Image sensor supporting AF function and method of operating the same

An image sensor comprising:

• a pixel array including a plurality of pixel groups arranged along a same column;
• an analog-to-digital converting block including a plurality of analog-to-digital converters configured to receive pixel signals output from the plurality of pixel groups and to convert the received pixel signals into digital signals;
• and
• a switching circuit configured to connect the plurality of pixel groups to the plurality of analog-to-digital converters,
• wherein
• the image sensor is configured to operate such that a first period in which a first analog-to-digital converter among the plurality of analog-to-digital converters is connected a selected pixel group among the plurality of pixel groups so as to perform a first processing operation at least partially overlaps a second period in which a second analog-to-digital converter among the plurality of analog-to-digital converters is connected to an adjacent pixel group that is arranged in a row different from a row of the selected pixel group so as to perform a processing operation,
• wherein the first analog-to-digital converter is configured to process a first pixel signal received from the selected pixel group, and the second analog-to-digital converter is configured to process a second pixel signal received from the adjacent pixel group, and
• wherein the first pixel signal includes image information corresponding to the selected pixel group, and the second pixel signal includes phase information corresponding to the selected pixel group,
• wherein the selected pixel group and the adjacent pixel group correspond to a same color.

A method of operating an image sensor, the method comprising:

• obtaining image information on a selected pixel group from among a plurality of pixel groups;
• and
• obtaining phase information on the selected pixel group using an adjacent pixel group arranged in a same column as the selected pixel group and in a row, different from a row of the selected pixel group, from among the plurality of pixel groups,
• wherein
• a first period in which the image information on the selected pixel group is obtained at least partially overlaps a second period in which the phase information on the selected pixel group is obtained,
• the selected pixel group is obtained,
• wherein the selected pixel group and the adjacent pixel group correspond to a same color.