Patent ID: 6521926
Filing Date: 2003-02-18
Classification: H01L,H04N

Abstract:
A MOS type image sensor having an image area containing an array of pixels, a plurality of read lines, a plurality of row selection lines, a plurality of output signal lines and a plurality of power supply lines, each pixel comprising:(a) a photodiode; (b) a read transistor including a first gate electrode for receiving a read signal from the read lines, a one end and an other end of a first current path thereof, the one end of the first current path receiving charges generated in the photodiode; (c) an amplification transistor including a second gate electrode, a one end and an other end of a second current path thereof, configured such that a potential corresponding to the charges generated in the photodiode is supplied to the second gate electrode through the first current path of the read transistor, the second gate electrode having a gate length shorter than that of the read transistor, the one end of the second current path outputting an output signal to one of the output signal lines; and (d) a row selection transistor including a third gate electrode for receiving a row selection signal from one of the row selection lines, a one end and an other end of a third current path thereof, the one end of the third current path receiving a current from one of the power supply lines, the other end of the third current path supplying the current to the other end of the second current path.