Multi-function time-of-flight sensor and method of operating the same

A time-of-flight sensor comprising:

• a light source configured to illuminate a transmission light to an object;
• a pixel array comprising a depth pixel having a multi-tap structure;
• a row scanning circuit configured to generate a plurality of sampling control signals applied to a plurality of taps of the depth pixel;
• and
• a controller configured to control the light source, the pixel array and the row scanning circuit based on a mode signal indicating a selected operation mode of a ToF sensor, selected from among a distance detection mode to sense a distance to an object and a plurality of additional operation modes.

A method of operating a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor including at least one depth pixel having a multi-tap structure and a light source illuminating a transmission light to an object, the method comprising:

• determining an operation mode of a ToF sensor, from among a distance detection mode to sense a distance to an object and a plurality of additional operation modes;
• based on the determined operation mode being the distance detection mode, applying a plurality of sampling control signals of different phases to a plurality of taps of a depth pixel during an integration period to collect a photo charge generated by an incident light;
• and
• based on the determined operation mode being one of the plurality of additional operation modes, dividing the integration period into a plurality of shot periods and selectively activating the transmission light and the plurality of sampling control signals during the plurality of shot periods based on the determined operation mode.