×

Active pixel sensor cell that reduces the effect of 1/f noise, increases the voltage range of the cell, and reduces the size of the cell

  • US 5,721,425 A
  • Filed: 03/01/1996
  • Issued: 02/24/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/01/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A method for converting light energy into a pixel signal with an active pixel sensor cell formed in a semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type, wherein the active pixel sensor cell includes:

  • a well region of a second conductivity type formed in the substrate;

    a reset region of the first conductivity type formed in the well region;

    a buffer transistor having a gate connected to the well region; and

    a row select transistor connected to the buffer transistor, the row select transistor having a gate,the method comprising the steps of;

    applying a first voltage to the substrate;

    resetting the well region to a voltage which is greater than the first voltage; and

    applying a read voltage to the gate of the row select transistor for a predetermined time a predefined time after the well region is reset.

View all claims
  • 3 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×