Patent ID: 7446684
Filing Date: 2008-11-04
Classification: H03M,H04N

Abstract:
1. A readout circuit adapted for receiving a line analog image signal from an image sensor array of an image sensor, said readout circuit comprising: an amplifying unit adapted for amplifying and correcting amplitude of the line analog image signal, and for outputting an amplified and corrected analog signal; an m-bit analog-to-digital converter coupled to said amplifying unit, and operable to convert the amplified and corrected analog signal into a corresponding m-bit digital signal; and an m-to-n bit digital converting unit coupled to said m-bit analog-to-digital converter, receiving the m-bit digital signal from said m-bit analog-to-digital converter, and responsive to a k-bit control signal for converting the m-bit digital signal into an n-bit digital signal, wherein m is greater than or equal to n, wherein the m-bit digital signal falls within a first range, the n-bit digital signal falls within a second range, and the second range is one of a plurality of sub-ranges falling within the first range and selected according to the k-bit control signal.