Patent ID: 9185319
Filing Date: 2015-11-10
Classification: H01L,H04N

Abstract:
1. An image sensor having a matrix of pixel rows and columns, each pixel having a photodiode and a node for storing charges in order to collect in said node, at the end of a charge integration period, charges accumulated in the photodiode, the matrix being organized into groups of at least two pixels with means for grouping into one pixel charges generated in the two pixels, wherein a group of pixels has at least one temporary storage gate for temporarily storing charges, said at least one gate exhibiting dissymmetry between an upstream side and a downstream side and being located between the photodiode of the first pixel and the photodiode of the second pixel, and means for applying to the temporary storage gate a succession of potentials that are: a low potential prohibiting a passage of charges between the first and second photodiodes during the charge integration period, then a high potential temporary storage control signal permitting a pouring towards the temporary storage gate of charges accumulated in the two photodiodes, then a low potential allowing a pouring towards the first photodiode only of charges stored under the temporary storage gate.