Patent ID: 8520100
Filing Date: 2013-08-27
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A CMOS image sensor comprising: a semiconductor chip including a metal output pad disposed for connection to an external conductor; a plurality of pixels fabricated on the chip, each pixel including a photodiode and a plurality of transistors coupled between the photodiode and an associated signal line; a clock generation circuit disposed on the semiconductor chip for generating an on-chip clock signal; means for controlling the plurality of pixels such that, during a first time period, a first set of pixels of the plurality of pixels transmits onto an associated first signal line a first set of analog reset values determined by a reset voltage generated inside said first pixel, and such that, during a second time period subsequent to the first time period, said first set of pixels transmits onto said associated first signal line a first set of analog signal values according to a charge stored on said photodiode in accordance with an amount of received radiance; means for transmitting said set of first analog reset values from said first signal line onto said output pad during said first time period, and for transmitting said first set of analog signal values from said first signal line onto said output pad during said second time period; and means for transmitting a first synchronization signal onto said output pad prior to said first time period, and for transmitting a second synchronization signal onto said output pad between said first time period and said second time period.