US 12,587,757 B2 · Solid-state imaging device

Abstract

A solid-state imaging device includes a pixel circuit that outputs a plurality of pixel signals, a detection circuit, and a signal processor. The pixel circuit includes a photodiode, a transfer transistor that reads out a signal of the photodiode to a charge storage, and a storage capacitance that stores a charge overflowing from the photodiode. The detection circuit compares a signal of the storage capacitance with a reference signal and, when the signal of the storage capacitance has reached the reference signal, initializes the photodiode and the storage capacitance and counts an initialization count. The signal processor calculates a first signal that indicates intensity of incident light, in accordance with the initialization count and a mixed signal of the signal of the storage capacitance and the signal of the photodiode that has been read out to the charge storage by the transfer transistor.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A solid-state imaging device comprising:

a pixel circuit that outputs a plurality of pixel signals;
a detection circuit;
a pixel control circuit that controls the pixel circuit;
and
a signal processor,
wherein the pixel circuit includes:
a photodiode;
a first transfer transistor that reads out a signal of the photodiode to a floating diffusion;
and
a storage capacitance that stores a charge overflowing from the photodiode,
the detection circuit compares a signal of the storage capacitance with a first reference value and, when the signal of the storage capacitance has reached the first reference value, initializes the photodiode and the storage capacitance via the pixel control circuit and counts an initialization count, and
the signal processor calculates a first signal that indicates intensity of incident light in accordance with the initialization count and a mixed signal of the signal of the storage capacitance and the signal of the photodiode that has been read out to the floating diffusion by the first transfer transistor.

9 more elements

A solid-state imaging device comprising:

a pixel circuit;
and
a detection circuit,
wherein the pixel circuit includes:
a photodiode;
a floating diffusion to which a signal of the photodiode is read out;
a storage capacitance that stores a charge overflowing from the photodiode;
and
reset means for initializing the photodiode, the floating diffusion, and the storage capacitance,
the detection circuit includes:
a comparator that compares a signal of the storage capacitance with a first reference value;
and
an initialization circuit that controls the reset means in accordance with a comparison result obtained from the comparator,
the pixel circuit is formed on a first semiconductor substrate that includes one or a plurality of semiconductor layers,
the detection circuit is formed on a second semiconductor substrate that includes one or a plurality of semiconductor layers, and
the first semiconductor substrate and the second semiconductor substrate are layered one above the other.

13 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Solid-state imaging device

Life of this patent

Solid-state imaging device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20