Patent ID: 8823849
Filing Date: 2014-09-02
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A photoelectric conversion device comprising: a plurality of pixels arranged to form a pixel array having a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns; a plurality of amplifier units each provided to a corresponding column of the plurality of columns, wherein each of the plurality of amplifier units includes a variable amplifier stage and a voltage follower, the variable amplifier stage being configured to amplify a signal outputted from a pixel of a corresponding column with a gain selected from a plurality of selectable gains, the voltage follower including a differential amplifier having a first input terminal receiving a signal outputted from the variable amplifier stage, a second input terminal, and an output terminal that is permanently connected to the second input terminal; and a circuit configured to reduce an offset generated in the plurality of amplifier units, wherein the circuit includes a plurality of capacitances, each of the plurality of capacitances being configured to hold a signal that is outputted from the output terminal of the voltage follower of a corresponding amplifier unit of the plurality of amplifier units.