Patents by Inventor SUNYOOL KANG

SUNYOOL KANG 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).

  • Patent number: 11924572
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a first amplifier comparing and amplifying a first voltage signal received from a first column line, and a ramp signal; a second amplifier amplifying an output of the first amplifier; a third amplifier comparing and amplifying a second voltage signal received from a second column line, and the ramp signal; and a fourth amplifier amplifying an output of the third amplifier, wherein the second amplifier and the fourth amplifier output a decision signal at different points in time by dummy switch control split.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sunyool Kang, Kyungtae Kim, Yunhwan Jung, Yongjun Cho, Heesung Chae
  • Publication number: 20240048870
    Abstract: Provided are analog-digital converting circuits including a comparator, and an image sensor. The analog-digital converting circuit include a counter and a comparator, the comparator including a first P-type transistor including a gate connected to a first input node of the comparator, a second P-type transistor including a gate connected to a second input node of the comparator, a first N-type transistor including a gate connected to the first input node and a drain connected to the first P-type transistor, a second N-type transistor including a gate connected to the second input node and a drain connected to the second P-type transistor, and a transistor including a gate connected to the drain of the first N-type transistor and a source to which ground voltage or power supply voltage is applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2023
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sunyool KANG, Haesick SUL, Yunhwan JUNG, Yongjun CHO, Heesung CHAE
  • Publication number: 20230319431
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a pixel configured to operate in a high conversion gain (HCG) mode and a low conversion gain (LCG) mode during a readout period, and a correlated double sampling (CDS) circuit configured to generate a comparison signal based on a ramp signal and a pixel voltage received from the pixel, wherein the CDS circuit includes a comparator configured to: receive the pixel voltage through a first input node, receive the ramp signal through a second input node based on an LCG reset signal or an LCG image signal being received as the pixel voltage, and receive the ramp signal through a third input node based on an HCG reset signal or an HCG image signal being received as the pixel voltage; and compare the ramp signal to the pixel voltage, and output the comparison signal corresponding to a comparison result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yunhwan JUNG, Hyeokjong LEE, Sunyool Kang, Kyungmin Kim, Yunhong KIM, Ingyeong SHIN
  • Patent number: 11716549
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a pixel configured to operate in a high conversion gain (HCG) mode and a low conversion gain (LCG) mode during a readout period, and a correlated double sampling (CDS) circuit configured to generate a comparison signal based on a ramp signal and a pixel voltage received from the pixel, wherein the CDS circuit includes a comparator configured to: receive the pixel voltage through a first input node, receive the ramp signal through a second input node based on an LCG reset signal or an LCG image signal being received as the pixel voltage, and receive the ramp signal through a third input node based on an HCG reset signal or an HCG image signal being received as the pixel voltage; and compare the ramp signal to the pixel voltage, and output the comparison signal corresponding to a comparison result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yunhwan Jung, Hyeokjong Lee, Sunyool Kang, Kyungmin Kim, Yunhong Kim, Ingyeong Shin
  • Patent number: 11709518
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bandgap reference circuit, which includes a first current generator that generates a first current proportional to a temperature, a second current generator that outputs a second current obtained by mirroring the first current to a first node at which a reference voltage is formed, a first resistor that is connected with the first node and is supplied with the second current, and a first bipolar junction transistor (BJT) that includes an emitter node connected with the first resistor, a base node supplied with a first power, and a collector node supplied with a second power different from the first power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kyung-Min Kim, Haesick Sul, Sunyool Kang, Yunhong Kim, Seungmin Suh, Hyeonji Lee, Yunhwan Jung
  • Publication number: 20230217129
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a pixel array that includes a first pixel group located in a first row and including a first select transistor and a first floating diffusion region, a second pixel group located in a second row and including a second select transistor and a second floating diffusion region, and a column line connected to both the first pixel group and the second pixel group. While charges generated by a photoelectric conversion element of the first pixel group are transferred to the first floating diffusion region, the first select transistor is turned off, the second select transistor is turned on, and a first voltage is applied to the column line through the second select transistor. A photoelectric conversion element of the second pixel group generates charges prior to the photoelectric conversion element of the first pixel group, so as to be transferred to the second floating diffusion region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2022
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Inventors: JAEYOUNG BAE, SUNYOOL KANG, HAESICK SUL, SUYONG KIM
  • Publication number: 20230179884
    Abstract: Disclosed is an image sensor device which includes an image pixel that outputs a reset voltage and a first data voltage through a data line, and a voltage hold circuit that is connected with the data line, stores a first voltage based on the reset voltage, and provides the data line with a second voltage based on the first voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yongjun CHO, Sunyool KANG, Yunhong KIM, Heesung CHAE
  • Patent number: 11606523
    Abstract: An image sensor, including a pixel array including a plurality of pixels connected to row lines extending in a first direction and column lines extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a ramp voltage generator configured to output a ramp voltage; a sampling circuit including a plurality of comparators, each comparator of the plurality of comparators having a first input terminal connected to a column of the column lines and a second input terminal configured to receive the ramp voltage; and an analog-to-digital converter configured to convert an output of the plurality of comparators to a digital signal, wherein the plurality of comparators include a first comparator connected to a first column line, and a second comparator connected to a second column line adjacent to the first column line in the first direction, wherein each of the first comparator and the second comparator includes a first transistor and a second transistor disposed sequentially in the second direction, and wherein
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sunyool Kang, Yongjun Cho, Yunhwan Jung, Heesung Chae, Kyungmin Kim, Haesick Sul, Sukki Yoon
  • Patent number: 11581255
    Abstract: A comparison circuit that includes an input sampling capacitor and an image sensor including the same are provided. The comparison circuit includes an amplifier configured to receive a pixel signal and a ramp signal to perform a correlated double sampling operation, a first pixel capacitor connected to the amplifier through a first floating node and configured to transmit the pixel signal, a first ramp capacitor connected to the amplifier through a second floating node and configured to transmit the ramp signal, a second pixel capacitor connected in parallel to the first pixel capacitor, and a second ramp capacitor connected in parallel to the first ramp capacitor, wherein the second pixel capacitor is formed between the first floating node and first peripheral routing lines, and the second ramp capacitor is formed between the second floating node and second peripheral routing lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yunhwan Jung, Sunyool Kang, Jaehong Kim
  • Patent number: 11503239
    Abstract: An electronic circuit is provided. The electronic circuit includes a first current generating circuit configured to output a first operating current based on a first operating voltage; and an input circuit configured to: receive a first current corresponding to a first input voltage and a second current corresponding to a second input voltage, wherein the first current and the second current are based on the first operating current; receive a third current and a fourth current that are generated based on the first operating voltage; and generate a fifth current corresponding to the second input voltage based on a second operating current. The electronic circuit is configured to generate an output voltage that is associated with a difference between the first input voltage and the second input voltage based on the second current, the fourth current and the fifth current, and the fourth current corresponds to the third current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sunyool Kang, Yunhwan Jung, Heesung Chae, Sukki Yoon, Yongjun Cho
  • Patent number: 11363231
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a pixel array including a plurality of pixels connected to row lines extending in a first direction and to column lines extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, a ramp voltage generator configured to output a ramp voltage, a plurality of comparators, each of the plurality of comparators including a first input terminal to which the ramp voltage is input, and a second input terminal connected to one of the column lines, and a replica circuit having a same structure as a structure of a portion of the comparators. Each of the comparators includes a plurality of transistors, a first auto-zero transistor connected to the first input terminal, a second auto-zero transistor connected to the second input terminal, and wirings connected to the plurality of transistors, the first auto-zero transistor, and the second auto-zero transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sunyool Kang, Yunhwan Jung, Seokyong Hong
  • Publication number: 20220078362
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a pixel configured to operate in a high conversion gain (HCG) mode and a low conversion gain (LCG) mode during a readout period, and a correlated double sampling (CDS) circuit configured to generate a comparison signal based on a ramp signal and a pixel voltage received from the pixel, wherein the CDS circuit includes a comparator configured to: receive the pixel voltage through a first input node, receive the ramp signal through a second input node based on an LCG reset signal or an LCG image signal being received as the pixel voltage, and receive the ramp signal through a third input node based on an HCG reset signal or an HCG image signal being received as the pixel voltage; and compare the ramp signal to the pixel voltage, and output the comparison signal corresponding to a comparison result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yunhwan Jung, Hyeokjong Lee, Sunyool Kang, Kyungmin Kim, Yunhong Kim, Ingyeong Shin
  • Publication number: 20220078363
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a pixel array including a plurality of pixels connected to row lines extending in a first direction and to column lines extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, a ramp voltage generator configured to output a ramp voltage, a plurality of comparators, each of the plurality of comparators including a first input terminal to which the ramp voltage is input, and a second input terminal connected to one of the column lines, and a replica circuit having a same structure as a structure of a portion of the comparators. Each of the comparators includes a plurality of transistors, a first auto-zero transistor connected to the first input terminal, a second auto-zero transistor connected to the second input terminal, and wirings connected to the plurality of transistors, the first auto-zero transistor, and the second auto-zero transistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sunyool KANG, Yunhwan JUNG, Seokyong HONG
  • Publication number: 20220038651
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a first amplifier comparing and amplifying a first voltage signal received from a first column line, and a ramp signal; a second amplifier amplifying an output of the first amplifier; a third amplifier comparing and amplifying a second voltage signal received from a second column line, and the ramp signal; and a fourth amplifier amplifying an output of the third amplifier, wherein the second amplifier and the fourth amplifier output a decision signal at different points in time by dummy switch control split.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2021
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sunyool KANG, Kyungtae KIM, Yunhwan JUNG, Yongjun CHO, Heesung CHAE
  • Publication number: 20210382513
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bandgap reference circuit, which includes a first current generator that generates a first current proportional to a temperature, a second current generator that outputs a second current obtained by mirroring the first current to a first node at which a reference voltage is formed, a first resistor that is connected with the first node and is supplied with the second current, and a first bipolar junction transistor (BJT) that includes an emitter node connected with the first resistor, a base node supplied with a first power, and a collector node supplied with a second power different from the first power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyung-Min KIM, Haesick SUL, Sunyool KANG, Yunhong KIM, Seungmin SUH, Hyeonji LEE, Yunhwan JUNG
  • Patent number: 11196952
    Abstract: A comparing circuit may include a first amplifier and a second amplifier. The first amplifier performs a correlated double sampling operation in response to a pixel signal and a ramp signal, and the second amplifier amplifies an output signal of the first amplifier. The second amplifier includes a current stabilization circuit that supplies current to the second amplifier during the correlated double sampling operation irrespective of the output signal of the first amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yunhwan Jung, Sunyool Kang, Jaehong Kim
  • Publication number: 20210193568
    Abstract: A comparison circuit that includes an input sampling capacitor and an image sensor including the same are provided. The comparison circuit includes an amplifier configured to receive a pixel signal and a ramp signal to perform a correlated double sampling operation, a first pixel capacitor connected to the amplifier through a first floating node and configured to transmit the pixel signal, a first ramp capacitor connected to the amplifier through a second floating node and configured to transmit the ramp signal, a second pixel capacitor connected in parallel to the first pixel capacitor, and a second ramp capacitor connected in parallel to the first ramp capacitor, wherein the second pixel capacitor is formed between the first floating node and first peripheral routing lines, and the second ramp capacitor is formed between the second floating node and second peripheral routing lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2021
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yunhwan JUNG, Sunyool KANG, Jaehong KIM
  • Publication number: 20210120200
    Abstract: An image sensor, including a pixel array including a plurality of pixels connected to row lines extending in a first direction and column lines extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a ramp voltage generator configured to output a ramp voltage; a sampling circuit including a plurality of comparators, each comparator of the plurality of comparators having a first input terminal connected to a column of the column lines and a second input terminal configured to receive the ramp voltage; and an analog-to-digital converter configured to convert an output of the plurality of comparators to a digital signal, wherein the plurality of comparators include a first comparator connected to a first column line, and a second comparator connected to a second column line adjacent to the first column line in the first direction, wherein each of the first comparator and the second comparator includes a first transistor and a second transistor disposed sequentially in the second direction, and wherein
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2020
    Publication date: April 22, 2021
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sunyool Kang, Yongjun Cho, Yunhwan Jung, Heesung Chae, Kyungmin Kim, Haesick Sul, Sukki Yoon
  • Patent number: 10971445
    Abstract: A comparison circuit that includes an input sampling capacitor and an image sensor including the same are provided. The comparison circuit includes an amplifier configured to receive a pixel signal and a ramp signal to perform a correlated double sampling operation, a first pixel capacitor connected to the amplifier through a first floating node and configured to transmit the pixel signal, a first ramp capacitor connected to the amplifier through a second floating node and configured to transmit the ramp signal, a second pixel capacitor connected in parallel to the first pixel capacitor, and a second ramp capacitor connected in parallel to the first ramp capacitor, wherein the second pixel capacitor is formed between the first floating node and first peripheral routing lines, and the second ramp capacitor is formed between the second floating node and second peripheral routing lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yunhwan Jung, Sunyool Kang, Jaehong Kim
  • Publication number: 20200404208
    Abstract: An electronic circuit is provided. The electronic circuit includes a first current generating circuit configured to output a first operating current based on a first operating voltage; and an input circuit configured to: receive a first current corresponding to a first input voltage and a second current corresponding to a second input voltage, wherein the first current and the second current are based on the first operating current; receive a third current and a fourth current that are generated based on the first operating voltage; and generate a fifth current corresponding to the second input voltage based on a second operating current. The electronic circuit is configured to generate an output voltage that is associated with a difference between the first input voltage and the second input voltage based on the second current, the fourth current and the fifth current, and the fourth current corresponds to the third current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sunyool KANG, Yunhwan JUNG, Heesung CHAE, Sukki YOON, Yongjun CHO