Imaging device and method for acquiring gain ratio thereof

Abstract

The objective of the present invention is to shorten the time required for calibration between gains in a level adjusting circuit.　The level adjusting circuit performs level adjustment of analog signals output to vertical signal lines corresponding to each column of a pixel array, using either of mutually different first and second gains. An analog to digital converter converts the level-adjusted analog signals to digital signals. A test signal generating unit generates mutually different first and second test signals. A gain ratio acquiring unit supplies the first test signal to one of the vertical signal lines, and simultaneously supplies the second test signal to another of the other vertical signal lines, and acquires the gain ratio between the first gain and the second gain of the level adjusting circuit.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present technology relates to an image sensor, and more particularly to a calibration technology between gains in a level adjustment circuit in the image sensor. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, in order to improve noise in a column readout circuit in an image, an adaptive gain control (AGC) function is used in a level adjustment circuit, which performs readout at a high gain at low illuminance and at a low gain at high illuminance. When the AGC function is used, in order to maintain the signal linearity between high gain data and low gain data, a process of dividing the high gain data by the gain ratio between high gain and low gain is performed in a digital circuit subsequent to an AD converter (Analog to Digital Converter). When dividing, a gain ratio deviation between high gain and low gain occurs due to manufacturing variations, resulting in a step difference at the joint and a gain linearity error, so it becomes necessary to calculate the actual gain ratio by calibration and correct the deviation in the gain ratio. As a related technique, for example, an imaging device that stochastically changes a threshold value has been proposed as a technique for eliminating inconveniences associated with switching of the exposure amount (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 4-172086 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned conventional technology, when performing gain calibration in a level adjustment circuit, it is assumed that low illuminance data and high illuminance data for each gain are acquired in sequence to obtain an actual gain ratio. Therefore, the time required for calibration is long, and there is a problem that a waiting time is required before the start of reading the image data.

[0005] The present technology was developed in light of these circumstances, and aims to shorten the time required for calibration between gains in a level adjustment circuit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present technology has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and a first aspect thereof is an imaging device and a gain ratio acquisition method thereof, the imaging device including: a level adjustment circuit that performs level adjustment of an analog signal output to a vertical signal line corresponding to each column of a pixel array using either a first or second gain that is different from each other; an analog-to-digital converter that converts the level-adjusted analog signal into a digital signal; a test signal generation unit that generates first and second test signals that are different from each other; and a gain ratio acquisition unit that supplies the first test signal to one of the vertical signal lines and simultaneously supplies the second test signal to the other of the vertical signal lines to acquire a gain ratio between the first gain and the second gain of the level adjustment circuit, thereby achieving an effect of simultaneously supplying different test signals to one and the other of the vertical signal lines to acquire a gain ratio.

[0007] In addition, in the first aspect, the digital signal processing device may further include a gain ratio correction value generating unit that generates a gain ratio correction value based on the acquired gain ratio, and a correction unit that corrects the digital signal in accordance with the gain ratio correction value generated by the gain ratio correction value generating unit, thereby achieving the effect of correcting the digital signal based on the acquired gain ratio.

[0008] In addition, in the first aspect, the test signal generating unit may generate a potential of high illuminance data as the first test signal, and generate a potential of low illuminance data as the second test signal, thereby producing an effect of generating potentials of high illuminance data and low illuminance data as test signals.

[0009] In the first aspect, one of the vertical signal lines may be a vertical signal line for an odd-numbered column, and the other of the vertical signal lines may be a vertical signal line for an even-numbered column, thereby providing an effect of utilizing different test signals between adjacent columns.

[0010] In addition, in this first aspect, the gain ratio acquisition unit may acquire the gain ratio by supplying the first test signal to one of the vertical signal lines and the second test signal to the other of the vertical signal lines simultaneously for each of the gains of the level adjustment circuit set to 0 dB, the first gain, and the second gain, and then supplying the second test signal to one of the vertical signal lines and supplying the first test signal to the other of the vertical signal lines simultaneously. This brings about an effect of sequentially switching between supplying the first and second test signals to one and the other of the vertical signal lines and acquiring the gain ratio.

[0011] In addition, in this first aspect, the analog-to-digital converter may be provided for each of the plurality of vertical signal lines, and the gain ratio acquisition unit may supply the first test signal to one of the vertical signal lines and simultaneously supply the second test signal to the other of the vertical signal lines, and sequentially select the first and second test signals supplied to either one or the other of the vertical signal lines for each gain of the level adjustment circuit set to 0 dB, the first gain, and the second gain, to acquire the gain ratio. This provides an effect of sequentially switching and supplying the first and second test signals in a path from one or the other of the vertical signal lines to the analog-to-digital converter, thereby acquiring the gain ratio.

[0012] In addition, in the first aspect, the display may further include a first sample hold unit that holds an analog signal output to one of the vertical signal lines and a second sample hold unit that holds an analog signal output to the other of the vertical signal lines, the level adjustment circuit sequentially performs the level adjustment on outputs of either the first or second sample hold unit, and the analog-to-digital converter sequentially performs AD conversion on outputs of a plurality of the level adjustment circuits. This provides the effect of switching between the first and second sample hold units to supply analog signals from one and the other of the vertical signal lines, thereby obtaining a gain ratio.

[0013] In the first aspect, each of the first and second sample-and-hold units may include two sample-and-hold circuits that operate alternately with each other, thereby providing an effect of simultaneously performing a pipelined sampling operation and an AD conversion operation.

[0014] Also, in this first aspect, the level adjustment circuit may be an analog gain circuit that outputs a voltage signal obtained by adjusting the level of the analog signal, and the analog-to-digital converter may be a single-slope analog-to-digital converter that converts the voltage signal into the digital signal.

[0015] Also, in this first aspect, the level adjustment circuit may be a voltage-to-current converter that outputs a current signal obtained by level-adjusting the analog signal, and the analog-to-digital converter may be a current-input type analog-to-digital converter that converts the current signal into the digital signal. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an imaging device according to a first embodiment of the present technology. [Diagram 2] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration for each pixel column of a column signal processing circuit 100 according to a first embodiment of the present technology. FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration for gain ratio correction according to the first embodiment of the present technology. FIG. [Figure 4] 4A to 4C are diagrams for explaining a method of acquiring a gain ratio correction value during calibration according to the first embodiment of the present technology. [Diagram 5] 4 is a diagram showing an example of operation timing of calibration according to the first embodiment of the present technology. FIG. [Figure 6] 4 is a diagram showing an example of operation timing of an imaging device according to the first embodiment of the present technology. FIG. [Figure 7] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of an imaging device according to a second embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 8] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a column signal processing circuit 100 according to a second embodiment of the present technology. FIG. [Figure 9] 11 is a diagram showing a data flow in a column signal processing circuit 100 according to a second embodiment of the present technology. FIG. [Figure 10] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation timing of calibration according to a second embodiment of the present technology. FIG. [Figure 11] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation timing of an imaging device according to a second embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 12] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of an imaging device according to a third embodiment of the present technology. FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a column signal processing circuit 100 according to a third embodiment of the present technology. FIG. [Figure 14] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation timing of an imaging device according to a third embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 15] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of an imaging device according to a fourth embodiment of the present technology. FIG. [Figure 16] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a column signal processing circuit 100 according to a fourth embodiment of the present technology. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a data flow in a column signal processing circuit 100 according to a fourth embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 18] 13 is a diagram showing an example of operation timing of an imaging device according to a fourth embodiment of the present technology. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present technology (hereinafter, referred to as embodiments) will be described. The description will be made in the following order. 1. First embodiment (example of changing test voltage in a time-division manner in a test voltage generation circuit) 2. Second embodiment (example of switching test voltage on the path to the AD converter) 3. Third embodiment (example in which a current input type AD converter is used in the first embodiment) 4. Fourth embodiment (example in which a current input type AD converter is used in the second embodiment)

[0018] <1. First embodiment> [Imaging device] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an imaging device according to a first embodiment of the present technology.

[0019] This imaging device is made up of a pixel array 10 and a peripheral circuit section. The peripheral circuit section includes a vertical drive circuit 20, a horizontal drive circuit 30, a column signal processing circuit 100, and an output circuit 60.

[0020] The pixel array 10 is a pixel array in which a plurality of pixels 11, each including a photoelectric conversion unit, are arranged in a two-dimensional array. The pixels 11 include, for example, a photodiode serving as a photoelectric conversion unit, and a plurality of pixel transistors. Here, the plurality of pixel transistors can be composed of, for example, three transistors: a transfer transistor, a reset transistor, and an amplification transistor.

[0021] The vertical drive circuit 20 drives the pixels 11 row by row. The vertical drive circuit 20 is formed of, for example, a shift register. The vertical drive circuit 20 selects a pixel drive wiring and supplies a pulse for driving the pixel 11 to the selected pixel drive wiring. As a result, the vertical drive circuit 20 sequentially selects and scans each pixel 11 of the pixel array 10 in the vertical direction row by row, and supplies a pixel signal based on a signal charge generated in a photoelectric conversion unit of each pixel 11 according to the amount of received light to a column signal processing circuit 100 via a vertical signal line (VSL) 19.

[0022] The horizontal drive circuit 30 drives the column signal processing circuits 100 on a column-by-column basis. The horizontal drive circuit 30 is configured, for example, with a shift register. The horizontal drive circuit 30 sequentially outputs horizontal scanning pulses to select each of the column signal processing circuits 100 in turn, and causes the pixel signals from each of the column signal processing circuits 100 to be output to a horizontal signal line 59 via a switch 31.

[0023] The peripheral circuit section also includes a control circuit (not shown). This control circuit controls the entire imaging device, receives an input clock and data instructing an operation mode, etc., and outputs data such as internal information of the imaging device. That is, this control circuit generates clock signals and control signals that serve as a reference for the operation of the vertical drive circuit 20, the column signal processing circuit 100, the horizontal drive circuit 30, etc., based on a vertical synchronization signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, and a master clock. Then, these signals are input to the vertical drive circuit 20, the column signal processing circuit 100, the horizontal drive circuit 30, etc.

[0024] The column signal processing circuit 100 performs signal processing such as noise removal for each pixel column on signals output from one row of pixels 11. That is, the column signal processing circuit 100 performs signal processing such as correlated double sampling (CDS) for removing fixed pattern noise specific to the pixels 11, signal amplification, analog-to-digital conversion, and the like.

[0025] The column signal processing circuit 100 includes a load MOS 140, an analog gain circuit 160, and an AD converter 190 for each pixel column. The load MOS (LM: Load Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) 140 is a MOS transistor connected to each vertical signal line 19, and functions as a current source 141. The analog gain circuit (AG: Analog Gain) 160 is a circuit that adjusts the level of an analog signal input from the load MOS 140 by a predetermined gain. The AD converter (ADC: Analog to Digital Converter) 190 is a circuit that converts an analog signal, which is a voltage signal from the analog gain circuit 160, into a digital signal. The analog gain circuit 160 is an example of a level adjustment circuit described in the claims.

[0026] The output circuit 60 processes and outputs signals sequentially supplied from each pixel column of the column signal processing circuit 100 through the horizontal signal line 59. At this time, the output circuit 60 buffers the signals from the column signal processing circuit 100. The output circuit 60 may also perform black level adjustment, column variation correction, various digital signal processing, and the like on the signals from the column signal processing circuit 100.

[0027] In the analog gain circuit 160, in order to correct the gain ratio deviation between the high gain and the low gain, it is necessary to perform calibration between the gains. For this reason, this imaging device is provided with a test voltage generating circuit to output a test voltage. Each vertical signal line 19 is provided with a selector 134, which is configured to select either the pixel signal from the vertical signal line 19 or the test voltage from the test voltage generating circuit according to a control signal from the input switching control circuit 133, and supply the selected signal to the load MOS 140.

[0028] The test voltage generating circuit includes a resistor 111, a current source 112, a selector 113, and a voltage control register 114. A current flows from the current source 112 to the resistors 111 connected in series, and the potential at each end point is input to the input terminal of the selector 113. The voltage control register 114 is connected to a selection signal terminal of the selector 113, and the selector 113 outputs a voltage signal according to the value of the voltage control register 114 from the output terminal to the signal lines 121 and 122. That is, by changing the set value of the voltage control register 114, the voltage signals output to the signal lines 121 and 122 can be switched. The resistor 111, the current source 112, and the selector 113 are an example of a test signal generating unit described in the claims. The voltage control register 114, the input switching control circuit 133, and the selector 134 are an example of a gain ratio acquiring unit described in the claims.

[0029] Output buffers 131 and 132 are connected to signal lines 121 and 122 on the output side of the selector 113, respectively. The output of one output buffer 131 corresponds to the vertical signal lines 19 of odd columns, and the output of the other output buffer 132 corresponds to the vertical signal lines 19 of even columns. This allows different voltage signals to be supplied to odd and even columns. The outputs of the output buffers 131 and 132 can be short-circuited by a switch 139, and it is also possible to supply the same voltage signal to odd and even columns, but in this embodiment the switch 139 is left open.

[0030] With this configuration, when a potential VH of high illuminance data is applied to signal line 121 and a potential VL of low illuminance data is applied to signal line 122, the potential VH of high illuminance data is output to the odd columns and the potential VL of low illuminance data is output to the even columns. When a potential VL of low illuminance data is applied to signal line 121 and a potential VH of high illuminance data is applied to signal line 122, the potential VL of low illuminance data is output to the odd columns and the potential VH of high illuminance data is output to the even columns.

[0031] [Column signal processing circuit] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration for each pixel column of the column signal processing circuit 100 according to the first embodiment of the present technology.

[0032] As described above, the column signal processing circuit 100 includes, for each pixel column, the load MOS 140, the analog gain circuit 160, and the AD converter 190. In this first embodiment, the AD converter 190 is assumed to be a single-slope analog-to-digital converter.

[0033] Moreover, in order to perform adaptive gain control (AGC) in the analog gain circuit 160, an AGC comparator 170 is provided. The AGC comparator 170 includes a comparator 172, a flip-flop 173, and a selector 174.

[0034] The comparator 172 compares the input voltage value with the AGC threshold value to determine whether the input voltage value is low illuminance or high illuminance. The analog gain circuit 160 receives the result of this determination and uses a high gain (HG: High Gain) if the illuminance is low, and a low gain (LG: Low Gain) if the illuminance is high.

[0035] The flip-flop 173 is a flip-flop that holds the result of the determination made by the comparator 172. That is, it holds whether the input voltage value was determined to be low illuminance or high illuminance in the immediately preceding determination result.

[0036] The selector 174 selects either the value held in the flip-flop 173 or the manually set value in accordance with a selection signal (manual setting EN) and supplies the selected value to the analog gain circuit 160. For normal data signals, the value held in the flip-flop 173 is supplied to the analog gain circuit 160, but when performing calibration between gains, the manually set value is used as described later.

[0037] The analog gain circuit 160 includes an analog gain amplifier 161. The analog gain amplifier 161 amplifies the analog data signal input from the load MOS 140 according to the gain of the gain signal input from the AGC comparator 170 (high gain or low gain).

[0038] The AD converter 190 includes a ramp signal generating circuit 191 , a comparator 192 , and a counter 194 .

[0039] The ramp signal generating circuit 191 generates a ramp signal to be compared with an input signal. The ramp signal is a signal whose signal level monotonically increases or decreases over time. The ramp signal generating circuit 191 is configured, for example, by a digital-to-analog converter (DAC).

[0040] The comparator 192 compares the ramp signal from the ramp signal generating circuit 191 with the input signal to determine which is larger. The counter 194 counts the time until the relationship between the magnitudes is inverted, depending on the result of the determination by the comparator 192. This makes it possible to convert the input signal, which is an analog signal, into a digital signal.

[0041] [Gain ratio correction] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration for gain ratio correction in the first embodiment of the present technology.

[0042] As described above, the selector 134 selects either the pixel signal from the pixel 11 or the test voltage from the test voltage generating circuit 110. Although the process is omitted in the figure, the output signal from the output circuit 60 is subjected to gain ratio correction in a signal processing unit at a subsequent stage. This signal processing unit includes a switch 310, a correction value calculation circuit 320, and a correction circuit 330.

[0043] The correction value calculation circuit 320 calculates and holds a correction value by calibration. The correction value calculation circuit 320 includes a gain ratio correction value calculation circuit 321 and a correction memory 322. As described later, the gain ratio correction value calculation circuit 321 calculates a correction value for gain ratio correction by calibration. The correction memory 322 stores the calculation result by the gain ratio correction value calculation circuit 321 as a gain ratio correction value 324. The correction value calculation circuit 320 is an example of a gain ratio correction value generation unit described in the claims.

[0044] The correction circuit 330 corrects the gain ratio by the correction value calculated by the correction value calculation circuit 320. The correction circuit 330 includes a line buffer 331 and a multiplier 332. The line buffer 331 is a buffer that holds the output signal output from the output circuit 60 for each row (line). The multiplier 332 corrects the gain ratio by multiplying the signal held in the line buffer 331 by a gain ratio correction value 324 stored in a correction memory 322. The correction circuit 330 is an example of a correction unit described in the claims.

[0045] The switch 310 is a switch that distributes the output signal output from the output circuit 60 to the correction value calculation circuit 320 or the correction circuit 330. This switch 310 outputs the test voltage from the test voltage generation circuit 110 to the correction value calculation circuit 320 during calibration, and outputs the pixel signal from the pixel 11 to the correction circuit 330 during pixel data readout. As a result, gain ratio correction is performed when pixel data is readout using the correction value calculated during calibration.

[0046] [calibration] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a method of acquiring a gain ratio correction value at the time of calibration in the first embodiment of the present technology.

[0047] In the graph in the figure, the horizontal axis indicates analog values ​​and the vertical axis indicates digital codes. As described above, the analog gain circuit 160 performs gain control by switching between high gain and low gain using the AGC function. During calibration, the AGC function of the analog gain circuit 160 is turned off to manually control the analog gain, and digital values ​​after AD conversion are obtained when analog low illuminance data and high illuminance data are input for each gain. At that time, digital values ​​of low illuminance data and high illuminance data are similarly obtained for the reference gain of 0 dB. Note that a low gain of, for example, 12 dB and a high gain of, for example, 24 dB are assumed.

[0048] Then, for each gain, the line average (average of all columns) of the illuminance difference between the low illuminance data and the high illuminance data is calculated. The line average UD0 of the 0 dB illuminance difference is expressed as the difference between the average UH of the high illuminance data and the average UL of the low illuminance data. UD0=(UH-UL)

[0049] Also, low gain illuminance difference line average UD LG is the average UH of the high-intensity data LG and the average UL of the low light data LG This is the actual gain ratio G' of the low gain to the reference gain of 0 dB. LG is equal to multiplied by UD0. U.D. LG =UH LG -UL LG =G' LG ×(UH-UL)

[0050] Similarly, high gain illuminance difference line average UD HG is the average UH of the high-intensity data HG and the average UL of the low light data HG This is the actual gain ratio G' of the high gain to the reference gain of 0 dB. HG is equal to multiplied by UD0. U.D. HG =UH HG -UL HG =G'HG ×(UH-UL)

[0051] From the ratio of the illuminance difference line averages obtained in this way, the low gain correction value C LG and the high gain correction value C HG The ideal gain ratio of the low gain to the reference gain of 0 dB is calculated as G LG , the ideal gain ratio of high gain to the reference gain of 0 dB is G HG Let us assume that. C LG =(UD0 / UD LG )×G LG =(G LG / G' LG ) C HG =(UD LG / UD HG )×C LG =(G' LG / G' HG )×(G LG / G' LG )=(G LG / G' HG )

[0052] The correction value C for these low gains LG and the high gain correction value C HG By multiplying the measured data by this, the gain ratio difference between the low gain and high gain can be corrected. This also means that the high gain data is divided back to match the low gain data.

[0053] [Operation] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of operation timing of the calibration according to the first embodiment of the present technology.

[0054] Prior to data readout, AGC calibration of the analog gain circuit 160 is performed in one horizontal detection period (1XHS: 1 Horizontal Sync signal period). During this calibration, the potential VH of high illuminance data and the potential VL of low illuminance data are used as test voltages for a total of three gains, including the low gain, high gain, and reference gain of 0 dB of the analog gain circuit 160. At this time, the above-mentioned configuration allows parallel operation using different voltage signals as test voltages for odd-numbered columns and even-numbered columns, thereby shortening the time required to acquire test data.

[0055] In addition, if the relationship between the potential of the illuminance data and the AD converter 190 is fixed, there is a risk that the correction accuracy will deteriorate due to manufacturing variations in the circuit, so the connection between the test voltage generating circuit 110 and the vertical signal line 19 is switched in a time-division manner. That is, after outputting the potential VH of high illuminance data to the odd columns and the potential VL of low illuminance data to the even columns, the potential VL of low illuminance data to the odd columns and the potential VH of high illuminance data to the even columns is output, and this operation is repeated. This makes it possible to obtain information on high illuminance data and low illuminance data evenly for each gain.

[0056] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of operation timing of the imaging device according to the first embodiment of the present technology.

[0057] Prior to reading out the data signal, a pixel reset is performed. That is, in the pixel 11, the charge is reset, and a time is secured for the voltage value of the vertical signal line 19 to settle due to this reset. At this time, a settling time due to the reset is also performed in the AGC comparator 170.

[0058] After the reset settling, the reset signal is AD converted in the AD converter 190. At that time, the analog gain circuit 160 performs gain adjustment at both high gain and low gain.

[0059] Thereafter, in the pixel 11, the exposed charge is transferred as a data signal, and time is ensured for the data signal to settle the voltage value of the vertical signal line 19. At this time, the comparator 172 of the AGC comparator 170 compares the input voltage value with the AGC threshold value, and the comparison result is held in the flip-flop 173.

[0060] In the next AD conversion, when pixel data is read, the value held in the flip-flop 173 is selected by the selector 174, and the gain of the analog gain circuit 160 is set according to the comparison result with the AGC threshold. That is, the analog gain circuit 160 adjusts the gain by using a high gain when the illuminance is low and a low gain when the illuminance is high, and then the AD conversion by the AD converter 190 is performed.

[0061] On the other hand, during calibration, the result of comparison with the AGC threshold is not used, and the manually set value is selected by the selector 174. That is, if a high-gain calibration is performed, a high gain is set, and if a low-gain calibration is performed, a low gain is set.

[0062] In this way, according to the first embodiment of the present technology, by performing parallel operation using different voltage signals as test voltages for odd and even columns during AGC calibration, it is possible to shorten the time required to acquire test data. Also, by switching the voltage signals between odd and even columns in a time-division manner, it is possible to prevent deterioration of correction accuracy.

[0063] <2. Second embodiment> In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the test signal is switched between odd and even columns in a time-division manner to prevent deterioration of the correction accuracy. In contrast, in this second embodiment, a technique is described that prevents deterioration of the correction accuracy without switching the test signal, on the premise that a plurality of sets of an analog gain circuit and a plurality of sample-and-hold circuits that share the analog gain circuit are provided, and pipeline operation is performed in each set.

[0064] [Imaging device] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of an imaging device according to the second embodiment of the present technology.

[0065] The overall configuration of the imaging device in the second embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment. However, in this example, one AD converter 190 is shared by four pixel columns, and one analog gain circuit 160 is shared by two pixel columns. That is, two analog gain circuits 160 are connected to one AD converter 190. In addition, a sample hold unit 150 is connected between the load MOS 140 and the analog gain circuit 160 of each pixel column.

[0066] That is, in this example, two sets of an analog gain circuit 160 and two sample-and-hold units 150 sharing the analog gain circuit 160 are provided for one AD converter 190. Each of the sample-and-hold units 150 further includes two sample-and-hold circuits, as shown below. Note that in this second embodiment, a single-slope analog-to-digital converter is assumed as the AD converter 190, similar to the first embodiment described above.

[0067] [Column signal processing circuit] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a column signal processing circuit 100 according to the second embodiment of the present technology.

[0068] As described above, in this example, two analog gain circuits 160 are connected to one AD converter 190, and two sample-and-hold units 150 are connected to each of the analog gain circuits 160. In the figure, the four sample-and-hold units 150 connected to one AD converter 190 are distinguished as SH#0 to SH#3.

[0069] Each of the sample and hold units 150 includes two sample and hold circuits 151 and 152, a comparator 172, and a flip-flop 173. The sample and hold circuits 151 and 152 are holding circuits that alternately operate at corresponding timings by switches provided at the input and output. For convenience, the sample and hold circuit 151 is distinguished as the front (F: Foreground) and the sample and hold circuit 152 as the back (B: Background). The comparator 172 and the flip-flop 173 are the same as those of the AGC comparator 170 described in the first embodiment above.

[0070] The analog gain circuit 160 includes an analog gain amplifier 161, similar to that described in the first embodiment. A data signal from one of the two sample hold units 150 is input by a switch provided on the data signal input side of the analog gain amplifier 161. In addition, an output of a selector 174 is connected to the gain input side of the analog gain amplifier 161. The selector 174 is similar to that of the AGC comparator 170 described in the first embodiment. However, a gain signal from one of the two sample hold units 150 is input by a switch provided on the input side of the selector 174.

[0071] The AD converter 190 is similar to that in the first embodiment described above, and includes a ramp signal generating circuit 191, a comparator 192, and a counter 194, and converts an analog input signal into a digital signal and outputs it.

[0072] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a data flow in the column signal processing circuit 100 according to the second embodiment of the present technology.

[0073] As described above, in each of the sample and hold units 150, one sample and hold circuit 151 is regarded as the front side and the other sample and hold circuit 152 is regarded as the back side, and they are assumed to operate alternately. That is, while data held in one sample and hold circuit is being AD converted, the other sample and hold circuit simultaneously samples the next data signal in parallel. Viewed the other way around, while a data signal is being sampled in one sample and hold circuit, the data held in the other sample and hold circuit is being AD converted.

[0074] In these, AD conversion is performed in a time-division manner by sharing the AD converter 190 and two analog gain circuits 160. That is, one AD converter 190 AD-converts four analog signals from four sample-and-hold units 150 in one horizontal detection period, dividing them into four phases #0 to #3.

[0075] [Operation] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of operation timing of calibration according to the second embodiment of the present technology.

[0076] As described above, in the second embodiment, four analog signals from four sample-and-hold units 150 in one horizontal detection period are AD-converted in four phases #0 to #3. During calibration, a potential VH of high illuminance data is supplied to odd-numbered columns, and a potential VL of low illuminance data is supplied to even-numbered columns. Then, AD conversion of the potential VH of high illuminance data is performed in phases #0 and #1, and AD conversion of the potential VL of low illuminance data is performed in phases #2 and #3.

[0077] In this way, by performing AD conversion on the potential VH of high illuminance data and the potential VL of low illuminance data divided into phases during calibration, data on both potentials VH and VL can be acquired in a time-division manner for each gain in one AD converter 190. That is, since the potentials VH and VL are sequentially supplied to the AD converter 190 for each phase, the time required to acquire test data can be shortened without switching the test voltage between the odd-numbered columns and the even-numbered columns as in the first embodiment described above.

[0078] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of operation timing of the imaging device according to the second embodiment of the present technology.

[0079] Prior to reading out the data signal, pixel reset is performed. That is, in the pixel 11, the charge is reset, and time is secured for settling of the voltage value of the vertical signal line 19 due to this reset. Here, it is assumed that the reset signal is held in the four sample-and-hold circuits 151 in the four sample-and-hold units 150. At this time, the AGC comparator 170 also undergoes settling due to resetting in a similar manner.

[0080] In the next cycle, the reset signals held in the four sample-and-hold circuits 151 are AD-converted in the AD converter 190 in four phases #0 to #3. That is, in phase #0, the signal from SH#0 is AD-converted, in phase #1, the signal from SH#2 is AD-converted, in phase #2, the signal from SH#1 is AD-converted, and in phase #3, the signal from SH#3 is AD-converted. This read order is intended to avoid collisions in the analog gain circuit 160.

[0081] During AD conversion, when pixel data is read, the gain is selected based on the comparison result of the AGC comparator 170. However, since this determination is not made at the time of AD conversion of the reset signal, gain adjustment is performed at both high gain and low gain in the analog gain circuit 160.

[0082] In parallel with the AD conversion of the reset signal, in the pixel 11, the exposed charge is transferred as a data signal, and time is ensured for the data signal to settle the voltage value of the vertical signal line 19. Here, it is assumed that the data signals are held in the four sample-and-hold circuits 152 in the four sample-and-hold units 150. At this time, the comparator 172 compares the input voltage value with the AGC threshold value, and the comparison result is held in the flip-flop 173.

[0083] In the next cycle, the data signals held in the four sample and hold circuits 152 are AD converted in the AD converter 190 in four phases #0 to #3. That is, in phase #0, the signal from SH#0 is AD converted, in phase #1, the signal from SH#2 is AD converted, in phase #2, the signal from SH#1 is AD converted, and in phase #3, the signal from SH#3 is AD converted.

[0084] During this AD conversion, when pixel data is read, a gain is selected based on the comparison result of the AGC comparator 170. On the other hand, during calibration, the comparison result with the AGC threshold value is not used, and a manually set value is selected by the selector 174. That is, if a high-gain calibration is performed, a high gain is set, and if a low-gain calibration is performed, a low gain is set.

[0085] In this way, according to the second embodiment of the present technology, by dividing the high illuminance data potential VH and the low illuminance data potential VL into phases and performing AD conversion, the time required to acquire test data can be shortened without switching the test voltage during calibration.

[0086] <3. Third embodiment> In the above-described first embodiment, a single-slope analog-to-digital converter is assumed as the AD converter 190, but in this third embodiment, a current-input analog-to-digital converter is assumed as the AD converter 190. Note that a specific example of this current-input analog-to-digital converter is a delta-sigma AD converter.

[0087] [Imaging device] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of an imaging device according to the third embodiment of the present technology. In FIG.

[0088] The overall configuration of the imaging device in the third embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment described above, except that a current-input analog-to-digital converter is used as the AD converter 190, and therefore a dual sample-and-hold unit 250 and a voltage-to-current converter (V2I) 260 are provided instead of the analog gain circuit 160.

[0089] The dual sample and hold section 250 holds the reset signal and the data signal of the vertical signal line 19 as voltages.

[0090] The voltage-to-current converter 260 converts the voltage difference (potential difference) between the reset signal and the data signal held in the dual sample-and-hold unit 250 into a current. In this voltage-to-current converter 260, analog correlated double sampling (analog CDS) is performed by utilizing the potential difference between the reset signal and the data signal held in the dual sample-and-hold unit 250. This makes it possible to remove fixed pattern noise specific to the pixel 11.

[0091] In the voltage-current converter 260, when converting the potential difference into a current, a level adjustment is performed by a predetermined gain. Therefore, similar to the analog gain circuit 160 in the first and second embodiments described above, it becomes necessary to perform calibration between gains in order to correct the gain ratio deviation between high gain and low gain. Therefore, the imaging device in the third embodiment also includes a test voltage generating circuit to output a test voltage. The voltage-current converter 260 is an example of a level adjustment circuit described in the claims.

[0092] The operation timing of the calibration of the imaging device in the third embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment. That is, for a total of three gains, including the low gain, high gain, and reference gain of 0 dB of the voltage-current converter 260, the potential VH of the high illuminance data and the potential VL of the low illuminance data are used as test voltages. At this time, the time required to obtain the test data can be shortened by performing parallel operations using different voltage signals as test voltages for odd-numbered columns and even-numbered columns.

[0093] [Column signal processing circuit] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a column signal processing circuit 100 according to the third embodiment of the present technology.

[0094] As described above, in this example, it is assumed that AD converter 190 is a current-input analog-to-digital converter, and includes a dual sample-and-hold unit 250 and a voltage-to-current converter 260. Dual sample-and-hold unit 250 includes a reset signal sample-and-hold unit 280-1, a data signal sample-and-hold unit 280-2, and an AGC comparator 270.

[0095] The reset signal sample-and-hold section 280-1 and the data signal sample-and-hold section 280-2 both have a switched capacitor configuration, and each includes a sampling capacitor 281, a differential amplifier 282, and switches 283 to 286.

[0096] The reset signal sample hold unit 280-1 holds the reset signal. During the reset period (t1), switches 283 and 284 are turned on. At this time, the difference "Vin(t1) - Vref" between the voltage Vin(t1) during the reset period and the reference potential Vref is applied to the sampling capacitor 281, and that voltage is held. Then, when switches 285 and 286 are turned on, the voltage of the reset signal is supplied to the voltage-current converter 260.

[0097] The data signal sample hold unit 280-2 holds the data signal. During the data sampling period (t2), switches 283 and 284 are turned on. At this time, the difference "Vin(t2) - Vref" between the voltage Vin(t2) during the reset period and the reference potential Vref is applied to the sampling capacitor 281, and that voltage is held. Then, when switches 285 and 286 are turned on, the voltage of the data signal is supplied to the voltage-current converter 260.

[0098] The AGC comparator 270 is a switched-capacitor type comparator that performs adaptive gain control (AGC), and includes a sampling capacitor 271, a differential amplifier 272, switches 273 and 274, a flip-flop 275, and a selector 276.

[0099] During the reset period (t1), switches 273 and 274 are turned on to charge the sampling capacitor 271. Then, during the data sampling period (t2), switch 273 is turned on and switch 274 is turned off. As a result, the potential difference (Vin(t1) - Vin(t2)) between the voltage Vin(t1) during the reset period (t1) and the voltage Vin(t2) during the data sampling period (t2) is held in the sampling capacitor 271. Then, this potential difference is compared with the threshold value Vagc, and for example, if "Vin(t1) - Vin(t2) > Vagc", "1 (high illuminance)" is generated as the determination result, and if "Vin(t1) - Vin(t2) < Vagc", "0 (low illuminance)" is generated as the determination result and held in the flip-flop 275.

[0100] Selector 276 selects either the value held in flip-flop 275 or a manually set value in accordance with a selection signal (manual setting EN), and supplies the selected value to voltage-current converter 260. For normal data signals, the value held in flip-flop 275 is supplied to voltage-current converter 260, but when performing gain calibration, the manually set value is used as described below.

[0101] Voltage-to-current converter 260 includes a current source 261, transistors 262 and 264, and a variable resistor 263. When switches 285 and 286 of reset signal sample-and-hold section 280-1 are turned on, a reset signal voltage is applied between the gate and source of transistor 262. When switches 285 and 286 of data signal sample-and-hold section 280-2 are turned on, a data signal voltage is applied between the gate and source of transistor 264.

[0102] A variable resistor 263 is provided on the path from the current source 261 to the AD converter 190, and a current corresponding to the potential difference between the voltage of the reset signal and the data signal is supplied to the AD converter 190 depending on the resistance value of this variable resistor 263. A control signal for this variable resistor 263 is supplied from an AGC comparator 270. For example, if the value is "1 (high illuminance)", a control signal for low gain (LG) is supplied to the variable resistor 263, and if the value is "0 (low illuminance)", a control signal for high gain (HG) is supplied to the variable resistor 263, and a resistance value according to the control signal is selected.

[0103] [Operation] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of operation timing of the imaging device according to the third embodiment of the present technology.

[0104] Prior to reading out the data signal, a pixel reset is performed. That is, in the pixel 11, the charge is reset, and a time is secured for the voltage value of the vertical signal line 19 to settle due to this reset. At this time, the AGC comparator 270 also undergoes a settling time due to the reset.

[0105] Thereafter, in the pixel 11, the exposed charge is transferred as a data signal, and time is ensured for the data signal to settle the voltage value of the vertical signal line 19. At this time, the comparator 272 of the AGC comparator 270 compares the input voltage value with the AGC threshold value, and the comparison result is held in the flip-flop 275.

[0106] Thereafter, the potential difference between the reset signal and the data signal is converted into a current by voltage-current converter 260. At this time, in voltage-current converter 260, gain adjustment is performed by either high gain or low gain according to the comparison result of AGC comparator 270. That is, gain adjustment is performed by voltage-current converter 260 using a high gain when the illuminance is low and a low gain when the illuminance is high, and AD conversion is performed by AD converter 190.

[0107] On the other hand, during calibration, the comparison result with the AGC threshold value is not used, and the manually set value is selected by the selector 276. That is, if a high gain calibration is performed, a high gain is set, and if a low gain calibration is performed, a low gain is set.

[0108] In this way, according to the third embodiment of the present technology, a technology similar to that of the first embodiment assuming a single-slope type analog-to-digital converter can also be used when a current-input type analog-to-digital converter is adopted as the AD converter 190.

[0109] <4. Fourth embodiment> In the above-described second embodiment, a single-slope analog-to-digital converter is assumed as the AD converter 190, but in this fourth embodiment, a current-input analog-to-digital converter is assumed as the AD converter 190.

[0110] [Imaging device] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of an imaging device according to the fourth embodiment of the present technology. In FIG.

[0111] The overall configuration of the imaging device in the fourth embodiment is basically the same as that of the second embodiment described above, except that, since it is assumed that a current-input analog-to-digital converter is used as the AD converter 190, a dual sample-and-hold unit 250 and a voltage-to-current converter (V2I) 260 are provided instead of the analog gain circuit 160, as in the third embodiment.

[0112] Furthermore, in this example, one AD converter 190 is shared among four pixel columns, and one voltage-current converter 260 is shared among two pixel columns. That is, two voltage-current converters 260 are connected to one AD converter 190. Furthermore, two dual sample-and-hold units 250 are connected to each load MOS 140 between the load MOS 140 and the voltage-current converter 260 of each pixel column.

[0113] That is, in this example, one AD converter 190 is provided with two sets of a voltage-current converter 260 and four dual sample-and-hold sections 250 that share the voltage-current converter 260.

[0114] The operation timing of the calibration of the imaging device in the fourth embodiment is the same as that in the second embodiment. That is, four analog signals from the four dual sample hold units 250 in one horizontal detection period are divided into four phases #0 to #3 and AD converted. During calibration, the potential VH of high illuminance data is supplied to the odd columns, and the potential VL of low illuminance data is supplied to the even columns. Then, the potential VH of high illuminance data is AD converted in phases #0 and #1, and the potential VL of low illuminance data is AD converted in phases #2 and #3. As a result, the potentials VH and VL are sequentially supplied to the AD converter 190 for each phase, and thus the time required to acquire test data can be shortened without switching the test voltage between the odd columns and the even columns as in the first and third embodiments.

[0115] [Column signal processing circuit] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a column signal processing circuit 100 according to the fourth embodiment of the present technology.

[0116] As described above, in this example, two voltage-current converters 260 are connected to one AD converter 190, and four dual sample-and-hold units 250 are further connected to each of the voltage-to-current converters 260. In the figure, the eight dual sample-and-hold units 250 connected to one AD converter 190 are divided into front (F) and back (B) as in the second embodiment, and distinguished as dual S / H #0-F, #0-B, #1-F, #1-B, #2-F, #2-B, #3-F, and #3-B. The configuration of each of the dual sample-and-hold units 250 is the same as in the third embodiment described above.

[0117] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a data flow in the column signal processing circuit 100 according to the fourth embodiment of the present technology.

[0118] As described above, it is assumed that the dual sample and hold units 250 are divided into a front (F) and a back (B) and are operated alternately. That is, while data held in one dual sample and hold unit 250 is being AD converted, the next data is sampled simultaneously and in parallel in the other dual sample and hold unit 250. Looking at it the other way around, while data is being sampled in one dual sample and hold unit 250, the data held in the other dual sample and hold unit 250 is being AD converted.

[0119] In these, AD conversion is performed in a time-division manner by sharing the AD converter 190 and two voltage-to-current converters 260. That is, one AD converter 190 AD-converts four analog signals from the four dual sample-and-hold units 250 in one horizontal detection period, dividing them into four phases #0 to #3.

[0120] [Operation] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of operation timing of an imaging device according to the fourth embodiment of the present technology.

[0121] Prior to reading out the data signal, the pixel is reset. That is, the charge is reset in the pixel 11, and time is secured for settling of the voltage value of the vertical signal line 19 due to this reset. Here, it is assumed that the reset signal is held in the four dual sample and hold units 250. At this time, the AGC comparator 270 also undergoes settling due to resetting in the same manner.

[0122] Furthermore, time is secured for settling of the data signal. Here, it is assumed that the data signal is held in the four dual sample-and-hold units 250. At this time, the AGC comparator 270 also settles the data signal and compares it with the threshold value.

[0123] In the next cycle, the voltage-to-current converter 260 adjusts the analog gain with either low gain or high gain using the reset signal and data signal respectively held in the four dual sample-and-hold units 250 and the comparison result in the AGC comparator 270. Then, AD conversion is performed in the AD converter 190 in four phases #0 to #3. That is, in phase #0, the signal from the dual S / H #0-F is AD converted, in phase #1, the signal from the dual S / H #2-F is AD converted, in phase #2, the signal from the dual S / H #1-F is AD converted, and in phase #3, the signal from the dual S / H #3-F is AD converted. This read order is for avoiding collisions in the voltage-to-current converter 260.

[0124] In this cycle, in parallel with AD conversion based on the reset signals and data signals held in the four dual sample and hold units 250, pixel reset and its settling and data signal settling are newly performed in the other four dual sample and hold units 250. At this time, the AGC comparator 270 also similarly setstling the data signal and compares it with the threshold value.

[0125] In the next cycle, the voltage-current converter 260 adjusts the analog gain with either low gain or high gain using the reset signal and data signal respectively held in the four dual sample-and-hold units 250 in the previous cycle and the comparison result in the AGC comparator 270. Then, AD conversion is performed in the AD converter 190 in four phases #0 to #3. That is, in phase #0, the signal from the dual S / H #0-B is AD converted, in phase #1, the signal from the dual S / H #2-B is AD converted, in phase #2, the signal from the dual S / H #1-B is AD converted, and in phase #3, the signal from the dual S / H #3-B is AD converted. Thereafter, the same process is repeated while alternately reversing the roles of the front and back.

[0126] In this way, according to the fourth embodiment of the present technology, a technology similar to that of the second embodiment assuming a single-slope type analog-to-digital converter can also be used when a current-input type analog-to-digital converter is adopted as the AD converter 190.

[0127] The above-mentioned embodiment shows an example for realizing the present technology, and the matters in the embodiment and the matters specified in the claims correspond to each other. Similarly, the matters specified in the claims and the matters in the embodiment of the present technology having the same name correspond to each other. However, the present technology is not limited to the embodiment, and can be realized by applying various modifications to the embodiment within the scope of the gist of the technology.

[0128] It should be noted that the effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and other effects may also be obtained.

[0129] The present technology can also be configured as follows. (1) a level adjustment circuit that adjusts a level of an analog signal output to a vertical signal line corresponding to each column of a pixel array using either a first or second gain that is different from each other; an analog-to-digital converter for converting the level-adjusted analog signal into a digital signal; a test signal generating unit that generates first and second test signals different from each other; a gain ratio acquisition unit that acquires a gain ratio between the first gain and the second gain of the level adjustment circuit by supplying the first test signal to one of the vertical signal lines and simultaneously supplying the second test signal to the other of the vertical signal lines; An imaging device comprising: (2) a gain ratio correction value generation unit that generates a gain ratio correction value based on the acquired gain ratio; a correction unit that corrects the digital signal in accordance with the gain ratio correction value generated by the gain ratio correction value generation unit; The imaging device according to (1) above, further comprising: (3) The test signal generating unit generates a potential of high illuminance data as the first test signal, and generates a potential of low illuminance data as the second test signal. The imaging device according to (1) or (2). (4) one of the vertical signal lines is a vertical signal line for an odd-numbered column; The other vertical signal line is a vertical signal line for an even-numbered column. The imaging device according to any one of (1) to (3). (5) The gain ratio acquisition unit acquires the gain ratio by supplying the first test signal to one of the vertical signal lines and simultaneously supplying the second test signal to the other of the vertical signal lines for each of gains set to 0 dB, the first gain, and the second gain of the level adjustment circuit, and then supplying the second test signal to one of the vertical signal lines and simultaneously supplying the first test signal to the other of the vertical signal lines. The imaging device according to any one of (1) to (3). (6) The analog-to-digital converter is provided for each of the vertical signal lines, The gain ratio acquisition unit supplies the first test signal to one of the vertical signal lines and simultaneously supplies the second test signal to the other of the vertical signal lines, and acquires the gain ratio by sequentially selecting the first and second test signals supplied to either one or the other of the vertical signal lines for each of gains of the level adjustment circuit set to 0 dB, the first gain, and the second gain. The imaging device according to any one of (1) to (5). (7) a first sample-and-hold unit that holds an analog signal output to one of the vertical signal lines; a second sample hold unit that holds the analog signal output to the other of the vertical signal lines, the level adjustment circuit sequentially performs the level adjustment on the output of either the first or second sample-and-hold unit; The analog-to-digital converter sequentially performs AD conversion on the outputs of the plurality of level adjustment circuits. The imaging device according to (6) above. (8) Each of the first and second sample-and-hold units includes two sample-and-hold circuits that operate alternately with each other. The imaging device according to (7) above. (9) The level adjustment circuit is an analog gain circuit that outputs a voltage signal obtained by adjusting the level of the analog signal, The analog-to-digital converter is a single-slope analog-to-digital converter. The imaging device according to any one of (1) to (5). (10) The level adjustment circuit is a voltage-to-current converter that outputs a current signal obtained by adjusting the level of the analog signal, The analog-to-digital converter is a current-input type analog-to-digital converter that converts the current signal into the digital signal. An imaging device according to any one of (1) to (4) or (6) to (8). (11) An imaging device including: a level adjustment circuit that adjusts the level of an analog signal output to a vertical signal line corresponding to each column of a pixel array using either a first or second gain that is different from each other; an analog-to-digital converter that converts the level-adjusted analog signal into a digital signal; and a test signal generation unit that generates first and second test signals that are different from each other, supplying the first test signal to one of the vertical signal lines to obtain a gain ratio between the first gain and the second gain of the level adjustment circuit; supplying the second test signal to the other of the vertical signal lines to obtain a gain ratio between the first gain and the second gain of the level adjustment circuit; A method for acquiring a gain ratio in an imaging device, the method comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 10 Pixel Array 11 pixels 19 Vertical Signal Line (VSL) 20 Vertical drive circuit 30 Horizontal drive circuit 31 Switch 59 Horizontal signal line 60 Output circuit 100 Column signal processing circuit 110 Test voltage generation circuit 111 Resistance 112 Current source 113 Selector 114 Voltage Control Register 131, 132 Output Buffer 133 Input switching control circuit 134 Selector 139 Switch 141 Current source 150 Sample and hold section 151, 152 Sample and hold circuit 160 Analog gain circuit 161 Analog Gain Amplifier 170 AGC (Adaptive Gain Control) Comparator 172 Comparator 173 Flip-flop 174 Selector 190 AD (Analog to Digital) Converter 191 Ramp signal generating circuit 192 Comparator 194 Counter 250 Dual sample and hold section 260 Voltage to current converter (V2I) 310 Switch 320 Correction value calculation circuit 321 Gain ratio correction value calculation circuit 322 Correction Memory 324 Gain ratio correction value 330 Correction Circuit 331 Line Buffer 332 Multiplier

Claims

1. a level adjustment circuit that adjusts a level of an analog signal output to a vertical signal line corresponding to each column of a pixel array using a first or second gain different from each other; an analog-to-digital converter for converting the level-adjusted analog signal into a digital signal; a test signal generating unit that generates first and second test signals different from each other; a gain ratio acquisition unit that acquires a gain ratio between the first gain and the second gain of the level adjustment circuit by supplying the first test signal to one of the vertical signal lines and simultaneously supplying the second test signal to the other of the vertical signal lines; An imaging device comprising:

2. a gain ratio correction value generation unit that generates a gain ratio correction value based on the acquired gain ratio; a correction unit that corrects the digital signal in accordance with the gain ratio correction value generated by the gain ratio correction value generation unit; The imaging device of claim 1 further comprising:

3. The test signal generating unit generates a potential of high illuminance data as the first test signal, and generates a potential of low illuminance data as the second test signal. The imaging device according to claim 1.

4. one of the vertical signal lines is a vertical signal line for an odd-numbered column, The other vertical signal line is a vertical signal line for an even-numbered column. The imaging device according to claim 1.

5. The gain ratio acquisition unit acquires the gain ratio by supplying the first test signal to one of the vertical signal lines and simultaneously supplying the second test signal to the other of the vertical signal lines for each of gains of the level adjustment circuit set to 0 dB, the first gain, and the second gain, and then supplying the second test signal to one of the vertical signal lines and simultaneously supplying the first test signal to the other of the vertical signal lines. The imaging device according to claim 1.

6. the analog-to-digital converter is provided for each of the plurality of vertical signal lines, The gain ratio acquisition unit supplies the first test signal to one of the vertical signal lines and simultaneously supplies the second test signal to the other of the vertical signal lines, and acquires the gain ratio by sequentially selecting the first and second test signals supplied to either one or the other of the vertical signal lines for each of gains of the level adjustment circuit set to 0 dB, the first gain, and the second gain. The imaging device according to claim 1.

7. a first sample-and-hold unit that holds an analog signal output to one of the vertical signal lines; a second sample hold unit that holds the analog signal output to the other of the vertical signal lines, the level adjustment circuit sequentially performs the level adjustment on the output of either the first or second sample-and-hold unit; The analog-to-digital converter sequentially performs AD conversion on the outputs of the plurality of level adjustment circuits.

7. The imaging device according to claim 6.

8. Each of the first and second sample-and-hold units includes two sample-and-hold circuits that operate alternately with each other.

8. The imaging device according to claim 7.

9. the level adjustment circuit is an analog gain circuit that outputs a voltage signal obtained by adjusting the level of the analog signal, The analog-to-digital converter is a single-slope analog-to-digital converter that converts the voltage signal into the digital signal. The imaging device according to claim 1.

10. the level adjustment circuit is a voltage-to-current converter that outputs a current signal obtained by adjusting the level of the analog signal; The analog-to-digital converter is a current-input type analog-to-digital converter that converts the current signal into the digital signal. The imaging device according to claim 1.

11. An imaging device comprising: a level adjustment circuit that adjusts the level of an analog signal output to a vertical signal line corresponding to each column of a pixel array using either a first or second gain that are different from each other; an analog-to-digital converter that converts the level-adjusted analog signal into a digital signal; and a test signal generation unit that generates first and second test signals that are different from each other, supplying the first test signal to one of the vertical signal lines to obtain a gain ratio between the first gain and the second gain of the level adjustment circuit; supplying the second test signal to the other of the vertical signal lines to obtain a gain ratio between the first gain and the second gain of the level adjustment circuit; A method for acquiring a gain ratio in an imaging device, the method comprising:

Images