System and method for isolated nmos-based esd clamp celldithering techniques to reduce mismatch in multi-channel imaging systems
AssigneeAnalog Devices, Inc.
InventorRonald A. KAPUSTA
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Abstract
An embodiment of the present invention may be directed to a multi channel imaging system. The multi channel imaging system may include an input for a light signal and a plurality of channel circuits. Each of the channel circuits may have an analog signal processing chain converting some portion of the light signal into to a digital representation, the plurality of channel circuits may operate in parallel. The multi channel imaging system may further comprise at least one dither circuit coupled to a point in at least one of the analog signal processing chains to add dither.
Claims30
A multi channel imaging system, comprising:
- an input for a light signal;
- a plurality of channel circuits, each having an analog signal processing chain converting some portion of the light signal into to a digital representation, the plurality of channel circuits operating in parallel;
- and
- at least one dither circuit coupled to a point in at least one of the analog signal processing chains to add dither.
A method of matching signal outputs among channels of a multi channel analog front end (AFE), comprising:
- adding analog noise to analog signals in each channel of the AFE;
- converting the analog signals with the added analog noise completely to digital signals using an analog to digital converter (ADC) of the AFE;
- formatting the digital signals from different channels;
- and
- outputting the digital signals.
A method of matching signal outputs among channels of a multi channel imaging system, comprising:
- adding analog noise to analog signals in each channel of the multi channel imaging system;
- converting the analog signals with the added analog noise completely to digital signals using an analog to digital converter (ADC) in each channel of the multi channel imaging system;
- formatting the digital signals from different channels;
- and
- outputting the digital signals.
A multi channel image sensor, comprising:
- a pixel array including a plurality of pixel sensors, each pixel sensor generating analog signals upon incident of light;
- a plurality of output channels;
- and
- a dither unit to add analog noise to the generated analog signals in each channel of the image sensor.
A method of matching signal outputs among channels of a multi channel image sensor, comprising:
- generating differential analog signals by pixel sensors upon incident of light;
- and
- adding analog noise to analog signals by a differential amplifier, wherein the differential amplifier comprises:
- two symmetrical signal paths, each including a load component and a signal amplification component, the load component coupled to one of a pair of differential outputs, the signal amplification component coupled to one of a pair of differential inputs;
- and
- dither current source selectively coupled to each of the signal paths, the dither current source supplying dither current to the load component of the selected signal path directly by bypassing the amplification component of the selected signal path.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.