Image sensor capable of switching lateral overflow integrating capacitor voltage

By introducing a voltage switching unit within the pixel unit of the image sensor, the switching of LOFIC voltage is achieved, which solves the exposure problem of traditional image sensors in scenes with different brightness levels, improves the dynamic range and photogenerated charge readout capability, and reduces dark current and image delay.

CN122294020APending Publication Date: 2026-06-26GALAXYCORE SHANGHAI
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411933405.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-25
Publication Date
2026-06-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

When shooting scenes with large differences in brightness, traditional image sensors tend to overexpose bright areas or lack detail in dark areas, have limited dynamic range, and the lateral overflow integrating capacitor is prone to incomplete discharge during the photogenerated charge integration period, resulting in image delay.

Method used

A voltage switching unit is introduced within the pixel unit to control the voltage switching of the LOFIC through timing, thereby reducing dark current and improving the readout capability of photogenerated charge. This includes compensating for residual charge during the idle period, fast reset during the pre-charge period, and reducing leakage current during the integration period.

Benefits of technology

It effectively reduces dark current and image delay, improves the dynamic range of the image sensor and the readout capability of photogenerated charge, and ensures that both bright and dark areas are properly exposed, retaining more details.

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Abstract

The invention discloses an implementation method of an image sensor capable of switching voltage of a lateral overflow integrating capacitor (LOFIC) in a pixel unit, which is characterized in that the pixel unit at least comprises at least one photodiode, a transfer transistor, a floating diffusion region, a reset transistor, the LOFIC and a voltage switching unit, the photodiode is connected to the floating diffusion region through the transfer transistor; the first electrode of the LOFIC is coupled with the voltage switching unit, and the voltage switching unit is suitable for switching the first electrode of the LOFIC to different voltages; the first electrode voltage of the LOFIC is adjusted by controlling the voltage switching unit through a time sequence, so that the dark current of the image sensor is reduced, and the image delay is improved.
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