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Image sensor pixel circuit

  • US 5,898,168 A
  • Filed: 06/12/1997
  • Issued: 04/27/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/12/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An image sensing device having a plurality of imager cells, each of said imager cells comprising:

  • a photosensitive element providing a photocharge responsive to incoming light;

    a first transistor coupled to an activation line carrying an activation signal to a first plurality of imager cells of said device to selectively activate cells for image data readout, said first transistor operable to transfer said photocharge towards a reference circuit node within said imager cell responsive to said activation signal;

    a second transistor operably coupled to said first transistor, said second transistor operative to selectively set a voltage level at said reference node; and

    a third transistor having a control terminal coupled to said reference node, and an output terminal coupled to an output data line common to a second plurality of imager cells, said third transistor providing an output signal on said data line related to said reference node voltage and indicative of an amount of light incident upon said photosensitive element.

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