Abstract: An improved image sensing array including a semiconductive substrate having formed therein an array of discrete substrate areas organized in rows and columns. The array of areas is segmented into a plurality of blocks, each including a sub-array of the areas. At least one of the rows of each block has at least one reader cell formed therein, and the remaining rows of the block have photosensor cells formed in each area thereof. Each column of each block forms a column block including a plurality of photosensor cells, and a node line communicatively coupling each photosensor cell of the column block to an associated reader cell. A row address line is coupled to each photosensor cell in a particular row of the array. A column bit line is coupled to each reader cell in a particular column of the array. A block select line is coupled to each reader cell in a particular row of the array containing reader cells.

Abstract: A gain enhanced cascoded CMOS amplifier includes: a cascading transistor having its source connected to a folding point node, its drain connected to a first amplifier output terminal, and a gate, the folding point node being coupled to a first power supply terminal; a gain enhancing circuit having a negative input terminal coupled to the first folding point node, a positive input terminal responsive to a first reference voltage source, and an output terminal coupled to the gate of the first cascoding transistor; a first output coupling circuit coupling the first amplifier output terminal to a second power supply terminal; a first input transistor having a gate responsive to a first input voltage, a source, and a drain, the first input transistor having particular physical dimensions; and a first pole-isolating transistor having a drain connected to the first folding point node, a source connected to the drain of the first input transistor, and a gate responsive to an isolation bias voltage, the first pole iso

Abstract: An active pixel sensing structure includes an array of pixel unit cells each of which an adapted to alternate between a light sensing mode wherein the cell outputs an image signal and a reset mode wherein the cell outputs a reset signal. The image signal is proportional to light incident on the cell, and the reset signal is proportional to a predefined reference potential. An improved readout circuit according to the present invention includes a first sample and hold component for receiving and storing the image signal, and second sample and hold component for receiving and storing the reset signal. A signal amplifier is provided for each sample and hold component. A switching circuit is operable between a first mode and a second mode. In the second mode, the first and second sample and hold components are operatively decoupled from the corresponding signal amplifiers while input terminals of the signal amplifiers are connected to a source of predetermined reference potential.