Multiplexed-input-separated Σ-Δ analog-to-digital converter for pixel-level analog-to-digital conversion utilizing a feedback DAC separation
AssigneeUniversity of Rochester
InventorsZeljko Ignjatovic, Mark F. Bocko
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Abstract
In an array of imaging elements, a pixel level analog-to-digital-converter design splits the quantizer into an input transistor at the pixel location and a quantizer body for each row. The feedback digital-to-analog converter is also split into two components, one at the pixel location and one provided either for each row or for the entire array.
Claims19
A multiplexed input-separated ΣΔ analog-to-digital converter for an array of photodetectors, each of the photodetectors in the array functioning as an integrator, the converter comprising a quantizer, the quantizer being separated into:
- an input transistor at a pixel defined by each of the photodetectors;
- and
- a quantizer body for each row of the pixels, the quantizer body connected to the input transistors in the row.
A multiplexed input-separated ΣΔ analog-to-digital converter for an array of photodetectors, each of the photodetectors in the array functioning as an integrator, the converter comprising:
- an input transistor at a pixel defined by each of the photodetectors;
- a quantizer body for each row of the pixels, the quantizer body connected to the input transistors in the row;
- and
- a feedback loop between the quantizer body and each of the pixels in the row;
- wherein the feedback loop comprises a digital-to-analog converter;
- wherein the digital-to-analog converter comprises a first component and a second component, and wherein the first component is provided for each of the photodetectors at a corresponding one of the pixels;
- wherein the second component is provided for each of the rows;
- and
- wherein a connection from the input transistor to the quantizer body is on a common bus with the feedback loop.
A multiplexed input-separated ΣΔ analog-to-digital converter for an array of photodetectors, each of the photodetectors in the array functioning as an integrator, the converter comprising:
- an input transistor at a pixel defined by each of the photodetectors;
- a quantizer body for each row of the pixels, the quantizer body connected to the input transistors in the row;
- and
- a feedback loop between the quantizer body and each of the pixels in the row;
- wherein the feedback loop comprises a digital-to-analog converter;
- wherein the digital-to-analog converter comprises a first component and a second component, and wherein the first component is provided for each of the photodetectors at a corresponding one of the pixels;
- wherein a single second component is provided for an entirety of the array;
- and
- wherein a connection from the input transistor to the quantizer body is on a common bus with the feedback loop.
A multiplexed input-separated ΣΔ analog-to-digital converter for an array of photodetectors, each of the photodetectors in the array functioning as an integrator, the converter comprising:
- an input transistor at a pixel defined by each of the photodetectors;
- a quantizer body for each row of the pixels, the quantizer body connected to the input transistors in the row;
- and
- a feedback loop between the quantizer body and each of the pixels in the row;
- wherein a connection from the input transistor to the quantizer body is on a common bus with the feedback loop.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.