Readout circuit and image sensor

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a readout circuit and an image sensor, and the readout circuit comprises: a pixel array which comprises a plurality of rows and columns of pixel units; a column counter which is suitable for acquiring corresponding pixel signals of a plurality of rows of pixel units on a specific column in the pixel array; and a column counter which is reset after acquiring row combined pixel signals of corresponding pixel signals of a plurality of rows of pixel units on a specific column. The reading circuit does not need to cache at least one row of pixel signals in advance in the process of carrying out pixel signal merging reading on the acquired image information, so that the area of a chip for storing the pixel signals in the image sensor can be effectively reduced.

Description

technical field [0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of integrated circuits, in particular to a readout circuit and an image sensor. Background technique [0002] Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors have the advantages of simple process, easy integration with other devices, small size, light weight, low power consumption, and low cost. With the development of the industry, CMOS image sensors are widely used in various electronic products. [0003] In some specific cases, CMOS image sensors need to combine and read out pixel signals; however, current CMOS image sensors need to buffer at least one line of pixel signals when performing combined and readout of pixel signals, which increases the chip area. Therefore, a new readout circuit and image sensor is required. Contents of the invention [0004] In order to solve the problems existing in the prior art, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a readout circuit and a...

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Problems solved by technology

[0003] In some specific cases, CMOS image sensors need to combine and read out pixel signals; however, current CMOS image sensors need to buffer at least one line of pixel signals when performing combined and readout of pixel signals, which increases the chip area.

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