Patent ID: 8269873
Filing Date: 2012-09-18
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A solid-state imaging device comprising: a plurality of pixel circuits each of which converts an optical signal into a pixel signal; a load current source circuit adapted to supply a load current, used to read out the pixel signal from the plurality of pixel circuits, to the pixel circuits on a column-by-column basis; a signal readout circuit adapted to read out a reference signal and the pixel signal from the pixel circuits on a row-by-row basis and output the difference between the reference and pixel signals that have been read out; and a control signal generation circuit adapted to generate a maintenance control signal used to maintain the load current constant during a readout period that lasts from when the reference signal is read out by the signal readout circuit to when the pixel signal is read out by the signal readout circuit, wherein the load current source circuit includes