Abstract: A method for delivering multiple write commands is provided. The method includes: encoding data to be written and corresponding addresses in the multiple write commands to obtain encoded data and an encoded address, wherein the addresses are not sequential; generating a virtual burst write command according to the encoded data and the encoded addresses; and transmitting a virtual burst-mode start indicator and the virtual burst write command through a serial bus.

Abstract: A method for delivering multiple write commands is provided. The method includes: encoding data to be written and corresponding addresses in the multiple write commands to obtain encoded data and an encoded address, wherein the addresses are not sequential; generating a virtual burst write command according to the encoded data and the encoded addresses; and transmitting a virtual burst-mode start indicator and the virtual burst write command through a serial bus.

Abstract: An image sensor includes readout circuits coupled to read out integrated light signals from pixels via bitlines respectively. Each readout circuit includes a correlated double sampling (CDS) circuit, followed by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). At least two pixels of a row share a bitline and an associated readout circuit. The ADC operates concurrently with the CDS circuit, such that their operating periods are substantially overlapped with each other.

Abstract: An image sensor includes readout circuits coupled to read out integrated light signals from pixels via bitlines respectively. Each readout circuit includes a correlated double sampling (CDS) circuit, followed by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). At least two pixels of a row share a bitline and an associated readout circuit. The ADC operates concurrently with the CDS circuit, such that their operating periods are substantially overlapped with each other.

Abstract: A method of adaptively reducing power consumption in an image sensor includes using an electronic rolling shutter to reset pixels of the image sensor row by row. Signal charges are read out from the pixels row by row, followed by obtaining an integration time and a frame height. A power-saving signal is generated when the integration time is substantially greater than the frame height, and at least a circuitry that is not required to operate during an active period of the power-saving signal is turned off.

Abstract: A method of adaptively reducing power consumption in an image sensor includes using an electronic rolling shutter to reset pixels of the image sensor row by row. Signal charges are read out from the pixels row by row, followed by obtaining an integration time and a frame height. A power-saving signal is generated when the integration time is substantially greater than the frame height, and at least a circuitry that is not required to operate during an active period of the power-saving signal is turned off.

Abstract: Multi-phase black level calibration (BLC) methods and systems are generally disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, an image sensor comprises a pixel sensor array, a timing generator, and a front-end processing block. The front-end processing block also includes a first summing junction, a first BLC block, and a second BLC block. According to a first timing signal from the timing generator, the first BLC block is configured to iteratively generate a first calibration signal in a first phase based on a first set of adjusted black level signals associated with a first set of black pixels, a changing accumulator step, and a predetermined condition associated with a first target black level. According to a second timing signal from the timing generator, the second BLC block is configured to generate a second calibration signal for a second summing junction to apply to an image signal associated with one or more active pixels in the frame in a second phase.

Abstract: Multi-phase black level calibration (BLC) methods and systems are generally disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, an image sensor comprises a pixel sensor array, a timing generator, and a front-end processing block. The front-end processing block also includes a first summing junction, a first BLC block, and a second BLC block. According to a first timing signal from the timing generator, the first BLC block is configured to iteratively generate a first calibration signal in a first phase based on a first set of adjusted black level signals associated with a first set of black pixels, a changing accumulator step, and a predetermined condition associated with a first target black level. According to a second timing signal from the timing generator, the second BLC block is configured to generate a second calibration signal for a second summing junction to apply to an image signal associated with one or more active pixels in the frame in a second phase.