Patent ID: 6587145
Filing Date: 2003-07-01
Classification: H01L,H04N

Abstract:
A system for generating digital signals in a sensor, the system comprising:an array of photodetectors, each responsive to light impinged thereupon and independently producing a charge signal after the photodetectors are collectively reset by a reset signal; a counter receiving a time mark signal and producing a count number with reference to the time mark signal; a plurality of time mark measurement modules collectively receiving a reference signal and the count number from the counter, each of the time mark measurement modules coupled to one of the photodetectors and outputting a digital representation of the charge signal from the one of the photodetectors with reference to the reference signal and the count number from the counter, wherein the reference signal has a magnitude level piecewise adjusted over time; and a plurality of register circuits, each connected to one of the time mark measurement modules and receiving the digital representation therefrom, wherein the digital representation from each of the time mark measurement modules is sequentially shifted out to form the digital signals.