Active pixel sensor integrated with a photocapacitor
First Claim
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1. An active pixel image sensor comprising:
- a plurality of active pixels with at least one of the active pixels having as a light sensing means, at least one buried channel photocapacitor operatively coupled to CMOS control circuitry.
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Abstract
The optimization of two technologies (CMOS and CCD) wherein a pinned photodiode is integrated into the image sensing element of an active pixel sensor. Pinned photodiodes are fabricated with CCD process steps into the active pixel architecture. Charge integrated within the active pixel pinned photodiode is transferred into the charge sensing node by a transfer gate. The floating diffusion is coupled CMOS circuitry that can provide the addressing capabilities of individual pixels. Alternatively, a buried channel photocapacitor can be used in place of the pinned photodiode.
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13 Claims
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1. An active pixel image sensor comprising:
- a plurality of active pixels with at least one of the active pixels having as a light sensing means, at least one buried channel photocapacitor operatively coupled to CMOS control circuitry.
- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An active pixel image sensor comprising:
a plurality of active pixels with at least one of the active pixels having as a photodetecting element, at least one surface channel photocapacitor having a functionally transparent gate operatively coupled to CMOS control circuitry. - View Dependent Claims (13)
Specification