Methods and apparatus for an image sensor with a multi-branch transistor
AssigneeSemiconductor Components Industries, LLC
InventorRichard Mauritzson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Various embodiments of the present technology may comprise a method and device for a multi-source/drain transistor for use in an image sensor. The device may comprise an active region, wherein the active region comprises three doped regions. Two of the three doped region may be floating diffusion active regions, wherein each floating diffusion active region is connected to a photosensitive element. The device may comprise a multi-branch channel defined by the area underlying a gate region and substantially surrounded by the doped regions. During operation the electron path may form an “L” shape within the channel.
Claims14
A solid-state imaging device, comprising:
- a first pixel and a second pixel, wherein each pixel comprises a photosensitive element;
- and
- a reset transistor, comprising:
- a first gate region comprising an outer perimeter;
- a first doped region, a second doped region, and a third doped region, wherein the doped regions are adjacent to the outer perimeter of the first gate region;
- wherein the first and second doped regions comprise floating diffusion active regions;
- and
- wherein the first pixel is coupled to the first floating diffusion active region and the second pixel is coupled to the second floating diffusion active region.
A system, comprising:
- an image sensor comprising:
- a plurality of pixels arranged in a two-dimensional pattern, wherein each pixel comprises a photosensitive element;
- a reset transistor comprising:
- a first gate region comprising an outer perimeter;
- and
- a first doped region, a second doped region, and a third doped region, wherein the doped regions are adjacent to the outer perimeter of the first gate region;
- wherein the first and second doped regions comprise floating diffusion active regions;
- and
- wherein a first pixel is coupled to the first floating diffusion active region and a second pixel is coupled to the second floating diffusion active region;
- a central processing unit electrically coupled to the image sensor;
- and
- a memory device electrically coupled to the central processing unit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.