Abstract: An embodiment circuit includes a first source follower configured to be controlled by a voltage at a first node, a photodiode controllably coupled to the first node, and a bias transistor configured to be controlled by a bias voltage. The bias transistor has a first terminal coupled to an output of the first source follower. The circuit additionally includes a storage node controllably coupled to the output of the first source follower, and an amplifier controllably coupled between the storage node and an output line. Also included in the circuit is a controllable switching element configured to couple a second terminal of the bias transistor to a supply voltage in response to a pixel operating in a first mode, and to couple the second terminal of the bias transistor to the output line in response to the pixel operating in a second mode.

Abstract: A pixel arrangement includes a photodiode, a reset transistor configured to be controlled by a reset signal and coupled to a reset input voltage, a transfer gate transistor configured to transfer charge from the photodiode to a node, wherein the transfer gate transistor is controlled by a transfer gate voltage, and a source follower transistor controlled by the voltage on the node and coupled to a source follower voltage. A capacitor is coupled between the node and an input voltage. During a read operation the input voltage is increased to boost the voltage at the node. The increased input voltage may, for example, be one the reset input voltage, said source follower voltage, said transfer gate voltage and a boosting voltage.

Abstract: A pixel arrangement includes a photodiode, a reset transistor configured to be controlled by a reset signal and coupled to a reset input voltage, a transfer gate transistor configured to transfer charge from the photodiode to a node, wherein the transfer gate transistor is controlled by a transfer gate voltage, and a source follower transistor controlled by the voltage on the node and coupled to a source follower voltage. A capacitor is coupled between the node and an input voltage. During a read operation the input voltage is increased to boost the voltage at the node. The increased input voltage may, for example, be one the reset input voltage, said source follower voltage, said transfer gate voltage and a boosting voltage.

Abstract: A pixel has a photodiode configured to be sensitive to light. The pixel is arranged to use back side illumination. The pixel has at least one sample and hold capacitor which is arranged on the side of the photodiode remote from a side on which light impinges. The capacitor overlies at least part of the photodiode.

Abstract: A pixel is formed by two or more photodiodes and at least one transfer gate. The transfer gate is configured to transfer charge from each of the photodiodes to a common sense node, such that charge from the photodiodes is combined at the common sense node.

Abstract: A pixel arrangement includes a photodiode, a reset transistor configured to be controlled by a reset signal and coupled to a reset input voltage, a transfer gate transistor configured to transfer charge from the photodiode to a node, wherein the transfer gate transistor is controlled by a transfer gate voltage, and a source follower transistor controlled by the voltage on the node and coupled to a source follower voltage. A capacitor is coupled between the node and an input voltage. During a read operation the input voltage is increased to boost the voltage at the node. The increased input voltage may, for example, be one the reset input voltage, said source follower voltage, said transfer gate voltage and a boosting voltage.

Abstract: A keyboard may include a plurality of optical keys. Each optical key may include an optical module and an interaction surface. The optical key may be configured to be activated based on movement of an object on or adjacent the interaction surface. Each movement may produce a different output from the optical module to thereby generate a predetermined input for a device.

Abstract: An input device for an electronic device includes a proximity detector and a light source. The light source transmits light to a sensing area, which is reflected back to the proximity detector in the presence of an object in the vicinity of the sensing area, such that the proximity detector can produce an output indicative of a distance of the object from the proximity detector to give rise to a control signal for controlling the device.

Abstract: A pixel arrangement includes a photodiode, a reset transistor configured to be controlled by a reset signal and coupled to a reset input voltage, a transfer gate transistor configured to transfer charge from the photodiode to a node, wherein the transfer gate transistor is controlled by a transfer gate voltage, and a source follower transistor controlled by the voltage on the node and coupled to a source follower voltage. A capacitor is coupled between the node and an input voltage. During a read operation the input voltage is increased to boost the voltage at the node. The increased input voltage may, for example, be one the reset input voltage, said source follower voltage, said transfer gate voltage and a boosting voltage.

Abstract: An input device for an electronic device includes a proximity detector and a light source. The light source transmits light to a sensing area, which is reflected back to the proximity detector in the presence of an object in the vicinity of the sensing area, such that the proximity detector can produce an output indicative of a distance of the object from the proximity detector to give rise to a control signal for controlling the device.

Abstract: A keyboard may include a plurality of optical keys. Each optical key may include an optical module and an interaction surface. The optical key may be configured to be activated based on movement of an object on or adjacent the interaction surface. Each movement may produce a different output from the optical module to thereby generate a predetermined input for a device.

Abstract: A radiation source emits radiation, with respect to a touch sensitive surface, which is detected by a corresponding sensor. By sensing radiation levels in a sensing plane substantially parallel with said surface, a determination is made as to an instance of at least one touch of the surface by a touching object. Furthermore, the sensed radiation levels are processed to determine a relative pressure applied to the surface by the at least one touch based upon a parameter related to an approaching speed of the touching object.