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SamsungGranted patentCameras & imagingInterest 3/10

Samsung patents image sensor design to speed up photo data conversion

Samsung has been granted a patent for an image sensor that converts light into digital data using a specific counter circuit layout. The design splits the counting process into two parts: one section captures the smaller, faster-changing bits of data, while the other handles the larger, slower-changing bits. By placing these components in a specific arrangement parallel to the sensor's surface, the system aims to process pixel signals more efficiently.

Why it mattersThis is a technical improvement to how camera chips process raw light data, which could lead to slightly faster or more efficient image sensors in future phones or cameras.

In the filing’s own words

An image sensor includes a counter circuit that outputs a count value corresponding to a magnitude of a pixel signal. The counter circuit includes a first counter circuit that latches a counting code to generate at least one least significant bit signal of a count value; and a second counter circuit that generates most significant bit signals sequentially toggling in response to one of the at least one least significant bit signal or an inversion signal of the one of the at least one least significant bit signal. The first counter circuit includes a plurality of latch circuits and an addition circuit. The second counter circuit is arranged between the plurality of latch circuits along a first virtual line connecting a comparator and the plurality of latch circuits.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. An image sensor comprising: a pixel array including a plurality of pixels, each pixel configured to output a pixel signal; a comparator configured to generate a comparison signal based on a ramp signal and the pixel signal; a counter circuit configured to receive a counting code and the comparison signal and output a count value corresponding to a magnitude of the pixel signal based on the comparison signal; and a control circuit configured to control the plurality of pixels, the comparator, and the counter circuit, wherein the counter circuit includes: a first counter circuit configured to latch the counting code and generate at least one least significant bit signal of the count value; and a second counter circuit configured to generate most significant bit signals sequentially toggling in response to one of the at least one least significant bit signal or an inversion signal of the one of the at least one least significant bit signal, wherein the first counter circuit includes a plurality of latch circuits and an addition circuit, wherein the second counter circuit is arranged between the plurality of latch circuits along a first virtual line connecting the comparator and the plurality of latch circuits, wherein the image sensor is formed on a substrate including a front surface and a back surface opposite to the front surface, and wherein the first virtual line is parallel to the front surface or the back surface of the substrate.

Facts

Company
Samsung (Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.)
Official title
Analog-to-digital converter and image sensor including the same
Patent number
US12771372B2
Application number
19024232
Filed
Jan 16, 2025
Granted
Oct 20, 2026
Inventors
2
Claims
20

Classified under

H03M 1/34 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/772 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/78 Electricity & electronics
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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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.