Patent ID: 6111245
Filing Date: 2000-08-29
Classification: H01L,H04N

Abstract:
An active pixel sensor, comprising:a photon receiver formed by an n type region within a p type region;a serial electronic shutter formed by an n type MOS transistor having a source connected to the photon receiver and a drain connected in series with a drain of a p type MOS transistor;a reset transistor formed by a p type MOS transistor having a source connected with a positive power source and a drain connected with the drain of the n type MOS transistor of the electronic shutter;a voltage follower including a transistor having a gate connected with the drain of the p type MOS transistor, a source of said voltage follower transistor serving as the output port of the n type MOS transistor and the drain of the voltage follower transistor being connected with a column selecting transistor;wherein said column selecting transistor is formed by an n type MOS transistor having a source connected with the drain of the voltage follower transistor and a drain connected to a positive power source; andwherein the photon receiver is a light sensitive electrode for converting collected photons into current.