Abstract: A sigma-delta converter comprises a sigma-delta modulator suitable for supplying a series of binary samples (BS(k)) representative of an analogue input signal (Vin) to be digitized, in which at least one analogue signal internal to the modulator is weighted by a coefficient that is variable according to a first predetermined law (f).

Abstract: A sigma-delta converter comprises a sigma-delta modulator suitable for supplying a series of binary samples (BS(k)) representative of an analogue input signal (Vin) to be digitized, in which at least one analogue signal internal to the modulator is weighted by a coefficient that is variable according to a first predetermined law (f).

Abstract: An electronic read circuit for a radiation detector comprises: an element sensitive to the radiation, an injection circuit, able to inject a charge at one terminal of the sensitive element, the injection circuit extending between at least one input terminal and one output terminal, the output terminal being able to be connected to the sensitive element, the injection circuit being able to produce a charge under the effect of a trigger pulse. The injection circuit is able to inject a first charge when an input terminal is connected to a first input potential and a second charge when an input terminal is connected to a second input potential. The circuit comprises means for storing a difference between an output potential of the injection circuit, called equilibrium potential, and a reference potential, such that the second charge depends on the second input potential and on the equilibrium potential.

Abstract: A method for processing signals collected by pixels of a detector, each pixel being able to collect a signal under the effect of radiation to which the detector is subjected comprises: identifying a pixel, termed the affected pixel, generating a signal greater than a threshold, defining at least one adjacent pixel of the affected pixel, and, for each adjacent pixel: selecting a first comparison group associated with the affected pixel and a second comparison group associated with the adjacent pixel, the first and second comparison groups not comprising any pixel in common, comparing signals collected by each comparison group so as to determine the comparison group that has accumulated the most significant amount of signal.

Abstract: An imaging device comprising comprises a matrix of pixels, at least one data conductor connected to several pixels of the matrix, organized row-wise and successively transporting signals delivered by respectively the pixels of the row and an electronic current generator supplying several pixels, each of the pixels comprising: a transistor delivering at the node of the pixel, the signal delivered by the pixel considered and wherein can flow a bias current from the current generator, and a first electronic switch connecting the node of the pixel to the data conductor associated with this pixel as a function of a selection signal of the pixel. Each of the pixels comprises a second electronic switch, distinct from the first electronic switch, joined to the node of the pixel, the current arising from the generator to be made to flow in the transistor as a function of the selection signal for the pixel.

Abstract: An electronic read circuit for a radiation detector comprises: an element sensitive to the radiation, an injection circuit, able to inject a charge at one terminal of the sensitive element, the injection circuit extending between at least one input terminal and one output terminal, the output terminal being able to be connected to the sensitive element, the injection circuit being able to produce a charge under the effect of a trigger pulse. The injection circuit is able to inject a first charge when an input terminal is connected to a first input potential and a second charge when an input terminal is connected to a second input potential. The circuit comprises means for storing a difference between an output potential of the injection circuit, called equilibrium potential, and a reference potential, such that the second charge depends on the second input potential and on the equilibrium potential.

Abstract: A method for processing signals collected by pixels of a detector, each pixel being able to collect a signal under the effect of radiation to which the detector is subjected comprises: identifying a pixel, termed the affected pixel, generating a signal greater than a threshold, defining at least one adjacent pixel of the affected pixel, and, for each adjacent pixel: selecting a first comparison group associated with the affected pixel and a second comparison group associated with the adjacent pixel, the first and second comparison groups not comprising any pixel in common, comparing signals collected by each comparison group so as to determine the comparison group that has accumulated the most significant amount of signal.

Abstract: An electronic read circuit for a radiation detector comprises: a comparator receiving a threshold potential and the potential from an integration node, said node being able to store electrical charges that are generated by a photosensitive element; a counter connected to the output of the comparator; and a counter-charge injection circuit comprising: a capacitor that stores counter-charges, a transfer transistor that can be turned on in order to transfer counter-charges from a terminal of the capacitor to the integration node whenever the comparator toggles, the transfer of the counter-charges bringing about a variation of potential at said terminal of the capacitor, and a regulation circuit for controlling the transfer transistor, said circuit comprising means for turning on the transfer transistor when the potential of the terminal of the capacitor is between two predetermined potentials that are independent of the transfer transistor.

Abstract: Enhancement of the reliability of an imaging device comprising several pixels is provided, each of the pixels comprising several first blocks of electronic components organized as a matrix and joined by links to row buses and column buses of the matrix allowing the powering and control of each of the first blocks for its nominal operation. Each of the pixels moreover comprises, associated with the first block, programmable means for disconnection of the first block from the at least one of the buses. Locating of a fault in a device is also provided, the fault occurring in one of the first blocks and leading to a generalized fault in several first blocks.

Abstract: An electronic read circuit for a radiation detector comprises: a comparator receiving a threshold potential and the potential from an integration node, said node being able to store electrical charges that are generated by a photosensitive element; a counter connected to the output of the comparator; and a counter-charge injection circuit comprising: a capacitor that stores counter-charges, a transfer transistor that can be turned on in order to transfer counter-charges from a terminal of the capacitor to the integration node whenever the comparator toggles, the transfer of the counter-charges bringing about a variation of potential at said terminal of the capacitor, and a regulation circuit for controlling the transfer transistor, said circuit comprising means for turning on the transfer transistor when the potential of the terminal of the capacitor is between two predetermined potentials that are independent of the transfer transistor.

Abstract: Enhancement of the reliability of an imaging device comprising several pixels is provided, each of the pixels comprising several first blocks of electronic components organized as a matrix and joined by links to row buses and column buses of the matrix allowing the powering and control of each of the first blocks for its nominal operation. Each of the pixels moreover comprises, associated with the first block, programmable means for disconnection of the first block from the at least one of the buses. Locating of a fault in a device is also provided, the fault occurring in one of the first blocks and leading to a generalized fault in several first blocks.

Abstract: A matrix microelectronic device includes elementary cells laid out according to a matrix. Each cell has a current source formed by a current source transistor. A source electrode of the transistor is connected to a source biasing conductor line of a plurality of source biasing conductor lines. A gate electrode of the transistor is connected to a gate biasing conductor line of a plurality of gate biasing conductor lines. A biasing device biases the gate biasing conductor lines and includes at least one first connection line that is connected to at least several of the gate biasing conductor lines. The biasing device includes a voltage generator or a current generator that causes a variation of potentials along the first connection line, thereby compensating a corresponding variation of potentials along the source biasing conductor lines. The device can include an addressing circuit for addressing horizontal lines or rows of the matrix.

Abstract: An imaging device comprising a matrix (10; 20; 30) of pixels (P(i,j); Q(i,j); R(i,j); X(i,j); Y(i,j)) organized in rows and columns, and a method for implementing said device. Each current pixel (P(i,j); Q(i,j); R(i,j); X(i,j); Y(i,j)) comprises: a row grouping switch (B(i,j)) making it possible to group the current pixel (P(i,j); Q(i,j); R(i,j); X(i,j); Y(i,j)) with the following pixel (P(i,j+1); Q(i,j+1); R(i,j+1); X(i,j+1); Y(i,j+1)) of the same row; a column grouping switch (A(i,j)) making it possible to group the current pixel (P(i,j); Q(i,j); R(i,j); X(i,j); Y(i,j)) with the following pixel (P(i+1,j); Q(i+1,j); R(i+1,j); X(i+1,j); Y(i+1,j)) of the same column; and storage means (M(i,j); U(i,j); V(i,j)) making it possible to define the state, on or off, of the two grouping switches (A(i,j), B(i,j)).

Abstract: An imaging device comprising comprises a matrix of pixels, at least one data conductor connected to several pixels of the matrix, organized row-wise and successively transporting signals delivered by respectively the pixels of the row and an electronic current generator supplying several pixels, each of the pixels comprising: a transistor delivering at the node of the pixel, the signal delivered by the pixel considered and wherein can flow a bias current from the current generator, and a first electronic switch connecting the node of the pixel to the data conductor associated with this pixel as a function of a selection signal of the pixel. Each of the pixels comprises a second electronic switch, distinct from the first electronic switch, joined to the node of the pixel, the current arising from the generator to be made to flow in the transistor as a function of the selection signal for the pixel.

Abstract: A matrix microelectronic device comprising: a plurality of cells arranged according to a matrix, one or several conductive lines provided to carry a given potential and to which respectively one or several cells of a row of cells of the matrix are linked, a plurality of voltage regulating elements, wherein said regulating elements are connected respectively between a cell of said plurality of cells and one of said conductive lines, said given potential serving as polarisation potential of said regulating elements, wherein said regulating elements are respectively provided to apply to said given cell a regulated polarisation potential.

Abstract: An analog/digital converter device associated with a detector of an image sensor, including: a comparator capable of receiving the analog signal and delivering a two-states output signal, able to adopt, depending on the analog signal, a first stable state or a second state, a charge injector capable of changing the analog signal by injection of at least one quantity of charges into the capacitor, and a mechanism for commanding the charge injector, capable of receiving the two-state signals and capable of triggering, depending on the two-state signals, plural injections of charges between at least two successive changes in state of the signal, from the first state to the second state and from the second state to the first state.

Abstract: This device for detecting electromagnetic radiation, in particular X-ray or ?-rays, includes: a sensing layer consisting of at least one material capable of interacting with said electromagnetic radiation to be detected, in order to liberate mobile charge carriers, whereof the movement generates an electric current; a substrate provided with a plurality of elementary collectors of the charge carriers thus liberated, said elementary collectors being distributed discretely; a transfer layer suitable for transferring the charge carriers liberated by the sensing layer at the elementary collectors, said layer being connected to the sensing layer; and an insulating adhesive mating layer, suitable for mating the plurality of elementary collectors and the transfer layer.

Abstract: An analog/digital converter device associated with a detector of an image sensor, including: a comparator capable of receiving the analog signal and delivering a two-states output signal, able to adopt, depending on the analog signal, a first stable state or a second state, a charge injector capable of changing the analog signal by injection of at least one quantity of charges into the capacitor, and a mechanism for commanding the charge injector, capable of receiving the two-state signals and capable of triggering, depending on the two-state signals, plural injections of charges between at least two successive changes in state of the signal, from the first state to the second state and from the second state to the first state.

Abstract: The invention relates to detectors for radiological imaging, and more particularly the X-ray matrix detectors, produced in the form of a CMOS technology pixel matrix, associated with a structure for converting X-rays into electrons. Each pixel comprises a reading circuit comprising on the one hand a comparator (COMP1) switching over each time a charge increment arrives resulting from the integration of a charge current generated by the lighting and on the other hand a counting circuit (CPT1, CPT2) for counting the number of switchovers of the comparator. The circuit for reading each pixel comprises a circuit (CMC) for analyzing the rate of the switchovers of the comparator, this analysis circuit acting on the counting circuit to modify its operation according to the result of the rate analysis. For example, the analysis circuit switches the counting pulses to one counter (CPT1) or another counter (CPT2) depending on the result of the analysis.

Abstract: This device for detecting electromagnetic radiation, in particular X-ray or ?-rays, includes: a sensing layer consisting of at least one material capable of interacting with said electromagnetic radiation to be detected, in order to liberate mobile charge carriers, whereof the movement generates an electric current; a substrate provided with a plurality of elementary collectors of the charge carriers thus liberated, said elementary collectors being distributed discretely; a transfer layer suitable for transferring the charge carriers liberated by the sensing layer at the elementary collectors, said layer being connected to the sensing layer; and an insulating adhesive mating layer, suitable for mating the plurality of elementary collectors and the transfer layer.