Abstract: An anti-eclipse circuit for an imaging sensor monitors the photo signal level output by a pixel to determine whether the photo signal corresponds to the pixel being operated at a saturated state. If so, there is a risk that the pixel may be susceptible to an eclipse distortion. When the pixel is detected as being operated in a saturated state, the anti-eclipse circuit pulls up the reset signal level previously stored in a sample and hold circuit to an appropriate voltage level in order to prevent an eclipse distortion from arising.

Abstract: An anti-eclipse circuit for an imaging sensor monitors the photo signal level output by a pixel to determine whether the photo signal corresponds to the pixel being operated at a saturated state. If so, there is a risk that the pixel may be susceptible to an eclipse distortion. When the pixel is detected as being operated in a saturated state, the anti-eclipse circuit pulls up the reset signal level previously stored in a sample and hold circuit to an appropriate voltage level in order to prevent an eclipse distortion from arising.

Abstract: An anti-eclipse circuit for an imaging sensor monitors the photo signal level output by a pixel to determine whether the photo signal corresponds to the pixel being operated at a saturated state. If so, there is a risk that the pixel may be susceptible to an eclipse distortion. When the pixel is detected as being operated in a saturated state, the anti-eclipse circuit pulls up the reset signal level previously stored in a sample and hold circuit to an appropriate voltage level in order to prevent an eclipse distortion from arising.

Abstract: An amplifier and method of fabricating and operating it are disclosed in which dynamically biased cascode transistors are provided in an output stage along with output transistors which are dynamically biased by differential control circuits to provide an output signal.

Abstract: An anti-eclipse circuit for an imaging sensor monitors the photo signal level output by a pixel to determine whether the photo signal corresponds to the pixel being operated at a saturated state. If so, there is a risk that the pixel may be susceptible to an eclipse distortion. When the pixel is detected as being operated in a saturated state, the anti-eclipse circuit pulls up the reset signal level previously stored in a sample and hold circuit to an appropriate voltage level in order to prevent an eclipse distortion from arising.

Abstract: An anti-eclipse circuit for an imaging sensor monitors the photo signal level output by a pixel to determine whether the photo signal corresponds to the pixel being operated at a saturated state. If so, there is a risk that the pixel may be susceptible to an eclipse distortion. When the pixel is detected as being operated in a saturated state, the anti-eclipse circuit pulls up the reset signal level previously stored in a sample and hold circuit to an appropriate voltage level in order to prevent an eclipse distortion from arising.

Abstract: Row drivers as a part of an image sensor device include circuitry for supplying a plurality of signals with an increased voltage and enhanced reliability to a corresponding row in a pixel array. The row driver circuitry is designed to input a signal such as row select, reset or transfer and additionally input a boosted voltage supply. The row select, reset, or transfer signal is then output with a boosted voltage that is higher than the operating voltage supply. The row driver circuit is configured so that all terminal voltages across any of the plurality of transistors within the row driver circuit are less than or equal to the operating voltage supply.

Abstract: An amplifier includes a differential stage including a differential pair of transistors of a first conductivity type, the differential pair having gates, first and second inputs to the amplifier respectively including the gates of the differential pair; a current sum branch coupled to the differential stage, the current sum branch including a variable current source and being configured to sum current from the variable current source with current from the differential stage that flows to the current sum branch if a voltage at the first input exceeds a voltage at the second input; and an output stage coupled to the current sum branch. An imaging device and a method of manufacturing an amplifier are also provided.

Abstract: A method for performing successive approximation analog-to-digital conversions in an imaging device. Analog-to-digital converters connected to the columns of pixels in the imager are initially grouped. Depending on the column or group the analog-to-digital converter is associated with, a different respective portion of a digital code corresponding to the analog pixel signals input from the respective column undergoes conversion in a manner that substantially reduces capacitive loading within each analog-to-digital converter.

Abstract: A differential amplifier includes an output stage, a first common mode feedback circuit; and a current source. The output stage includes first and second complimentary output terminals. The first common mode feedback circuit is operable to determine an average voltage across the first and second complimentary output terminals. The current source is coupled to the output stage, and the common mode feedback circuit is operable to control the current source based on the average voltage. A method includes determining an average voltage across a positive output terminal and a negative output terminal of a differential amplifier output stage and controlling current injected into the output stage based on the average voltage.

Abstract: Row drivers as a part of an image sensor device include circuitry for supplying a plurality of signals with an increased voltage and enhanced reliability to a corresponding row in a pixel array. The row driver circuitry is designed to input a signal such as row select, reset or transfer and additionally input a boosted voltage supply. The row select, reset, or transfer signal is then output with a boosted voltage that is higher than the operating voltage supply. The row driver circuit is configured so that all terminal voltages across any of the plurality of transistors within the row driver circuit are less than or equal to the operating voltage supply.

Abstract: An amplifier includes a differential stage including a differential pair of transistors of a first conductivity type, the differential pair having gates, first and second inputs to the amplifier respectively including the gates of the differential pair; a current sum branch coupled to the differential stage, the current sum branch including a variable current source and being configured to sum current from the variable current source with current from the differential stage that flows to the current sum branch if a voltage at the first input exceeds a voltage at the second input; and an output stage coupled to the current sum branch. An imaging device and a method of manufacturing an amplifier are also provided.

Abstract: An amplifier and method of fabricating and operating it are disclosed in which dynamically biased cascode transistors are provided in an output stage along with output transistors which are dynamically biased by differential control circuits to provide an output signal.

Abstract: An anti-eclipse circuit for an imaging sensor monitors the photo signal level output by a pixel to determine whether the photo signal corresponds to the pixel being operated at a saturated state. If so, there is a risk that the pixel may be susceptible to an eclipse distortion. When the pixel is detected as being operated in a saturated state, the anti-eclipse circuit pulls up the reset signal level previously stored in a sample and hold circuit to an appropriate voltage level in order to prevent an eclipse distortion from arising.