Patent ID: 6414292
Filing Date: 2002-07-02
Classification: H01L,H04N

Abstract:
An image sensor comprising:a plurality of sensor elements each having a first switch coupled to a photodetector to alternatively, under the control of a reset signal, (1) provide a first current to reset the photodetector and (2) present a high impedance to the photodetector; a reset line coupled to the first switch in each of the sensor elements to provide the reset signal and to both control the first switch and supply the first current; a plurality of output lines; a transfer gate in each sensor element coupled between the photodetector and a respective one of the output lines; and a select line coupled to the transfer gate in each sensor element to control the transfer of a photodetector output signal to the respective one of the output lines, wherein the transfer gate includes amplifier being powered through the select line, the amplifier having an input being coupled to an output of the photodetector, and a second switch coupled to be controlled through the select line, an output of the amplifier being coupled to the respective one of the output lines through the second switch.