Patent ID: 9143714
Filing Date: 2015-09-22
Classification: H03M,H04N

Abstract:
1. A solid-state imaging apparatus, comprising: a plurality of pixel circuits, each of which is configured to output an analog signal responding to an amount of incident light; a plurality of row selection lines and a plurality of signal lines coupled to the plurality of pixel circuits; a plurality of analog-to-digital (AD) converters, each of which is coupled to one of the signal lines and is configured to convert an analog signal from an activated pixel circuit in the plurality of pixel circuits into a first digital signal; and a latch circuit, each of the AD converters comprising: an operational amplifier having an input node configured to input the analog signal from the activated pixel circuit via the signal line, and an output node; and a bias voltage supply line configured to supply a bias voltage to each of the plurality of AD converters, wherein a power supply voltage is supplied to the operational amplifier in each of the AD converters, wherein the latch circuit is coupled to the output node of the operational amplifier and configured to generate a stop signal based on a signal outputted from the output node of the operational amplifier and to latch a second digital signal when a transition of the stop signal occurs, wherein a clip circuit is coupled to the output node of the operational amplifier and configured to input the stop signal and make an amplitude of a voltage level of the output node of the operational amplifier less than the power supply voltage when the transition of the stop signal occurs.