Image Sensor Having a Uniform Digital Power Signature
First Claim
1. A method of operating an image sensor in a uniform power mode, the method comprising:
- scanning an array of pixels using analog sensing circuitry to obtain an analog sensor output, wherein the scanning is performed over a first time interval;
converting the analog sensor output to a digital data output using digital logic circuitry, wherein the converting occurs over a second time interval that is subsequent to the first time interval; and
while the array of pixels are being scanned, operating the digital logic circuitry over the first time interval and substantially coinciding with the scanning of the array of pixels.
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Abstract
An image sensor and a method of operating an image sensor to achieve a substantially uniform power signature. An array of pixels may be scanned using analog sensing circuitry to obtain an analog sensor output. The scanning is performed over a first time interval. The analog sensor output is converted to a digital data output using digital logic circuitry. The converting occurs over a second time interval that is subsequent to the first time interval and may be substantially the same duration as the first time interval. While the array of pixels are being scanned, the digital logic circuitry is operated over the first time interval and substantially coincides with the scanning of the array of pixels.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of operating an image sensor in a uniform power mode, the method comprising:
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scanning an array of pixels using analog sensing circuitry to obtain an analog sensor output, wherein the scanning is performed over a first time interval; converting the analog sensor output to a digital data output using digital logic circuitry, wherein the converting occurs over a second time interval that is subsequent to the first time interval; and while the array of pixels are being scanned, operating the digital logic circuitry over the first time interval and substantially coinciding with the scanning of the array of pixels. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A portable electronic device for producing a digital image, the portable electronic device includes a digital camera having an image sensor, wherein the image sensor includes analog sensing circuitry and digital logic circuitry and wherein the image sensor is configured to:
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scan an array of pixels using the analog sensing circuitry to obtain an analog sensor output, wherein the scan is performed over a first time interval; convert the analog sensor output to a digital data output using the digital logic circuitry, wherein the conversion occurs over a second time interval that is subsequent to the first time interval; and operate digital logic circuitry over the first time interval and substantially coinciding with the scan of the array of pixels. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification