Abstract: A circuit for resetting and reading out a pixel cell of a CMOS image sensor is proposed. The circuit allows for reading out the pixel cell at least two times during a main integration interval, thereby generating at least two pixel signals. The circuit further comprises means for combining the at least two pixel signals to an output signal. The means for combining are operable to combine the at least two pixel signals weighted in dependence on a saturation level of the pixel cell. A method for controlling the circuit for reading out the image sensor is also proposed.

Abstract: A circuit for resetting and reading out a pixel cell of a CMOS image sensor is proposed. The circuit allows for reading out the pixel cell at least two times during a main integration interval, thereby generating at least two pixel signals. The circuit further comprises means for combining the at least two pixel signals to an output signal. The means for combining are operable to combine the at least two pixel signals weighted in dependence on a saturation level of the pixel cell. A method for controlling the circuit for reading out the image sensor is also proposed.

Abstract: In order to compensate for so-called clipping effects, it is proposed, in an apparatus for reading from and/or writing to an optical recording medium in which the light power of a laser diode (1) is to be set to a plurality of light power levels,to perform a calibration to a specific light power level (LP2) before the actual regulation of the light power. On account of the calibration, the instantaneous gradient of the characteristic curve which describes the dependence of the laser light power on the laser diode current can be inferred in order, on the basis of this information, to take account f a change—caused, for example, by ageing r clipping effects—in the characteristic curve gradient in the course of the subsequent regulation of the light power of the scanning beam generated by the laser diode (1).

Abstract: In order to compensate for so-called clipping effects, it is proposed, in an apparatus for reading from and/or writing to an optical recording medium in which the light power of a laser diode (1) is to be set to a plurality of light power levels, to perform a calibration to a specific light power level (LP2) before the actual regulation of the light power. On account of the calibration, the instantaneous gradient of the characteristic curve which describes the dependence of the laser light power on the laser diode current can be inferred in order, on the basis of this information, to take account f a change—caused, for example, by ageing r clipping effects—in the characteristic curve gradient in the course of the subsequent regulation of the light power of the scanning beam generated by the laser diode (1).

Abstract: An integrated control circuit forms a driver stage of an output transistor of a switch mode power supply. During a start-up interval of a run mode operation, the control circuit does not consume supply current and does not produce a switching control signal for switching the transistor. During an initialization interval that follows the start-up interval, a reference voltage source that is included in the control circuit is turned on and internal conditions in the control circuit are defined. The switching control signal is generated following the initialization interval.

Abstract: The relationship of a reference current of a current balancing circuit to a first output current at the collector of an output transistor is adjusted via the dimensioning of a first resistance R in the emitter of the output transistor of a current balancing circuit. By adding a second current balancing circuit with a second resistor R' contained therein and which provides a second output current, there results, for R=R', the relationship of the first output current to the second output current corresponding to the relationship of the reference current to the first output current.