Patents by Inventor Frederic LaLanne

Frederic LaLanne has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20200068148
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an integrated image sensor includes an array of pixels in which each pixel includes a photosensitive area configured to integrate a luminous signal by generating electron-hole pairs so as to form a first signal representative of the number of electrons in the generated electron-hole pairs and a second signal representative of the number of holes in the generated electron-hole pairs. A first circuit portion is configured to store the first signal sheltered from light. A second circuit portion is configured to store the second signal sheltered from light. A third circuit portion is configured to read the first signal and the second signal and able to perform combination operations between the first signal and the second signal so as to generate a combined signal representative of an image, where the integrated image sensor is tailored to operate in a global shutter control mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Inventors: Pierre Malinge, Frédéric Lalanne
  • Patent number: 10566376
    Abstract: An image sensor device may include an array of image sensing pixels arranged in rows and columns. Each image sensing pixel may include an image sensing photodiode, a first source follower transistor coupled to the image sensing photodiode, and a switch coupled to the image sensing photodiode. Each image sensor device may include a second source follower transistor coupled to the switch, and a row selection transistor coupled to the first and second source follower transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS (CROLLES 2) SAS
    Inventors: Francois Roy, Frédéric Lalanne, Pierre Emmanuel Marie Malinge
  • Patent number: 10397503
    Abstract: A photodiode produces photogenerated charges in response to exposure to light. An integration period collects the photogenerated charges. Collected photogenerated charges in excess of an overflow threshold are passed to an overflow sense node. Remaining collected photogenerated charges are passed to a sense node. A first signal representing the overflow photogenerated charges is read from the overflow sense node. A second signal representing the remaining photogenerated charges is read from the sense node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Crolles 2) SAS
    Inventors: Pierre Emmanuel Marie Malinge, Frederic Lalanne
  • Publication number: 20190252457
    Abstract: Image sensors and methods of manufacturing image sensors are provided herein. In an embodiment, a method of manufacturing an image sensor includes forming a structure having a front side and a back side. The structure includes a semiconductor layer extending between the front side and the back side of the structure, and a capacitive insulation wall extending through the semiconductor layer between the front side and the back side of the structure. The capacitive insulation wall includes first and second insulating walls separated by a region of a conductive or semiconductor material. The method further includes selectively etching, from the back side of the structure, portions of the semiconductor layer and the region of conductive or semiconductor material, while retaining adjacent portions of the first and second insulating walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Frederic LALANNE, Laurent GAY, Pascal FONTENEAU, Yann HENRION, Francois GUYADER
  • Publication number: 20180366510
    Abstract: An image sensor device may include an array of image sensing pixels arranged in rows and columns. Each image sensing pixel may include an image sensing photodiode, a first source follower transistor coupled to the image sensing photodiode, and a switch coupled to the image sensing photodiode. Each image sensor device may include a second source follower transistor coupled to the switch, and a row selection transistor coupled to the first and second source follower transistors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Francois Roy, Frédéric Lalanne, Pierre Emmanuel Marie Malinge
  • Patent number: 10153318
    Abstract: An image sensor device may include an array of image sensing pixels arranged in rows and columns. Each image sensing pixel may include an image sensing photodiode, a first source follower transistor coupled to the image sensing photodiode, and a switch coupled to the image sensing photodiode. Each image sensor device may include a second source follower transistor coupled to the switch, and a row selection transistor coupled to the first and second source follower transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS (CROLLES 2) SAS
    Inventors: François Roy, Frédéric Lalanne, Pierre Emmanuel Marie Malinge
  • Patent number: 10090355
    Abstract: An image sensor device may include an array of image sensing pixels arranged in rows and columns. Each image sensing pixel may include an image sensing photodiode, a first source follower transistor coupled to the image sensing photodiode, and a switch coupled to the image sensing photodiode. Each image sensor device may include a second source follower transistor coupled to the switch, and a row selection transistor coupled to the first and second source follower transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS (CROLLES 2) SAS
    Inventors: François Roy, Frédéric Lalanne, Pierre Emmanuel Marie Malinge
  • Publication number: 20180167567
    Abstract: A photodiode produces photogenerated charges in response to exposure to light. An integration period collects the photogenerated charges. Collected photogenerated charges in excess of an overflow threshold are passed to an overflow sense node. Remaining collected photogenerated charges are passed to a sense node. A first signal representing the overflow photogenerated charges is read from the overflow sense node. A second signal representing the remaining photogenerated charges is read from the sense node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics (Crolles 2) SAS
    Inventors: Pierre Emmanuel Marie Malinge, Frederic Lalanne
  • Patent number: 9923016
    Abstract: A pixel including a photodiode having a first pole coupled through a transfer MOS transistor to a node for sensing charges of a first type stored in the photodiode, and having a second pole connected to a storage capacitor and to a circuit for reading charges of a second type sent to the storage capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Crolles 2) SAS
    Inventors: Frédéric Lalanne, Pierre Emmanuel Marie Malinge
  • Publication number: 20170186806
    Abstract: A pixel including a photodiode having a first pole coupled through a transfer MOS transistor to a node for sensing charges of a first type stored in the photodiode, and having a second pole connected to a storage capacitor and to a circuit for reading charges of a second type sent to the storage capacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Inventors: Frédéric Lalanne, Pierre Emmanuel Marie Malinge
  • Patent number: 9570498
    Abstract: An image sensor device may include an array of image sensing pixels arranged in rows and columns. Each image sensing pixel may include an image sensing photodiode, a first source follower transistor coupled to the image sensing photodiode, and a switch coupled to the image sensing photodiode. Each image sensor device may include a second source follower transistor coupled to the switch, and a row selection transistor coupled to the first and second source follower transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS (CROLLES 2) SAS
    Inventors: François Roy, Frédéric Lalanne, Pierre Emmanuel Marie Malinge
  • Publication number: 20170005129
    Abstract: An image sensor device may include an array of image sensing pixels arranged in rows and columns. Each image sensing pixel may include an image sensing photodiode, a first source follower transistor coupled to the image sensing photodiode, and a switch coupled to the image sensing photodiode. Each image sensor device may include a second source follower transistor coupled to the switch, and a row selection transistor coupled to the first and second source follower transistors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: François ROY, Frédèric LALANNE, Pierre Emmanuel Marie MALINGE
  • Publication number: 20170005130
    Abstract: An image sensor device may include an array of image sensing pixels arranged in rows and columns. Each image sensing pixel may include an image sensing photodiode, a first source follower transistor coupled to the image sensing photodiode, and a switch coupled to the image sensing photodiode. Each image sensor device may include a second source follower transistor coupled to the switch, and a row selection transistor coupled to the first and second source follower transistors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: François ROY, Frédéric LALANNE, Pierre Emmanuel Marie MALINGE
  • Patent number: 9531979
    Abstract: An IC image sensor device may include image sensing IC pixels arranged in an array, and pixel line pairs coupled to the image sensing IC pixels. The IC image sensor device may include circuitry coupled to the pixel line pairs and configured to operate the array in a global shutter mode. Each pair of the pixel line pairs may include a pair of spaced electrical conductors having a twist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignees: STMICROELECTRONICS (GRENOBLE 2) SAS, STMICROELECTRONICS (CROLLES 2) SAS
    Inventors: Frédéric Lalanne, Christophe Mandier
  • Publication number: 20160191758
    Abstract: An IC image sensor device may include image sensing IC pixels arranged in an array, and pixel line pairs coupled to the image sensing IC pixels. The IC image sensor device may include circuitry coupled to the pixel line pairs and configured to operate the array in a global shutter mode. Each pair of the pixel line pairs may include a pair of spaced electrical conductors having a twist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Frédéric LALANNE, Christophe MANDlER
  • Publication number: 20160190199
    Abstract: An image sensor device may include an array of image sensing pixels arranged in rows and columns. Each image sensing pixel may include an image sensing photodiode, a first source follower transistor coupled to the image sensing photodiode, and a switch coupled to the image sensing photodiode. Each image sensor device may include a second source follower transistor coupled to the switch, and a row selection transistor coupled to the first and second source follower transistors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: François ROY, Frédéric LALANNE, Pierre Emmanuel Marie MALINGE
  • Patent number: 8952436
    Abstract: A DRAM memory device includes at least one memory cell including a transistor having a first electrode, a second electrode and a control electrode. A capacitor is coupled to the first electrode. At least one electrically conductive line is coupled to the second electrode and at least one second electrically conductive line is coupled to the control electrode. The electrically conductive lines are located between the transistor and the capacitor. The capacitor can be provided above a fifth metal level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Crolles 2) SAS
    Inventors: Sébastien Cremer, Frédérìc Lalanne, Marc Vernet
  • Patent number: 8791401
    Abstract: A method for controlling a pixel may include first and second photosites, each having a photodiode and a charge-transfer transistor, a read node, and an electronic read element, all of which are common to all the photosites. The method may include an accumulation of photogenerated charges in the photodiode of the first photosite during a first period, an accumulation of photogenerated charges in the photodiode of the second photosite during a second period shorter than the first period, a selection of the signal corresponding to the quantity of charges accumulated in the photodiode of a photosite having the highest unsaturated intensity or else a saturation signal, and a digitization of the selected signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignees: STMicroelectronics (Crolles 2) SAS, STMicroelectronics SA
    Inventors: Frederic Barbier, Frederic Lalanne
  • Patent number: 8686483
    Abstract: A photosite may include, in a semi-conductor substrate, a photodiode pinched in the direction of the depth of the substrate including a charge storage zone, and a charge transfer transistor to transfer the stored charge. The charge storage zone may include a pinching in a first direction passing through the charge transfer transistor defining a constriction zone adjacent to the charge transfer transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignees: STMicroelectronics SA, STMicroelectronics (Crolles 2) SAS
    Inventors: Julien Michelot, Francois Roy, Frederic Lalanne
  • Publication number: 20130039113
    Abstract: A DRAM memory device includes at least one memory cell including a transistor having a first electrode, a second electrode and a control electrode. A capacitor is coupled to the first electrode. At least one electrically conductive line is coupled to the second electrode and at least one second electrically conductive line is coupled to the control electrode. The electrically conductive lines are located between the transistor and the capacitor. The capacitor can be provided above a fifth metal level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS (CROLLES 2) SAS
    Inventors: Sébastien Cremer, Frédérìc Lalanne, Marc Vernet