Methods for pixel binning in an image sensor
AssigneeMicron Technology, Inc.
InventorNikolai E. Bock
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Embodiments provide structures and methods for binning pixel signals of a pixel array. Pixel signals for pixels in an element of the array are binned simultaneously. Pixels in an element are located in a plurality of rows and columns. In exemplary embodiments, pixel voltage signals or pixel current signals are binned.
Claims20
A method of binning pixel signals produced by a pixel array having a plurality of pixels arranged in at least two rows and two columns, each column in the array having first and second column lines, each pixel having a source follower transistor having a first source/drain region connected to its respective first column line and a second source/drain region connected to a row select switch, the row select switch for switchably connecting the second source/drain region to its respective second column line, the method comprising:
- selecting at least one row of pixels;
- outputting pixel signals from the selected pixels to each of the respective first column lines;
- and
- operating a binning circuit to simultaneously bin pixel signals from at least two first column lines to obtain a binned pixel signal.
A method of operating an image sensor having an array of pixels arranged in rows and columns, wherein the array comprises pixels in n columns, where n is equal to or greater than 8, each column in the array having a column line, each column line being switchably connectable to at least one pixel by a respective row select switch, each column line being connected to a binning circuit, said binning circuit comprising n-1 switches adapted to connect adjacent columns in the array, the method comprising:
- operating the image sensor in a binning mode by using the binning circuit to simultaneously connect each pair of adjacent column lines into binning groups comprised of at least one pair of adjacent column lines;
- connecting at least one pixel to each of the column lines in each of the respective binning groups to simultaneously bin the pixel signals from the pixels to obtain binned pixel signals;
- and
- reading out the binned pixel signals.
A method of operating an image sensor,the method comprising:
- providing an array of pixel arranged in columns and rows;
- providing n binning lines, each binning line being connected to respective source follower transistor source/drain regions of at least two pixels in a respective column, the source follower transistors being of a first conductivity type, where n is equal to or greater than 2;
- providing n column lines, each column line switchably connected to a ground potential;
- in a binning mode, binning pixel signals from pixels in at least two columns by outputting the pixel signal through a current binning circuit, the current binning circuit comprising a transistor of a second conductivity type, a gate and a first source/drain region of the second conductivity type transistor connected to at least two of the binning lines associated with the at least two columns and a second source/drain region of the first conductivity type transistor connected to a voltage supply;
- and
- reading out the binned pixel signals.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.