Method of controlling semiconductor device, signal processing method, semiconductor device, and electronic apparatus

A signal processing method for executing predetermined signal processing on signals output from a semiconductor device including a signal obtaining unit, column processors, and a classification-signal generator, the signal obtaining unit including unit elements arranged in rows and columns, the unit elements each including a charge generator configured to generate signal charges corresponding to incident electromagnetic waves and a signal generator configured to generate a signal corresponding to the signal charges generated by the charge generator, the column processors being provided at least one column processor for each one of the respective columns to read the signals on a row-by-row basis for the respective column, to amplify the signals by certain gains, and to sequentially output amplified signals, the column processors respectively including amplifier circuits configured to amplify the signals read from the unit elements by gains set to the amplifier circuits, the method comprising:

• in a gain-determination controlling step, detecting signal levels of output signals of the amplifier circuits, outputting M-bit classification signals based on the detected signal levels, determining gains to be set to the amplifier circuits based on the detected signal levels, and causing the amplifier circuits to operate with the gains determined;
• a gain correcting step of correcting output signals output from the column processors after the gain-determination controlling step, based on the gains set to the respective amplifier circuits;
• converting output signals corresponding to the amplifier circuits from analog signals into N-bit digital signals;
• and
• extending a dynamic range of the N-bit digital signals based on the M-bit classification signals,
• wherein,
• ‘M’ refers to an integer value greater than zero, and
• ‘N’ refers to an integer value greater than zero;
• and further comprising comparing the detected signal levels with a plurality of threshold values to classify the detected signal levels, and generating and outputting the M-bit classification signals representing results of the classification, wherein the classification-signal generator is configured to output the M-bit classification signals to an outside circuit configured to receive the M-bit classification signals and disposed outside of a semiconductor chip including the signal obtaining unit and the column processors.

A semiconductor device comprising:

• a signal obtaining unit including unit elements arranged in rows and columns, the unit elements including a charge generator configured to generate signal charges corresponding to incident electromagnetic waves and a signal generator configured to generate a signal corresponding to the signal charges generated by the charge generator;
• column processors provided to read the signals for the column, to amplify the signals by certain gains, and to sequentially output amplified signals, the column processors including amplifier circuits configured to amplify the signals read from the unit elements by gains set to the amplifier circuits;
• a gain-determination controller configured to detect signal levels based on the amplified signals, output M-bit classification signals based on the detected signal levels, determine gains to be set to the amplifier circuits based on the detected signal levels, and cause the amplifier circuits to operate with the gains determined;
• converters configured to convert output signals corresponding to the amplifier circuits from analog signals into N-bit digital signals;
• and
• a signal extending unit configured to extend a dynamic range of the N-bit digital signals based on the M-bit classification signals,
• wherein,
• ‘M’ refers to an integer value greater than zero, and
• ‘N’ refers to an integer value greater than zero;
• a classification-signal generator configured to compare the detected signal levels with a plurality of threshold values to classify the detected signal levels, and generate and output the M-bit classification signals representing results of the classification, and configured to output the M-bit classification signals to an outside circuit configured to receive the M-bit classification signals and disposed outside of a semiconductor chip including the signal obtaining unit and the column processors.

A semiconductor device comprising:

• a signal obtaining unit including unit elements arranged in rows and columns, the unit elements including a charge generator configured to generate signal charges corresponding to incident electromagnetic waves and a signal generator configured to generate a signal corresponding to the signal charges generated by the charge generator;
• column processors provided to read the signals for the column, to amplify the signals by certain gains, and to sequentially output amplified signals, the column processors including amplifier circuits configured to amplify the signals read from the unit elements by gains set to the amplifier circuits;
• a gain-determination controller configured to detect signal levels based on the amplified signals, output M-bit classification signals based on the detected signal levels, determine gains to be set to the amplifier circuits based on the detected signal levels, and cause the amplifier circuits to operate with the gains determined;
• converters configured to convert output signals corresponding to the amplifier circuits from analog signals into N-bit digital signals;
• and
• a signal extending unit configured to extend a dynamic range of the N-bit digital signals based on the M-bit classification signals,
• wherein,
• ‘M’ refers to an integer value greater than zero, and
• ‘N’ refers to an integer value greater than zero;
• a classification-signal generator configured to compare the detected signal levels with a plurality of threshold values to classify the detected signal levels, and generate and output the M-bit classification signals representing results of the classification, wherein the classification-signal generators output classification signals in association with signals amplified by the amplifier circuits, the association being made on the basis of the individual unit elements.

An electronic apparatus for executing predetermined signal processing on signals output from a semiconductor device including a signal obtaining unit and column processors, the signal obtaining unit including unit elements arranged in rows and columns, the unit elements each including a charge generator configured to generate signal charges corresponding to incident electromagnetic waves and a signal generator configured to generate a signal corresponding to the signal charges generated by the charge generator, the column processors being provided at least one column processor for each one of the respective columns to read the signals on a row-by-row basis for the respective column, to amplify the signals by certain gains, and to sequentially output amplified signals, the column processors respectively including amplifier circuits configured to amplify the signals read from the unit elements by gains set to the amplifier circuits, the electronic apparatus comprising:

• a gain-determination controller configured to detect signal levels of output signals of the amplifier circuits, output M-bit classification signals based on the detected signal levels, determine gains to be set to the amplifier circuits based on the signal levels detected, and cause the amplifier circuits to operate with the gains determined;
• converters configured to convert output signals corresponding to the amplifier circuits from analog signals into N-bit digital signals;
• and
• a signal extending unit configured to extend a dynamic range of the N-bit digital signals based on the M-bit classification signals, executing gain correction on output signals from the column processors based on the gains set to the respective amplifier circuits, thereby extending a dynamic range of signals of one screen of the signal obtaining unit,
• wherein,
• ‘M’ refers to an integer value greater than zero, and
• ‘N’ refers to an integer value greater than zero;
• a classification-signal generator configured to compare the detected signal levels with a plurality of threshold values to classify the detected signal levels, and generate and output the M-bit classification signals representing results of the classification, and configured to output the M-bit classification signals to an outside circuit configured to receive the M-bit classification signals and disposed outside of a semiconductor chip including the signal obtaining unit and the column processors.

An electronic apparatus for executing predetermined signal processing on signals output from a semiconductor device including a signal obtaining unit and column processors, the signal obtaining unit including unit elements arranged in rows and columns, the unit elements each including a charge generator configured to generate signal charges corresponding to incident electromagnetic waves and a signal generator configured to generate a signal corresponding to the signal charges generated by the charge generator, the column processors being provided at least one column processor for each one of the respective columns to read the signals on a row-by-row basis for the respective column, to amplify the signals by certain gains, and to sequentially output amplified signals, the column processors respectively including amplifier circuits configured to amplify the signals read from the unit elements by gains set to the amplifier circuits, the electronic apparatus comprising:

• a gain-determination controller configured to detect signal levels of output signals of the amplifier circuits, output M-bit classification signals based on the detected signal levels, determine gains to be set to the amplifier circuits based on the signal levels detected, and cause the amplifier circuits to operate with the gains determined;
• converters configured to convert output signals corresponding to the amplifier circuits from analog signals into N-bit digital signals;
• and
• a signal extending unit configured to extend a dynamic range of the N-bit digital signals based on the M-bit classification signals, executing gain correction on output signals from the column processors based on the gains set to the respective amplifier circuits, thereby extending a dynamic range of signals of one screen of the signal obtaining unit,
• wherein,
• ‘M’ refers to an integer value greater than zero, and
• ‘N’ refers to an integer value greater than zero;
• further comprising classification-signal generators for comparing signal levels detected by the signal-level detectors with a plurality of threshold values to classify the signal levels, and generating and outputting M-bit classification signals representing results of classification, wherein the gain-setting controllers controls the gain setting units based on the classification signals output from the classification-signal generators, and
• wherein the classification-signal generators output the classification signals to the outside of a semiconductor chip including the signal obtaining unit and the column processors, and the signal extending unit executes the gain correction with reference to the classification signals output from the classification-signal generators.

An electronic apparatus for executing predetermined signal processing on signals output from a semiconductor device including a signal obtaining unit and column processors, the signal obtaining unit including unit elements arranged in rows and columns, the unit elements each including a charge generator configured to generate signal charges corresponding to incident electromagnetic waves and a signal generator configured to generate a signal corresponding to the signal charges generated by the charge generator, the column processors being provided at least one column processor for each one of the respective columns to read the signals on a row-by-row basis for the respective column, to amplify the signals by certain gains, and to sequentially output amplified signals, the column processors respectively including amplifier circuits configured to amplify the signals read from the unit elements by gains set to the amplifier circuits, the electronic apparatus comprising:

• a gain-determination controller configured to detect signal levels of output signals of the amplifier circuits, output M-bit classification signals based on the detected signal levels, determine gains to be set to the amplifier circuits based on the signal levels detected, and cause the amplifier circuits to operate with the gains determined;
• converters configured to convert output signals corresponding to the amplifier circuits from analog signals into N-bit digital signals;
• and
• a signal extending unit configured to extend a dynamic range of the N-bit digital signals based on the M-bit classification signals, executing gain correction on output signals from the column processors based on the gains set to the respective amplifier circuits, thereby extending a dynamic range of signals of one screen of the signal obtaining unit,
• wherein,
• ‘M’ refers to an integer value greater than zero, and
• ‘N’ refers to an integer value greater than zero;
• further comprising classification-signal generators for comparing signal levels detected by the signal-level detectors with a plurality of threshold values to classify the signal levels, and generating and outputting M-bit classification signals representing results of classification, wherein the gain-setting controllers controls the gain setting units based on the classification signals output from the classification-signal generators, and
• wherein the classification-signal generator outputs classification signals in association with signals amplified by the amplifier circuits, output from the column processors, the association being made on the basis of the individual unit elements.

A method of controlling a semiconductor device including a signal obtaining unit, column processors, and a classification-signal generator, the signal obtaining unit including unit elements arranged in rows and columns, the unit elements each including a charge generator configured to generate signal charges corresponding to incident electromagnetic waves and a signal generator configured to generate a signal corresponding to the signal charges generated by the charge generator, the column processors being provided at least one column processor for each one of the respective columns to read the signals on a row-by-row basis for the respective column, to amplify the signals by certain gains, and to sequentially output amplified signals, the column processors respectively including amplifier circuits configured to amplify the signals read from the unit elements by gains set to the amplifier circuits, the method comprising:

• a gain-determination controlling step of detecting signal levels of signals output from the signal obtaining unit, determining gains to be set to the amplifier circuits based on results of the detection, sending M-bit classification signals to a control signal generator via a control line, outputting the M-bit classification signals based on the detected signal levels to an output line, and causing the amplifier circuits to operate with the gains determined;
• a gain correcting step of outputting the M-bit classification signals for classifying signal levels in association with signals output from the amplifier circuits, the association being made on the basis of the individual unit elements, and correcting output signals output from the column processors based on the gains set to the respective amplifier circuits, with reference to the classification signals;
• converting output signals corresponding to the amplifier circuits from analog signals into N-bit digital signals;
• and
• extending a dynamic range of the N-bit digital signals based on the M-bit classification signals,
• wherein,
• the control signal generator is configured to control gain-setting of the amplifier circuits,
• ‘M’ refers to an integer value greater than zero, and
• ‘N’ refers to an integer value greater than zero;
• and further comprising comparing the detected signal levels with a plurality of threshold values to classify the detected signal levels, and generating and outputting the M-bit classification signals representing results of the classification, wherein the classification-signal generator is configured to output the M-bit classification signals to an outside circuit configured to receive the M-bit classification signals and disposed outside of a semiconductor chip including the signal obtaining unit and the column processors.

A method of controlling a semiconductor device including a signal obtaining unit, column processors, and a classification-signal generator, the signal obtaining unit including unit elements arranged in rows and columns, the unit elements each including a charge generator configured to generate signal charges corresponding to incident electromagnetic waves and a signal generator configured to generate a signal corresponding to the signal charges generated by the charge generator, the column processors being provided at least one column processor for each one of the respective columns to read the signals on a row-by-row basis for the respective column, to amplify the signals by certain gains, and to sequentially output amplified signals, the column processors respectively including amplifier circuits configured to amplify the signals read from the unit elements by gains set to the amplifier circuits, the method comprising:

• a gain-determination controlling step of detecting levels of signals output from the signal obtaining unit, determining gains to be set to the amplifier circuits based on results of the detection, sending M-bit classification signals to a control signal generator via a control line, outputting the M-bit classification signals based on the detected signal levels to an output line, and causing the amplifier circuits to operate with the gains determined;
• a step of converting analog signals output from the amplifier circuits into N-bit digital signals;
• and
• extending a dynamic range of the N-bit digital signals based on the M-bit classification signals,
• wherein,
• the control signal generator is configured to control gain-setting of the amplifier circuits,
• ‘M’ refers to an integer value greater than zero, and
• ‘N’ refers to an integer value greater than zero;
• and further comprising comparing the detected signal levels with a plurality of threshold values to classify the detected signal levels, and generating and outputting the M-bit classification signals representing results of the classification, wherein the classification-signal generator is configured to output the M-bit classification signals to an outside circuit configured to receive the M-bit classification signals and disposed outside of a semiconductor chip including the signal obtaining unit and the column processors.

A method of controlling a semiconductor device including a signal obtaining unit, column processors, and a classification-signal generator, the signal obtaining unit including unit elements arranged in rows and columns, the unit elements each including a charge generator configured to generate signal charges corresponding to incident electromagnetic waves and a signal generator configured to generate a signal corresponding to the signal charges generated by the charge generator, the column processors being provided at least one column processor for each one of the respective columns to read the signals on a row-by-row basis for the respective column, to amplify the signals by certain gains, and to sequentially output amplified signals, the column processors respectively including amplifier circuits configured to amplify the signals read from the unit elements by gains set to the amplifier circuits, the method comprising:

• a gain-determination controlling step of detecting levels of signals output from the signal obtaining unit, determining gains to be set to the amplifier circuits based on results of the detection, sending M-bit classification signals to a control signal generator via a control line, outputting the M-bit classification signals based on the detected signal levels to an output line, and causing the amplifier circuits to operate with the gains determined;
• converting analog signals output from the amplifier circuits into N-bit digital signals;
• extending a dynamic range of the N-bit digital signals based on the M-bit classification signals;
• and
• a step of suppressing occurrence of variation in output direct-current level among the amplifier circuits due to different gains being set to the respective amplifier circuits,
• wherein,
• the control signal generator is configured to control gain-setting of the amplifier circuits,
• ‘M’ refers to an integer value greater than zero, and
• ‘N’ refers to an integer value greater than zero;
• and further comprising comparing the detected signal levels with a plurality of threshold values to classify the detected signal levels, and generating and outputting the M-bit classification signals representing results of the classification, wherein the classification-signal generator is configured to output the M-bit classification signals to an outside circuit configured to receive the M-bit classification signals and disposed outside of a semiconductor chip including the signal obtaining unit and the column processors.

An imaging device comprising:

• an imaging region including a plurality of pixels in rows and columns each including a charge generator configured to generate signal charges and further including a set of column processors being provided at least one column processor for each one of the respective columns to read the signals on a row-by-row basis for the respective column;
• an amplifier-circuit region configured to amplify signals output from the pixels and outputting amplified signals, the amplifier-circuit region being provided beside the imaging region;
• and
• an output portion provided at a subsequent stage of the amplifier-circuit region;
• and
• converters configured to convert analog signals output from the amplifier circuits into N-bit digital signals,
• wherein,
• the amplifier-circuit region comprises a plurality of amplifiers to which gains are set according to M-bit classification signals based on levels of signals output from the output portion,
• a dynamic range of the N-bit digital signals is extended based on the M-bit classification signals;
• ‘M’ refers to an integer value greater than zero, and
• ‘N’ refers to an integer value greater than zero;
• and
• a classification-signal generator configured to compare the detected signal levels with a plurality of threshold values to classify the detected signal levels, and generate and output the M-bit classification signals representing results of the classification, and configured to output the M-bit classification signals to an outside circuit configured to receive the M-bit classification signals and disposed outside of a semiconductor chip including the signal obtaining unit and the column processors.