Abstract: A configurable current source for imager readout system that can be operated as a simple-current-source or as a cascode-current-source. The configurable current source can be operated in a simple-current-source mode during circumstances when a low power supply voltage or large output signal swing is needed to output a pixel signal. The configurable current source can also be operated in a cascode-current-source mode for reduced nonlinearity and column-wise fixed pattern noise when power from a power supply is not a limitation. The configurable current source provides design flexibility and pixel optimization for imager development.

Abstract: An image sensor and a method of manufacturing the same, in which, a planarized layer is formed on a semiconductor substrate including a pixel array region, an optical black region, and a logic region to cover a photo sensing unit array in the pixel array region, a patterned metal layer is formed on the planarized layer corresponding to the pixel array region and the logic region, but not the optical black region. An optical black layer is formed in the optical black region after a passivation layer is formed and before a color filter array is formed at a temperature less than about 400° C., and preferably contains metal material.

Abstract: Signals from an imager pixel photodetector are received by an amplifier having capacitive feedback, such as a capacitive transimpedance amplifier (CTIA). The amplifier can be operated at a low or no power level during an integration period of a photodetector to reduce power dissipation. The amplifier can be distributed, with an amplifier element within each pixel of an array and with amplifier output circuitry outside the pixel array. The amplifier can be a single ended cascode amplifier, a folded cascode amplifier, a differential input telescopic cascode amplifier, or other configuration. The amplifier can be used in pixel configurations where the amplifier is directly connected to the photodetector, or in configurations which use a transfer transistor to couple signal charges to a floating diffusion node with the amplifier being coupled to the floating diffusion node.

Abstract: A system of reducing power consumption in and active pixels sensor. The sensor is broken into different blocks, and each of the blocks is individually optimized. The optimization may include minimizing the parasitic capacitance on the readout bus, turning off biases when not in use, and operating in a way that minimizes static power consumption of different elements such as A/D converters.

Abstract: A configurable current source for imager readout system that can be operated as a simple-current-source or as a cascode-current-source. The configurable current source can be operated in a simple-current-source mode during circumstances when a low power supply voltage or large output signal swing is needed to output a pixel signal. The configurable current source can also be operated in a cascode-current-source mode for reduced nonlinearity and column-wise fixed pattern noise when power from a power supply is not a limitation. The configurable current source provides design flexibility and pixel optimization for imager development.

Abstract: Signals from an imager pixel photodetector are received by an amplifier having capacitive feedback, such as a capacitive transimpedance amplifier (CTIA). The amplifier can be operated at a low or no power level during an integration period of a photodetector to reduce power dissipation. The amplifier can be distributed, with an amplifier element within each pixel of an array and with amplifier output circuitry outside the pixel array. The amplifier can be a single ended cascode amplifier, a folded cascode amplifier, a differential input telescopic cascode amplifier, or other configuration. The amplifier can be used in pixel configurations where the amplifier is directly connected to the photodetector, or in configurations which use a transfer transistor to couple signal charges to a floating diffusion node with the amplifier being coupled to the floating diffusion node.

Abstract: A new capacitor architecture includes a front plate of the capacitor formed from a first polysilicon layer. The front plate is surrounded by a first dielectric layer and a second dielectric layer. The back plate of the capacitor is formed from one layer of a first two-layer conductive structure which surrounds the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer. The two-layer conductive structure is an equal potential structure and includes a conductive coupling between the two layers.

Abstract: Signals from an imager pixel photodetector are received by an amplifier having capacitive feedback, such as a capacitive transimpedance amplifier (CTIA). The amplifier can be operated at a low or no power level during an integration period of a photodetector to reduce power dissipation. The amplifier can be distributed, with an amplifier element within each pixel of an array and with amplifier output circuitry outside the pixel array. The amplifier can be a single ended cascode amplifier, a folded cascode amplifier, a differential input telescopic cascode amplifier, or other configuration. The amplifier can be used in pixel configurations where the amplifier is directly connected to the photodetector, or in configurations which use a transfer transistor to couple signal charges to a floating diffusion node with the amplifier being coupled to the floating diffusion node.

Abstract: Signals from an imager pixel photodetector are received by an amplifier having capacitive feedback, such as a capacitive transimpedance amplifier (CTIA). The amplifier can be operated at a low or no power level during an integration period of a photodetector to reduce power dissipation. The amplifier can be distributed, with an amplifier element within each pixel of an array and with amplifier output circuitry outside the pixel array. The amplifier can be a single ended cascode amplifier, a folded cascode amplifier, a differential input telescopic cascode amplifier, or other configuration. The amplifier can be used in pixel configurations where the amplifier is directly connected to the photodetector, or in configurations which use a transfer transistor to couple signal charges to a floating diffusion node with the amplifier being coupled to the floating diffusion node.

Abstract: Signals from an imager pixel photodetector are received by an amplifier having capacitive feedback, such as a capacitive transimpedance amplifier (CTIA). The amplifier can be operated at a low or no power level during an integration period of a photodetector to reduce power dissipation. The amplifier can be distributed, with an amplifier element within each pixel of an array and with amplifier output circuitry outside the pixel array. The amplifier can be a single ended cascode amplifier, a folded cascode amplifier, a differential input telescopic cascode amplifier, or other configuration. The amplifier can be used in pixel configurations where the amplifier is directly connected to the photodetector, or in configurations which use a transfer transistor to couple signal charges to a floating diffusion node with the amplifier being coupled to the floating diffusion node.

Abstract: A configurable current source for imager readout system that can be operated as a simple-current-source or as a cascode-current-source. The configurable current source can be operated in a simple-current-source mode during circumstances when a low power supply voltage or large output signal swing is needed to output a pixel signal. The configurable current source can also be operated in a cascode-current-source mode for reduced nonlinearity and column-wise fixed pattern noise when power from a power supply is not a limitation. The configurable current source provides design flexibility and pixel optimization for imager development.

Abstract: A reference voltage generator for use in an image sensor provides a reference voltage to an S/H block during a pixel read-out operation and another reference voltage to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) during a digitization operation. The reference voltage generator includes a variable voltage generator, a sample-and-hold circuit to sample a reference voltage prior to the pixel read-out operation or the digitization operation, and a buffer amplifier to drive the appropriate reference voltage to the relatively high impedance load presented by the S/H block and the variable impedance load provided by the ADC.

Abstract: An apparatus such as an imager includes groups of sensors each of which includes subgroups of sensors. Subgroup select circuits are coupled to outputs from respective subgroups of sensors, and group select circuits are coupled to outputs from subgroup select circuits associated with respective ones of the groups. A bus is coupled to receive outputs from the group select circuits. A controller can provide control signals to the subgroup select circuits and the group select circuits to selectively enable the respective subgroup select circuits and group select circuits to pass signals from the sensors to the bus one sensor at a time.

Abstract: A new capacitor architecture includes a front plate of the capacitor formed form a first polysilicon layer. The front plate is surround by a first dielectric layer and a second dielectric layer. The back plate of the capacitor is formed from one layer of a first two-layer conductive structure which surrounds the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer. The two-layer conductive structure is an equal potential structure and includes a conductive coupling between the two layers.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments include receiving input defining dimensions for a workcell and a size and location for one or more objects within the workcell, receiving input defining a walking velocity for an operator within the workcell and one or more tasks to be completed during a workcell cycle, receiving input defining one or more times and locations to complete the one or more tasks within the workcell, calculating a total walking time to complete the one or more tasks during the workcell cycle based upon the size and location of the object(s), the time(s) and location(s) to complete the task(s) and the operator walking velocity, and outputting the total walking time for the workcell cycle and a graphical representation of the workcell including the object(s) and an operator walking path between points within the workcell at which the one or more tasks are completed.

Abstract: An apparatus such as an imager includes groups of sensors each of which includes subgroups of sensors. Subgroup select circuits are coupled to outputs from respective subgroups of sensors, and group select circuits are coupled to outputs from subgroup select circuits associated with respective ones of the groups. A bus is coupled to receive outputs from the group select circuits. A controller can provide control signals to the subgroup select circuits and the group select circuits to selectively enable the respective subgroup select circuits and group select circuits to pass signals from the sensors to the bus one sensor at a time.

Abstract: Signals from an imager pixel photodetector are received by an amplifier having capacitive feedback, such as a capacitive transimpedance amplifier (CTIA). The amplifier can be operated at a low or no power level during an integration period of a photodetector to reduce power dissipation. The amplifier can be distributed, with an amplifier element within each pixel of an array and with amplifier output circuitry outside the pixel array. The amplifier can be a single ended cascode amplifier, a folded cascode amplifier, a differential input telescopic cascode amplifier, or other configuration. The amplifier can be used in pixel configurations where the amplifier is directly connected to the photodetector, or in configurations which use a transfer transistor to couple signal charges to a floating diffusion node with the amplifier being coupled to the floating diffusion node.

Abstract: A sensor includes a gain stage with a differential amplifier with an adjustable gain. The differential amplifier may change its gain in response to the magnitude of a signal readout from the pixel array. The differential amplifier includes an input transistor with an adjustable transconductance. A transconductance controller can change the bias currents supplied to one or more sets of parallel transistors in the input transistor and consequently change the transconductance, and power consumption, of the input transistor. The transconductance controller can select a transconductance setting that is associated with a selected gain setting in order to more efficiently match the power consumption of the amplifier to its gain.

Abstract: A voltage amplifier is provided. The voltage amplifier includes an amplifier stage to amplify an input signal. A bias current generator supplies a bias current to the amplifier stage. The bias current generator is controllable in response to a frame rate signal that is representative of a video frame rate. A compensation network stabilizes a loop response of the voltage amplifier. The compensation network is controllable in response to the frame rate signal.

Abstract: Circuits, methods, and systems are disclosed in which a current is provided to compensate for spurious current while receiving signals through a line. For example, the spurious current can be sensed and the compensating current can be approximately equal to the sensed spurious current. The spurious current could include photocurrent from a bright light, and the compensating current can prevent bright light effects.