Abstract: The present invention is directed to a single-chip color CMOS image sensor with a novel two or more line reading structure which is compatible with MOS fabrication technology. The invention allows the simultaneous reading of line signals from two rows of pixels so that combinations of signals from pixels in different rows may be obtained without the use of an external delay line device. The sensor includes a pixel array having superimposed thereon a color filter pattern and a two or more line reading structure. The reading structure includes sets of storage capacitors on which the pixel signals are stored, and a means for reading the signals from the capacitors in such a way that signals from pixels in different rows may be combined. The reading structure is external to the pixel array but may still be fabricated on the same CMOS chip as the pixel array.

Abstract: A fully differential sample-and-hold amplifier 60 includes a common-mode feedback circuit 100 for adjusting the common-mode input so that the common-mode output remains near a desired level. During a first switching state, the sample-and-hold amplifier samples voltages and is coupled to the feedback circuit 100 for the adjustment of the common-mode input level. During a second switching state, sample-and-hold amplifier performs its charge transfer and amplification function while the feedback circuit 100 is not coupled to the sample-and-hold amplifier. During the first switching state, the feedback circuit 100 receives as an input the common-mode voltage of the operational amplifier and outputs an amplification of the difference between the common-mode voltage and a regulating input voltage. The output of the sample-and-hold amplifier is coupled to the common-mode input of the operational amplifier.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a single chip color MOS image sensor with a novel two-line reading structure which is compatible with MOS fabrication technology. The invention allows the simultaneous reading of line signals from two adjacent rows of pixels so that combinations of signals from pixels in adjacent rows may be obtained without the use of an external delay line device. The sensor includes a pixel array having superimposed thereon an improved color filter pattern and a two-line reading structure which may be doubled so as to provide four line signals. The reading structure includes sets of storage capacitors on which the pixel signals are stored, and a means for reading the signals from the capacitors in such a way that signals from pixels in adjacent rows may be combined. The approximate ratios of the colors in the improved color filter pattern are one-half green, one-fourth yellow, and one-fourth cyan.