Sony patents memory split that shrinks image sensors
Sony describes a memory system for image sensors that splits image data between two types of storage. It uses standard SRAM for the most important data bits and a smaller, more compact memory type for the less critical bits.
In the filing’s own words
An increase in the size of a memory apparatus that stores image data or the like is reduced. A memory apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a first memory and a second memory. The first memory included in the memory apparatus according to the present disclosure includes an SRAM and holds data of the high-order bits of image data. The second memory included in the memory apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a memory having a cell area smaller than a cell area of the SRAM of the first memory according to the present disclosure, and the second memory holds data of the low-order bits of the image data.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A memory apparatus comprising: a first memory that includes an SRAM and holds data of a high-order bit of image data; and a second memory that includes a memory having a cell area smaller than a cell area of the SRAM, the second memory holding data of a low-order bit of the image data.
Facts
- Company
- Sony (SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATION)
- Official title
- MEMORY APPARATUS, IMAGE SENSOR, AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS
- Publication number
- US20260277737A1
- Application number
- 19163436
- Filed
- Mar 11, 2024
- Published
- Sep 17, 2026
- Inventors
- 1
- Claims
- 10
Classified under
G06F 11/1004 Physics & computingMore 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.