Patents Assigned to Pixel Devices International, Inc.
  • Patent number: 6459078
    Abstract: An imaging element and an imaging array constructed from such elements. The preferred imaging element is constructed from a photodiode having a parasitic capacitance Cpd; and an amplifier for measuring the charge stored on the parasitic capacitor. The amplifier includes an opamp having a signal input, reference input and output; the first terminal of the parasitic capacitor is connected to the signal input. The imaging element includes a reset switch for shorting the signal input and the output of the opamp, and capacitive network. The capacitive network connects the signal input and the output of the opamp, and provides a capacitance of CT between the signal input and the output of the opamp wherein CT<Cpd. The capacitive network is constructed from a plurality of component capacitors. Preferably each component capacitor has a capacitance greater than or equal to Cpd. An imaging array according to the invention includes a plurality of imaging elements, a signal bus, a reset bus, and a reset circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Pixel Devices International, Inc.
    Inventor: Boyd Fowler