer gate electrode configured to transfer charge from the photoelectric conversion element, a second substrate having a peripheral circuit portion including a circuit configured to read a signal based charge generated in the photoelectric conversion element, the first and second substrates being laminated. The device further includes a multilayer interconnect structure, disposed on the first substrate, including an aluminum interconnect and a multilayer interconnect structure, disposed on the second substrate, including a copper interconnect.

Abstract translation: 本发明涉及一种固态图像拾取装置。 该装置包括：第一基板，包括光电转换元件和被配置为从光电转换元件传送电荷的转移栅电极;第二基板，具有外围电路部分，其包括被配置为读取在光电转换元件中产生的基于信号的电荷 第一和第二基板被层压。 该器件还包括多层互连结构，其设置在第一衬底上，包括铝互连和多层互连结构，设置在第二衬底上，包括铜互连。

公开(公告)号：US08293561B2

公开(公告)日：2012-10-23

申请号：US13442235

申请日：2012-04-09

Applicant: Takanori Watanabe ,  Tetsuya Itano ,  Mahito Shinohara

Inventor： Takanori Watanabe ,  Tetsuya Itano ,  Mahito Shinohara

IPC: H04N5/335

CPC classification number: H04N5/3598 ,  H04N5/3595 ,  H04N5/374

Abstract: There is provided an image pickup device, including a photoelectric conversion element converting light into charges, a transfer gate for transferring the converted charges to a floating node, a source follower transistor for outputting a signal based on a voltage of the floating node to a signal line, and a clip circuit clipping the signal line at a first voltage and a second voltage.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种图像拾取装置，包括将光转换成电荷的光电转换元件，用于将转换的电荷转移到浮动节点的传输门，源极跟随器晶体管，用于基于浮动节点的电压将信号输出到信号 线和钳位电路，在第一电压和第二电压下限幅信号线。