Samsung patents image sensor design with built-in signal comparison
Samsung has filed a patent for an image sensor that uses a specific circuit layout to process light data. The design includes a differential amplifier within each pixel to compare electrical signals, which helps convert light into digital data more accurately.
In the filing’s own words
An image sensor is provided. The image sensor comprises a pixel array comprising a plurality of pixel circuits configured to convert an optical signal into a pixel signal and output the pixel signal, and a readout circuit comprising an analog-to-digital conversion circuit configured to convert the pixel signal into digital data and output the digital data. Each of the plurality of pixel circuits comprises a photo detection circuit comprising a photoelectric conversion element, a first node, a transfer transistor configured to electrically connect the photoelectric conversion element and the first node, and a reset transistor configured to electrically connect the first node and a reset voltage node, a second node connected to the first node through a first transistor, and a differential amplifier circuit comprising a second transistor having comprising a gate terminal connected to the first node, a third transistor having comprising a gate terminal connected to the second node, and a fourth transistor connected to a common source node connected to a source node of each of the first transistor and the second transistor.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. An image sensor comprising: a pixel array comprising a plurality of pixel circuits configured to convert an optical signal into a pixel signal and output the pixel signal; and a readout circuit comprising an analog-to-digital conversion circuit configured to convert the pixel signal into digital data and output the digital data, and wherein each of the plurality of pixel circuits comprises: a photo detection circuit comprising a photoelectric conversion element, a first node, a transfer transistor configured to electrically connect the photoelectric conversion element and the first node, and a reset transistor configured to electrically connect the first node and a reset voltage node; a second node connected to the first node through a first transistor; and a differential amplifier circuit comprising a second transistor comprising a gate terminal connected to the first node, a third transistor comprising a gate terminal connected to the second node, and a fourth transistor connected to a common source node electrically connected to a source node of each of the first transistor and the second transistor.
Facts
- Company
- Samsung (SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.)
- Official title
- PIXEL CIRCUIT AND IMAGE SENSOR INCLUDING DIFFERENTIAL AMPLIFIER
- Publication number
- US20260292368A1
- Application number
- 19530844
- Filed
- Feb 5, 2026
- Published
- Sep 24, 2026
- Inventors
- 2
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
H04N 25/778 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/709 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/78 Electricity & electronicsMore from Samsung in Cameras & imaging
- Samsung patents syncing multiple cameras to record one video Sep 1, 2026
- Samsung patents camera system that auto-picks best lens for video Oct 13, 2026
- Samsung patents camera design that bends light to fit in thinner phones Oct 20, 2026
- Samsung patents camera feature that saves video clips around photos Sep 10, 2026
- Samsung patents image sensor that captures depth and bright scenes Sep 24, 2026
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.