Patent ID: 8569673

Claim:
An image sensor, comprising: a matrix of active pixels having several columns for delivering at least one information signal of an active pixel; and a processor coupled to receive the at least one information signal delivered by said active pixel, the processor including: at least one amplification stage biased by a current source, and a device for voltage-limiting the signal delivered on an output terminal of said at least one amplification stage, the device including an input terminal connected to the output terminal, a first transistor connected between the input terminal and a reference terminal connected to a reference power supply source, a gain device having an input connected to the input terminal, and an output connected to the gate of the first transistor, the gain device being configured so as to decrease the voltage span necessary to cause the first transistor to toggle from its off state to a state in which it absorbs the current provided by said current source, wherein the gain device comprises: a second transistor connected between a supply voltage of said current source and the gate of the first transistor, and having a gate connected to the input terminal, and a second current source connected to the drain of the second transistor.