Patent ID: 7485839

Claim:
An image sensor, comprising: a plurality of photoelectric converting elements configured to photoelectrically convert inputted optical signals into electric signals having voltages corresponding to brightness levels of the inputted optical signals; a plurality of selection switches provided respectively for the photoelectric converting elements, the plurality of selection switches being turned ON/OFF to selectively provide the electric signals from the photoelectric converting elements to a common output line; a scanning circuit configured to sequentially turn ON/OFF the selection switches in response to entered pulses; a differential amplifier configured to amplify a voltage difference between a first input terminal and a second input terminal thereof, the first input terminal configured to receive the electric signal from the common output line, and the second input terminal configured to receive a reference voltage; and a resistor having one end connected to the first input terminal of the differential amplifier, the reference voltage being supplied to the other end of the resistor, wherein a voltage applied to the first input terminal is controlled by a current of the respective electric signal at least partially diverted away through the resistor to thereby curb a peak appearing in an output signal from the differential amplifier.