Patent ID: 7394054
Filing Date: 2008-07-01
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A photoelectric converter, comprising: photoelectric conversion circuit for generating an optical signal in correspondence to incident light; a reset circuit connected to an output terminal of the photoelectric conversion circuit; a first amplification circuit connected to output terminals of the photoelectric conversion circuit and the reset circuit; a first electric charge transfer unit having a terminal connected to an output terminal of the first amplification circuit; a first capacitor connected to the other terminal of the first electric charge transfer unit; a second amplification circuit connected to the first electric charge transfer unit and the first capacitor; a second electric charge transfer unit having a terminal connected to an output terminal of the second amplification circuit; a second capacitor connected to the other terminal of the second electric charge transfer unit; a third amplification circuit connected to the second electric charge transfer unit and the second capacitor; a third electric charge transfer unit having a terminal connected to an output terminal of the third amplification circuit; a third capacitor connected to the other terminal of the third electric charge transfer unit; a source follower amplifier having a gate connected to the third electric charge transfer unit and the third capacitor; a channel selection circuit connected to a source of the source follower amplifier; a common signal line connected to an output terminal of the channel selection circuit; a first current source connected to the common signal line; and a second current source connected to a source of the source follower amplifier.