Patent ID: 8553120
Filing Date: 2013-10-08
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A solid state image pickup apparatus comprising: a plurality of pixels arranged to form a plurality of columns, each pixel including (a) a photoelectric conversion element that converts a light signal into signal charges, and (b) an amplification element that amplifies the signal corresponding to the signal charges converted by the photoelectric conversion element; a plurality of signal lines through which signals amplified by the amplification elements of the columns are transmitted; a load MOS transistor arranged at each signal line, each load MOS transistor supplying an electric current to the amplification elements of pixels in one of the columns; a first MOS transistor arranged at each signal line, each first MOS transistor being associated with an associated signal line and an associated load MOS transistor and maintaining a constant potential of one main electrode of its associated load MOS transistor; a potential changing unit for changing a gate potential of the first MOS transistor; and an electrical power line electrically connected to another main electrode of each load MOS transistor.