Sony patents circuit design for faster image sensor comparisons
Sony has been granted a patent for a specific electronic circuit layout used inside image sensors. The design connects transistors, switches, and capacitors in a way that allows the sensor to compare incoming light signals against a reference point. This structure helps the sensor determine the strength of the signal more efficiently.
In the filing’s own words
Comparators, amplifiers and solid-state imaging devices are disclosed. In one example, a comparator includes transistors, switches, and capacitors. A reference signal is input to a first transistor. A second transistor shares a source with the first transistor. A third transistor shares a source with the first transistor and a drain with the second transistor. A first switch is connected between a gate and the drain of the second transistor. A second switch is connected between a gate and the drain of the third transistor. A first capacitor is connected to the second transistor and an input signal terminal. A second capacitor is connected to the third transistor and the input signal terminal. A fourth transistor shares a drain with the first transistor. A fifth transistor shares a drain with the second transistor and the third transistor, and shares a gate with the fourth transistor.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A comparator comprising: a first transistor having a gate to which a reference signal is input; a second transistor having a source connected to a source of the first transistor; a third transistor having a source connected to the source of the first transistor and having a drain connected to a drain of the second transistor; a first switch connected between a gate and the drain of the second transistor; a second switch connected between a gate and the drain of the third transistor; a first capacitor having a first end connected to the gate of the second transistor and a second end connected to an input signal terminal; a second capacitor having a first end connected to the gate of the third transistor and a second end connected to the input signal terminal; a fourth transistor having a drain connected to a drain of the first transistor and having a gate connected to the drain of the fourth transistor; a fifth transistor having a drain connected to the drain of the second transistor and the drain of the third transistor, and having a gate connected to the gate of the fourth transistor, wherein the fourth transistor or the fifth transistor has the drain whose potential is selectively connected to an output terminal.
Facts
- Company
- Sony (Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation)
- Official title
- Comparator, amplifier, and solid-state imaging device
- Patent number
- US12750046B2
- Application number
- 18837471
- Filed
- Feb 3, 2023
- Granted
- Sep 29, 2026
- Inventors
- 3
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
H03K 5/2481 Electricity & electronicsH03F 3/45179 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/772 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/78 Electricity & electronicsMore from Sony in Chips & hardware
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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.