Ramp signal generator and image sensor including the same

Abstract

Disclosed are devices, systems and methods for allowing a ramp signal generator to reduce noise. A ramp signal generator may include a reference voltage generator configured to generate a reference voltage, a gain controller configured to control a gain of the reference voltage, a ramp signal controller configured to generate a ramp signal in response to an output signal of the gain controller, and an offset controller coupled to an output terminal of the gain controller in the form of a current mirror, and control an offset of the ramp signal in response to a control signal.

Description

technical field [0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to ramp signal generators and image sensors including the same, and more particularly, to techniques that allow the ramp signal generators to reduce noise. Background technique [0002] In the field of imaging where Charge Coupled Devices (CCDs) have dominated most image sensing devices over the past few decades, Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) technology has been employed to design and manufacture sensors. Traditionally, CMOS image sensors (CIS) have had lower image quality compared to CCDs. However, CIS is rapidly approaching CCD parity in image quality and is rapidly expanding into the image sensor market due to its advantages of low power consumption, low price, and small size. Notably, CIS allows video cameras to record at high quality and high frame rates, and is now expanding into the video camera market. [0003] The CIS includes, among other components, an analog-to-digita...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0005] However, the noise generated by the ramp signal generator and transferred to the ADC can still affect the image quality of the CMOS image sensor (CIS)

Images