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Samsung patents image sensor design with extra voltage amplification steps

This filing describes a specific layout for an image sensor, the chip that turns light into digital images in cameras. It uses a chain of transistors, including a common source and a source follower, to amplify and buffer the electrical signal created by light before it is read out.

Why it mattersThis is a routine hardware improvement that aims to make the signal from the camera chip cleaner or stronger, which is standard work for camera manufacturers.

In the filing’s own words

An image sensor according to some example embodiments may include a photoelectric conversion element configured to generate photo charge, a first node configured to accumulate photo charge generated from the photoelectric conversion element, a transfer transistor connected between the first node and the photoelectric conversion element, a reset transistor connected between the first node and a driving voltage, a common source transistor including a gate connected to the first node and connected between a second node and a reference voltage, and configured to amplify a voltage caused by the photo charge, and a source follower transistor including a gate connected to the second node and having an end connected to the driving voltage, and configured to buffer a voltage caused by the photo charge.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. An image sensor, comprising: a photoelectric conversion element configured to generate photo charge; a first node configured to accumulate the photo charge generated from the photoelectric conversion element; a transfer transistor connected between the first node and the photoelectric conversion element; a reset transistor connected between the first node and a driving voltage; a common source transistor including a gate connected to the first node and connected between a second node and a reference voltage, the common source transistor configured to amplify a voltage caused by the photo charge; and a source follower transistor including a gate connected to the second node and having an end connected to the driving voltage, the source follower transistor configured to buffer the voltage caused by the photo charge.

Facts

Company
Samsung (Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.)
Official title
IMAGE SENSOR AND DRIVING METHOD THEREOF
Publication number
US20260292367A1
Application number
19393827
Filed
Nov 19, 2025
Published
Sep 24, 2026
Inventors
2
Claims
20

Classified under

H04N 25/778 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/709 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/7795 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.