Systems and methods of sampling a photodetector and photocell circuits incorporating the same
AssigneeAgilent Technologies, Inc.
InventorBrian J. Misek
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Sampling systems and methods that enable a photodetector to be sampled and read concurrently are described. This scheme may be used to implement a photocell in which image data from the photodetector may be collected during readout. In this way, the substantial non-integration periods that often characterize sampling schemes in which the sampling and readout functions are performed sequentially, especially when operating in a shuttered, non-rolling imaging mode, may be avoided.
Claims20
A circuit for sampling a photodetector output node, comprising:
- a multi-integrator circuit coupled between the photodetector output node and a readout node and comprising multiple storage elements and a control circuit operable to present at the readout node a first stored sampling of the photodetector output node while concurrently storing a second sampling of the photodetector output node, wherein each storage element stores a charge that corresponds to the amount of current drawn by a photo-sensitive device in the photodetector during a given period.
A method of sampling a photodetector output node, comprising:
- presenting at a readout node a first stored sampling of the photodetector output node while concurrently storing a second sampling of the photodetector output node, wherein each stored sampling is a charge that corresponds to the amount of current drawn by a photo-sensitive device in the photodetector during a given period.
A photocell circuit, comprising:
- a photodetector circuit having an output node;
- and
- a multi-integrator circuit coupled between the photodetector output node and a readout node and comprising multiple storage elements and a control circuit operable to present at the readout node a first stored sampling of the photodetector output node while concurrently storing a second sampling of the photodetector output node, wherein each storage element stores a charge that corresponds to the amount of current drawn by a photo-sensitive device in the photodetector during a given period.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.