Image sensors with predictive pre-charging circuitry

A method of predictively pre-charging column output circuitry using predictive pre-charge circuitry, the method comprising:

• generating image signals using an image pixel array comprising rows and columns of image pixels;
• using the column output circuitry, reading out the image signals generated by a first row of image pixels;
• storing the image signals generated by the first row of image pixels using the predictive pre-charge circuitry;
• and
• using the predictive pre-charge circuitry, charging the column output circuitry based on the stored image signals generated by the first row of image pixels.

An image sensor comprising:

• an image pixel array comprising rows and columns of image pixels that are configured to generate image signals;
• column output lines, wherein each column output line is coupled to a respective column of image pixels;
• column readout circuitry coupled to the column output lines and configured to read out the generated image signals generated by each row of image pixels;
• and
• predictive pre-charge circuitry between each of the column output lines and the column readout circuitry, wherein the predictive pre-charge circuitry comprises:
• first and second capacitors coupled to a respective one of the column output lines,
• a comparator coupled to top plates of the first and second capacitors, and
• memory circuitry coupled to the comparator and to bottom plates of the first and second capacitors through respective first and second switches.