Patent ID: 8045034
Filing Date: 2011-10-25
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A solid-state imaging apparatus comprising: a plurality of pixels for generating an image signal based on a photoelectric conversion arranged in a two-dimensional array; a counter arranged commonly to a plurality of columns of the pixels, to count and output a digital value of n-bits; a plurality of first accumulation units arranged such that the first accumulation units, of which number is n, are arranged corresponding to each column of the pixels, and each of the first accumulation units holds a digital value of one bit among digital values of n-bits output from the counter; a plurality of second accumulation units arranged correspondingly to the first accumulation units, for accumulating the digital value transferred from the first accumulation units; an inter-accumulation unit wiring for connecting between the first and second accumulation units; an A/D converter for writing the digital value of n-bits from the counter based on the image signal generated by the pixels into the first accumulation units of which number is n, wherein correspondingly to each column of the pixels, the first accumulation unit of m-th bit (1≦m≦n) among the first accumulation units, of which number is n, arranged for holding the digital value of n-bits is arranged adjacent to the second accumulation unit of m-th bit (1≦m≦n) among the second accumulation units, of which number is n, arranged for holding the digital value of n-bits, so that the first and second accumulation units of the m-th bit are paired and the pairs of which number is n are arranged in a direction along the column of the pixels.