Abstract: An analog-digital converter performs AD conversion of an upper m bits by sequential comparison, and performs AD conversion of a lower n bits by integration. This increases accuracy, reduces power consumption during operation, reduces variation between analog signals and digital signals, and reduces the required layout area by decreasing the number of capacitor elements needed. Also, the AD conversion of the n bits by integration is performed by ramp voltage quantized with a margin of k bits of the lower n bits. As such, preferable AD conversion characteristics can be obtained when offset or the like is produced in a DA conversion circuit for generating ramp voltage.

Abstract: A redundant-bit-added digital-analog converter has a first input terminal and a second input terminal and outputs a ramp voltage obtained by quantizing a voltage difference between a first voltage+?V and a second voltage??V with n+1/2q bits, when a voltage input to the first input terminal is the first voltage, a voltage input to the second input terminal is the second voltage, and ?V=(first voltage-second voltage)/2q+1 (where n is a natural number of 3 or more and q is a natural number of n?2 or less).

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes a substrate, a sensor cell array disposed on the substrate, the sensor cell array having a plurality of sensor cells arranged in a matrix, a plurality of signal lines for transferring an image signal output from each of the sensor cells, a plurality of amplifiers connected to at least one of the signal lines, each of the amplifiers including a first capacitance having a first end connected to one of the signal lines, an inversion amplifier having an input end connected to a second end of the first capacitance, a second capacitance connected between the input end and an output end of the inversion amplifier, a switch connected between the input and output ends of the inversion amplifier to reset the second capacitance and a third capacitance having a first end connected to a control line and a second end connected to the input end of the inversion amplifier, and a control voltage supply circuit for supplying one of first and second voltages to the control line.

Abstract: Foodstuffs, especially sea food, may be preserved by means of a preserving agent comprising an extract of tea leaves. In accordance with the invention, the extract is employed in admixture with a polyhydroxy compound and an organic acid. Alternatively, the extract may be extracted from the tea leaves using an acidic aqueous extracting solution comprising said polyhydroxy compound and said organic acid.