Image Sensor

Abstract

To provide an image sensor.SOLUTION: An image sensor includes a pixel array where a plurality of pixels are arranged. Each pixel includes a photodiode, a floating diffusion node that accumulates photocharges generated in the photodiode, a first sampling transistor electrically coupled to a first node, a first capacitor electrically coupled to the first node and saving charges corresponding to the voltage of the reset floating diffusion node, a second sampling transistor electrically coupled to a second node, a second capacitor electrically coupled to the second node and saving charges corresponding to the voltage of the floating diffusion node accumulating the photocharges, and at least one mode transistor that adjusts the equivalent capacitance in each of the first node and the second node by a mode control signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image sensor, and more particularly to an image sensor capable of supporting a global shutter type drive. [Background technology]

[0002] Image sensors, which capture images and convert them into electrical signals, are used not only in consumer electronic devices such as digital cameras, cell phone cameras, and portable camcorders, but also in cameras mounted on automobiles, security devices, and robots.

[0003] The image sensor can adjust the exposure time to determine the amount of photocharge, which is the basis of an electrical signal. The image sensor can adjust the exposure time using either a rolling shutter method or a global shutter method. The rolling shutter method controls the photocharge accumulation time differently for each row of a pixel array, while the global shutter method controls the photocharge accumulation time the same for different rows of the pixel array. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an image sensor that controls the photocharge accumulation time of pixels to produce an image without distortion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to the technical idea of ​​the present invention, an image sensor includes a pixel array in which a plurality of pixels are arranged, each of the plurality of pixels including: a photodiode; a floating diffusion node that accumulates photocharges generated in the photodiode; a first sampling transistor electrically connected to the first node; a first capacitor electrically connected to the first node and storing a charge corresponding to a voltage of the reset floating diffusion node; a second sampling transistor electrically connected to the second node; a second capacitor electrically connected to the second node and storing a charge corresponding to a voltage of the floating diffusion node where photocharges have been accumulated; and at least one mode transistor that adjusts an equivalent capacitance at each of the first node and the second node in accordance with a mode control signal.

[0006] According to the technical idea of ​​the present invention, there is provided an image sensor including a pixel array in which a plurality of pixels are arranged, wherein each of the plurality of pixels may include: a photodiode; a floating diffusion node that stores photocharges generated in the photodiode; a first reset transistor that resets the floating diffusion node with a pixel voltage; a first source follower transistor that amplifies a potential change of the floating diffusion node and outputs the amplified potential change to an output node; a first sampling transistor electrically connected between the output node and a first node; a second sampling transistor electrically connected between the output node and a second node different from the first node; a first capacitor electrically connected between the first node and a third node; a second capacitor electrically connected between the second node and the third node; and at least one mode transistor that provides a pixel voltage to one end of the first capacitor and one end of the second capacitor in response to a mode control signal.

[0007] The image sensor according to the technical idea of ​​the present invention for achieving the above technical object includes a pixel array in which a plurality of pixels are arranged, each of the plurality of pixels including a photodiode; a transfer transistor for transferring photocharges generated in the photodiode to a floating diffusion node; a reset transistor for resetting the floating diffusion node with a pixel voltage; a first source follower transistor for amplifying a potential change of the floating diffusion node and outputting the amplified potential change to an output node; a precharge transistor for precharging the output node; a first sampling transistor electrically connected between the output node and a first node; and a second node different from the first node. a second sampling transistor electrically connected between the first node and a third node; a first capacitor electrically connected between the second node and the third node; a mode transistor configured to apply a pixel voltage to the third node by a switching operation; a second source follower transistor configured to amplify and output a potential change at the first node; a first selection transistor electrically connected to the second source follower transistor and configured to output a first pixel signal to a first column line; a third source follower transistor configured to amplify and output a potential change at the second node; and a second selection transistor electrically connected to the third source follower transistor and configured to output a second pixel signal to a second column line. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The image sensor according to the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure can eliminate image distortion due to differences in photocharge accumulation time by making the photocharge accumulation time of pixels arranged in different rows the same through a global shutter operation.

[0009] In addition, the image sensor according to the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure includes a first capacitor for storing charges corresponding to a reset operation and a second capacitor for storing charges corresponding to photocharges generated by a photodiode, and can adjust equivalent capacitances at a first node electrically connected to the first capacitor and a second node electrically connected to the second capacitor, thereby reducing voltage settling times at the first node and the second node and increasing the operating speed of the image sensor. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an operation of a global shutter mode of an image sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of a pixel included in an image sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a partial configuration of a readout circuit electrically connected to a first column line and a second column line of an image sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a timing diagram illustrating control and ramp signals provided to pixels of an image sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a timing diagram illustrating control and ramp signals provided to pixels of an image sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of a pixel included in an image sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of a pixel included in an image sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a timing diagram illustrating control and ramp signals provided to pixels of an image sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 1 is a circuit diagram of a pixel included in an image sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a timing diagram illustrating control and ramp signals provided to pixels of an image sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] An image processing system including the image sensor 100 may include the image sensor 100 and a digital signal processor (DSP). The image sensor 100 and the digital signal processor may each be implemented as a chip, or the image sensor 100 and the digital signal processor may be implemented as a single image sensor chip. The digital signal processor can perform signal processing based on the image data ID. For example, the digital signal processor can perform noise reduction, gain adjustment, waveform shaping, interpolation, white balance, gamma adjustment, edge enhancement, etc.

[0014] 1, the image sensor 100 may include a pixel array 110, a controller 120, a ramp signal generator 130, a row driver 140, and a readout circuit 150. For example, the readout circuit 150 may include a correlated-double sampling (CDS) circuit, an analog-digital converter (ADC), a buffer, etc.

[0015] The pixel array 110 may include a plurality of pixels PX. Each of the pixels PX may include a photoelectric conversion element, and may convert light sensed by the photoelectric conversion element into an electrical signal to generate a pixel signal corresponding to an object. Each of the pixels PX may output the pixel signal to the readout circuit 150 via a corresponding first column line CL0 through an n-th column line CLn-1.

[0016] The pixels PX are also arranged in a matrix of rows and columns in the pixel array 110. The pixels PX also function as active pixel sensors (APS).

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of pixels PX may include one of a red filter that passes light in the red wavelength region, a green filter that passes light in the green wavelength region, and a blue filter that passes light in the blue wavelength region. However, without being limited thereto, each of the plurality of pixels PX may include a color filter that passes light in wavelength regions of other hues or a transparent filter. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of pixels PX may include one of a white color filter, a cyan color filter, a magenta color filter, and a yellow color filter.

[0018] The controller 120 can control the operation of the row driver 140, can control the operation of the ramp signal generator 130, and can control the operation of the readout circuit 150. The controller 120 can include a control register block that, under the control of a digital signal processor, can control the operation of the row driver 140, the ramp signal generator 130, and the readout circuit 150. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 120 can control the row driver 140, the ramp signal generator 130, and the readout circuit 150 such that the image sensor 100 operates in a global shutter mode.

[0019] The row driver 140 generates a control signal CSs for controlling the pixel array 110 and can provide the control signal CSs to each of the plurality of pixels PX. In an exemplary embodiment, the row driver 140 can determine the activation timing and deactivation timing of the control signal CSs for each of the plurality of pixels PX to operate in a global shutter mode.

[0020] To control the pixel array 110 on a row-by-row basis, the control signal CSs is also generated to correspond to each row of the pixel array 110. In response to the control signal CSs provided by the row driver 140, the pixel array 110 can output pixel signals, including reset signals and image signals, from one or more selected rows to the readout circuit 150.

[0021] The ramp signal generator 130 can generate a ramp signal RAMP. The ramp signal RAMP is a signal for converting an analog signal into a digital signal and is also generated to have a triangular wave form. The ramp signal generator 130 can provide the ramp signal RAMP to a readout circuit 150, for example, a correlated double sampling circuit.

[0022] The readout circuit 150 can sample and hold pixel signals provided by the pixel array 110. For example, the readout circuit 150 can receive the ramp signal RAMP generated by the ramp signal generator 130, and generate image data ID by analog-to-digital converting the results of comparing each of the reset signal, the first reference signal, the second reference signal, and the image signal with the ramp signal RAMP. The specific configuration and operation of the readout circuit 150 will be described later in the description related to FIG. 4.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the global shutter mode of the image sensor according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] 1 and 2, the image sensor 100 can be operated in a global shutter mode. In the global shutter mode, the image sensor 100 can perform a global signal dumping operation performed during a global signal dumping period (GSDP) and a readout operation performed during a readout period (ROP). The global signal dumping operation may include a reset operation that resets charges accumulated in a floating diffusion node during a reset time and an accumulation operation that accumulates photocharges generated in a photoelectric conversion element during an accumulation time. In the readout period (ROP), a rolling readout operation can be performed in which the readout operation performed during the readout time is performed sequentially by row.

[0025] The image sensor 100 according to the present disclosure operates in a global shutter mode, thereby controlling the photocharge accumulation time of pixels PX arranged in different rows to be the same, thereby eliminating image distortion due to differences in photocharge accumulation time. However, the image sensor 100 according to the present disclosure can also be driven in a rolling shutter mode by switching the operation mode. When the image sensor 100 operates in the rolling shutter mode, the photocharge accumulation time of the photodiodes PD can be controlled to be different for each row of the pixel array 110. According to one embodiment, the accumulation time may be the same for all rows or for a certain group of rows. The operation mode of the image sensor 100 is also set by a digital signal processor.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of a pixel included in an image sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] 3, the pixel PX may include a photodiode PD and a pixel signal generation circuit PSC that generates pixel signals PXS1 and PXS2. The control signals TS, RS, PC, SAMPS1, SAMPS2, EN, SELS1, and SELS2 applied to the pixel signal generation circuit PSC are also one of the control signals CSs generated by the row driver 140.

[0028] The photodiode PD can generate photocharges that vary depending on the intensity of light. For example, the photodiode PD can generate charges, i.e., negatively charged electrons and positively charged holes, in proportion to the amount of incident light. The photodiode PD can be at least one of a phototransistor, a photogate, a pinned photodiode (PPD), and a combination thereof, as examples of a photoelectric conversion element.

[0029] The pixel signal generation circuit PSC may include a plurality of transistors TX, RX, SF1, PCX, SAMP1, SAMP2, MX, SF2, SF3, SX1, and SX2, a first capacitor C1, and a second capacitor C2. The first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2 may store charges generated by a reset operation or charges generated by a photocharge storage operation, respectively.

[0030] The pixel signal generation circuit PSC may include a transfer transistor TX. The transfer transistor TX may be electrically connected between the photodiode PD and a floating diffusion node FD. A first terminal of the transfer transistor TX is electrically connected to an output terminal of the photodiode PD, and a second terminal of the transfer transistor TX is electrically connected to the floating diffusion node FD. The transfer transistor TX can be turned on or off in response to a transfer control signal TS received from the row driver 140 to transfer photocharges generated in the photodiode PD to the floating diffusion node FD.

[0031] The pixel signal generation circuit PSC may include a reset transistor RX. The reset transistor RX can reset the charge accumulated in the floating diffusion node FD. A pixel voltage VPIX (e.g., a power supply voltage) is applied to a first terminal of the reset transistor RX, and a second terminal of the reset transistor RX is electrically connected to the floating diffusion node FD. The reset transistor RX can be turned on or off in response to a reset control signal RS received from the row driver 140, thereby discharging the charge accumulated in the floating diffusion node FD and resetting the floating diffusion node FD.

[0032] The pixel signal generation circuit PSC may include a first source follower transistor SF1. A pixel voltage VPIX is applied to a first terminal of the first source follower transistor SF1, and a second terminal of the first source follower transistor SF1 is electrically connected to an output node NO. The first source follower transistor SF1 functions as a buffer amplifier and buffers a signal corresponding to the charge stored in the floating diffusion node FD. The potential of the floating diffusion node FD changes depending on the charge stored in the floating diffusion node FD, and the first source follower transistor SF1 amplifies the potential change at the floating diffusion node FD and outputs it to the output node NO.

[0033] The pixel signal generation circuit PSC may include a precharge transistor PCX. A first terminal of the precharge transistor PCX is electrically connected to the output node NO, and a second terminal of the precharge transistor PCX may receive a ground voltage GND. The precharge transistor PCX may operate as a current source in response to a precharge control signal PC received from the row driver 140.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, an additional transistor may be electrically connected in series between the first source follower transistor SF1 and the precharge transistor PCX, and the switching operation of the additional transistor may selectively remove the charge remaining at the output node NO.

[0035] The pixel signal generation circuit PSC may include a first sampling transistor SAMP1 and a second sampling transistor SAMP2. The first sampling transistor SAMP1 is electrically connected between the output node N0 and a first node N1, and the second sampling transistor SAMP2 is electrically connected between the output node N0 and a second node N2. The first sampling transistor SAMP1 is turned on or off in response to a first sampling control signal SAMPS1 received from the row driver 140. The second sampling transistor SAMP2 is turned on or off in response to a second sampling control signal SAMPS2 received from the row driver 140.

[0036] The first capacitor C1 is also electrically connected between the first node N1 and the third node N3. Charge may be accumulated in the first capacitor C1 due to a switching operation of the first sampling transistor SAMP1. The second capacitor C2 is also electrically connected between the second node N2 and the third node N3. Charge may be accumulated in the second capacitor C2 due to a switching operation of the second sampling transistor SAMP2. For example, charge may be accumulated in the first capacitor C1 due to a reset operation, and charge may be accumulated in the second capacitor C2 due to a photocharge accumulation operation.

[0037] The pixel signal generation circuit PSC may include a mode transistor MX. A pixel voltage VPIX is applied to a first terminal of the mode transistor MX, and a second terminal of the mode transistor MX is electrically connected to a third node N3. The mode transistor MX is turned on or off by a mode control signal EN, and is switched to adjust the voltage applied to the third node N3, which is electrically connected to the first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2.

[0038] The pixel signal generation circuit PSC may include a second source follower transistor SF2 and a first selection transistor SX1. A pixel voltage VPIX is applied to a first terminal of the second source follower transistor SF2, and a second terminal of the second source follower transistor SF2 is electrically connected to the first selection transistor SX1. The second source follower transistor SF2 may buffer a signal corresponding to the charge amount stored in the first node N1. The second source follower transistor SF2 may amplify and output a potential change at the first node N1.

[0039] A first terminal of the first selection transistor SX1 is electrically connected to the second source follower transistor SF2, and a second terminal of the first selection transistor SX1 is also electrically connected to the first column line CL0. The first selection transistor SX1 is turned on or off in response to a first selection control signal SELS1 received from the row driver 140. When the first selection transistor SX1 is turned on, a first pixel signal PXS1 including a reset signal RST corresponding to a reset operation may be output to the first column line CL0.

[0040] The pixel signal generation circuit PSC may include a third source follower transistor SF3 and a second selection transistor SX2. A pixel voltage VPIX is applied to a first terminal of the third source follower transistor SF3, and a second terminal of the third source follower transistor SF3 is electrically connected to the second selection transistor SX2. The third source follower transistor SF3 may buffer a signal corresponding to the charge amount stored in the second node N2. The third source follower transistor SF3 may amplify and output a potential change at the second node N2.

[0041] A first terminal of the second selection transistor SX2 is electrically connected to the third source follower transistor SF3, and a second terminal of the second selection transistor SX2 is also electrically connected to the second column line CL1. The second selection transistor SX2 is turned on or off in response to a second selection control signal SELS2 received from the row driver 140. When the second selection transistor SX2 is turned on, a second pixel signal PXS2 including an image signal SIG corresponding to a charge accumulation operation may be output to the second column line CL1.

[0042] For example, the first pixel signal PXS1 may include a reset signal RST corresponding to a reset operation and a first reference signal REF1 generated for offset removal, and the second pixel signal PXS2 may include an image signal SIG corresponding to a charge accumulation operation and a second reference signal REF2 generated for offset removal. Because the first pixel signal PXS1 is output via the second source follower transistor SF2 and the second pixel signal PXS2 is output via the third source follower transistor SF3, an offset may occur between the reset signal RST and the image signal SIG due to a difference between the threshold voltages of the second source follower transistor SF2 and the third source follower transistor SF3. Therefore, the image sensor 100 generates the first reference signal REF1 and the second reference signal REF2 and uses them to remove the offsets in the reset signal RST and the image signal SIG.

[0043] The pixel PX of the image sensor 100 according to the present disclosure may include a first capacitor C1 that stores charge due to a reset operation, a second capacitor C2 that stores charge due to a charge accumulation operation, and a mode transistor MX electrically connected between the first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2. The electrical connection between the first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2 is changed by turning on or off the mode transistor MX, and the magnitude of the equivalent capacitance at the first node N1 and the second node N2 may be changed. By controlling the equivalent capacitance when the first reference signal REF1 and the second reference signal REF2 are output to be smaller than the equivalent capacitance when the image signal SIG and the reset signal RST are output during the readout period ROP (FIG. 2), the voltage settling time at the first node N1 and the second node N2 may be shortened, and the speed at which the first reference signal REF1 and the second reference signal REF2 are output to the first column line CL0 and the second column line CL1 may be increased.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a partial configuration of a readout circuit connected to the first and second column lines of an image sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] 4, the readout circuit 150 may include a correlated double sampling circuit (CDS circuit) 151, an analog-digital converter 153, a subtraction circuit 155, and a buffer 157. The correlated double sampling circuit 151 may include a first correlated double sampling circuit 151_1 connected to the first column line CL0 and a second correlated double sampling circuit 151_2 connected to the second column line CL1. The analog-digital converter 153 may include a first analog-digital converter 153_1 connected to the first correlated double sampling circuit 151_1 and a second analog-digital converter 153_2 connected to the second correlated double sampling circuit 151_2. FIG. 4 illustrates two correlated double sampling circuits 151_1 and 151_2 and two analog-to-digital converters 153_1 and 153_2 connected to the first column line CL0 and the second column line CL1, but the image sensor according to the present disclosure is not limited thereto and may include a number of correlated double sampling circuits and a number of analog-to-digital converters corresponding to the number of column lines.

[0046] The first correlated double sampling circuit 151_1 may sample and hold the first pixel signal PXS1 provided through the first column line CL0. For example, the first pixel signal PXS1 provided from the first column line CL0 may include a reset signal RST and a first reference signal REF1, and the first correlated double sampling circuit 151_1 may double sample the reset signal RST and the first reference signal REF1.

[0047] The first correlated double sampling circuit 151_1 can compare the ramp signal RAMP with the first pixel signal PXS1, compare the ramp signal RAMP with the reset signal RST, and output a first comparison signal CMP1 obtained by comparing the ramp signal RAMP with the first reference signal REF1.

[0048] The second correlated double sampling circuit 151_2 may sample and hold the second pixel signal PXS2 provided through the second column line CL1. For example, the second pixel signal PXS2 provided to the second column line CL1 may include the image signal SIG and the second reference signal REF2, and the second correlated double sampling circuit 151_2 may double sample the image signal SIG and the second reference signal REF2.

[0049] The second correlated double sampling circuit 151_2 can compare the ramp signal RAMP with the second pixel signal PXS2, compare the ramp signal RAMP with the image signal SIG, and output a second comparison signal CMP1 obtained by comparing the ramp signal RAMP with the second reference signal REF2.

[0050] The first analog-to-digital converter 153_1 may receive the first comparison signal CMP1 and the clock signal CLK and generate a first digital signal DS1. For example, the first analog-to-digital converter 153_1 may generate a first count value by performing a counting operation synchronized with the clock signal CLK during a period in which the first comparison signal CMP1 has a particular logic level corresponding to the reset signal RST, and may generate a second count value by performing a counting operation synchronized with the clock signal CLK during a period in which the first comparison signal CMP1 has a particular logic level corresponding to the first reference signal REF1. Then, the first analog-to-digital converter 153_1 may subtract the first count value from the second count value to generate a first digital signal DS1.

[0051] The second analog-to-digital converter 153_2 may receive the second comparison signal CMP2 and the clock signal CLK and generate a second digital signal DS2. For example, the second analog-to-digital converter 153_2 may generate a first count value by performing a counting operation synchronized with the clock signal CLK during a period where the second comparison signal CMP2 has a particular logic level corresponding to the image signal SIG, and may generate a second count value by performing a counting operation synchronized with the clock signal CLK during a period where the second comparison signal CMP2 has a particular logic level corresponding to the second reference signal REF2. Then, the second analog-to-digital converter 153_2 may subtract the first count value from the second count value to generate a second digital signal DS2.

[0052] The subtraction circuit 155 may subtract the second digital signal DS2 from the first digital signal DS1 to generate a digital signal in which the data value corresponding to the reset signal is removed from the data value corresponding to the image signal. The subtraction circuit 155 may transmit the digital signal resulting from the subtraction operation to the buffer 157, which may output the image data ID.

[0053] For example, a reset signal RST may be output to the first column line CL0, followed by a first reference signal REF1, and a second column line CL1 may be output to the image signal SIG, followed by a second reference signal REF2. The image sensor according to the present disclosure can eliminate an offset that occurs in the second pixel signal PXS2 compared to the first pixel signal PXS1 by outputting the second reference signal PXS2 from the second source follower transistor SF2, which is different from the first source follower transistor SF1. A specific offset occurs in the image signal SIG compared to the reset signal RST, and the same specific offset occurs in the second reference signal REF2 compared to the first reference signal REF1. The second correlated double sampling circuit 151_2 and the second analog-to-digital converter 153_2 generate a second digital signal DS2, which is essentially obtained by subtracting the image signal SIG from the second reference signal REF2, thereby eliminating the offsets that occur in the second reference signal REF2 and the image signal SIG.

[0054] 5 is a timing diagram illustrating control signals and ramp signals provided to pixels of an image sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, where pixels located in the same row may be provided with the same control signal.

[0055] 3 to 5, the following operations may be performed during the global signal dumping period GSDP. The reset control signal RS transitions from a second level (e.g., a low level) to a first level (e.g., a high level), maintains the first level for a first reset time RT1, and then maintains the low level. The high level of the reset control signal RS turns on the reset transistor RX, thereby resetting the floating diffusion node FD (reset operation). For example, the voltage of the floating diffusion node FD is also reset to the pixel voltage VPIX.

[0056] After the reset control signal RS transitions from a high level to a low level, the first sampling control signal SAMPS1 may maintain a high level during a reset settling time RSC. The high level of the first sampling control signal SAMPS1 turns on the first sampling transistor SAMP1, so that the voltage of the reset floating diffusion node FD is also sampled onto the first capacitor C1 electrically connected to the first node N1.

[0057] After the first sampling control signal SAMPS1 transitions from a high level to a low level, the transmission control signal TS transitions from a low level to a high level and may remain at the high level for the accumulation time TT. The high level of the transmission control signal TS turns on the transmission transistor TX, causing photocharges generated in the photodiode PD to accumulate in the floating diffusion node FD (accumulation operation). For example, the voltage of the floating diffusion node FD may be reduced from the pixel voltage VPIX depending on the amount of accumulated charge.

[0058] After the transmission control signal TS transitions from a high level to a low level, the second sampling control signal SAMP2 may maintain a high level during a signal settling time SCS. The high level of the second sampling control signal SAMP2 turns on the second sampling transistor SAMP2, and the voltage of the floating diffusion node FD is also sampled by the second capacitor C2 electrically connected to the second node N2.

[0059] The precharge control signal PC transitions from low to high before the first sampling control signal SAMPS1 transitions from low to high, and the precharge control signal PC remains high until the second sampling control signal SAMP2 transitions from high to low. The high level of the precharge control signal PC turns on the precharge transistor PCX, precharging the output node N0. That is, the output node N0 to which the first sampling transistor SAMP1 and the second sampling transistor SAMP2 are electrically connected may be precharged.

[0060] In the global signal damping period GSDP, the first selection control signal SELS1 and the second selection control signal SELS2 may be maintained at a low level, and the mode control signal EN may be maintained at a high level.

[0061] During the readout period ROP, the following operations may be performed. The first and second selection control signals SEL1 and SEL2 may maintain a low level during the global signal dumping period GSDP and transition to a high level during the readout period ROP. When the first and second selection control signals SEL1 and SEL2 transition to a high level, the first and second selection transistors SX1 and SX2 may be turned on. Therefore, a reset signal RST corresponding to the charge sampled in the first capacitor C1 due to the reset operation may be output via the first column line CL0, and an image signal SIG corresponding to the charge sampled in the second capacitor C2 due to the accumulation operation may be output via the second column line CL1.

[0062] In the lead-out section ROP, the precharge control signal PC may transition from a low level to a high level and then maintain the high level, but unlike in Fig. 5, the precharge control signal PC may also maintain the high level in the global signal dumping section GSDP and the lead-out section ROP.

[0063] After the first selection transistor SX1 and the second selection transistor SX2 are turned on, the ramp signal RAMP is also generated to increase (or decrease) at a constant slope during a first time SRT. During the first time SRT when the voltage level of the ramp signal RAMP changes constantly, the first correlated double sampling circuit 151_1 can compare the ramp signal RAMP with the reset signal RST, and the second correlated double sampling circuit 151_2 can compare the ramp signal RAMP with the image signal SIG.

[0064] After the reset signal RST and the image signal SIG are output, the reset control signal RS may maintain a high level for a second reset time RT2. The high level of the reset control signal RS may turn on the reset transistor RX, thereby resetting the floating diffusion node FD. For example, the voltage of the floating diffusion node FD may be reset to the pixel voltage VPIX.

[0065] After the reset control signal RS transitions to a high level, the first sampling control signal SAMPS1 may transition from a low level to a high level and remain at the high level for a first settling time ST1. After the reset control signal RS transitions to a high level, the second sampling control signal SAMP2 may transition from a low level to a high level and remain at the high level for a second settling time ST2. In an exemplary embodiment, the first settling time ST1 and the second settling time ST2 may overlap with each other, e.g., may coincide with each other.

[0066] Because the first sampling transistor SAMP1 and the second sampling transistor SAMP2 are turned on simultaneously, the voltage at the first node N1 and the voltage at the second node N2 become the same. Because the first selection control signal SEL1 and the second selection control signal SEL2 are maintained at a high level, the first reference signal REF1 corresponding to the voltage at the first node N1 is output through the first column line CL0, and the second reference signal REF2 is output through the second column line CL1. Even if the voltage at the first node N1 and the voltage at the second node N2 are the same, an offset may occur between the second reference signal REF2 and the first reference signal REF1 due to the threshold voltage difference between the second source follower transistor SF2 and the third source follower transistor SF3.

[0067] After the first sampling transistor SAMP1 and the second sampling transistor SAMP2 are turned on, the ramp signal RAMP is also generated to increase (or decrease) at a constant slope during a second time RRT. During the second time RRT when the voltage level of the ramp signal RAMP changes constantly, the first correlated double sampling circuit 151_1 can compare the ramp signal RAMP with the first reference signal REF1, and the second correlated double sampling circuit 151_2 can compare the ramp signal RAMP with the second reference signal REF2.

[0068] In an exemplary embodiment, in the global signal damping period GSDP, the transmission control signal TS can be maintained at a low level.

[0069] The pixel PX of the image sensor according to the present disclosure may further include a mode transistor MX electrically connected to the first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2, and the mode control signal EN may maintain a high level during the global signal dumping period GSDP. During the global signal dumping period GSDP, the mode transistor MX may maintain an on state due to the mode control signal EN, and a pixel voltage VPIX may be applied to the third node N3.

[0070] During the read-out period ROP, the mode control signal EN may be maintained at a high level while the reset signal SIG and the image signal SIG are output.A pixel voltage VPIX may be applied to the third node N3.

[0071] Meanwhile, when the first sampling control signal SAMPS1 transitions from a low level to a high level and the second sampling control signal SAMP2 transitions from a low level to a high level, the mode control signal EN also transitions from a high level to a low level. For example, after the reset control signal RS transitions to a high level, the mode control signal EN may transition from a high level to a low level and maintain the low level during a mode transition time (ET). In an exemplary embodiment, the first settling time ST1, the second settling time ST2, and the mode transition time ET may overlap with each other, for example, may coincide with each other.

[0072] The low-level mode control signal EN turns off the mode transistor MX, allowing the third node N3 to float. The equivalent capacitances of the first node N1 and the second node N2 are smaller than the capacitance of the first capacitor C1 and smaller than the capacitance of the second capacitor C2. This increases the speed at which the voltages of the first node N1 and the second node N2 settle, thereby increasing the speed at which the first reference signal REF1 is output to the first column line CL0 and the speed at which the second reference signal REF2 is output to the second column line CL1.

[0073] That is, the image sensor according to the present disclosure can control the switching operation of the mode transistor MX to make the speed at which the first reference signal REF1 and the second reference signal REF2 are output faster than the speed at which the reset signal SIG and the image signal SIG are output. The first reference signal REF1 and the second reference signal REF2 are signals generated to remove an offset caused by the threshold voltage difference between the second source follower transistor SF2 and the third source follower transistor SF3, and therefore do not affect the image signal SIG and the reset signal RST that were previously output. By increasing the speed at which the first reference signal REF1 and the second reference signal REF2 are output, the speed at which image data ID is output also increases.

[0074] 6 is a timing diagram illustrating control signals and ramp signals provided to pixels of an image sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Pixels arranged in the same row may be provided with the same control signal. In the description of FIG. 6, the same description as in FIG. 5 will be omitted.

[0075] 3, 4, and 6, in the global signal dumping period GSDP, after the first sampling control signal SAMPS1 transitions from a high level to a low level, the transmission control signal TS remains at a high level during the first accumulation time TT1. The high level of the transmission control signal TS turns on the transmission transistor TX, allowing photocharges generated in the photodiode PD to accumulate in the floating diffusion node FD. For example, the voltage of the floating diffusion node FD may be reduced from the pixel voltage VPIX depending on the amount of accumulated charge.

[0076] During the readout period ROP, the transmission control signal TS is also at a high level during the second accumulation time TT2. In this case, the second accumulation time TT2 may be included in the second reset time RT2 during which the reset control signal RS is at a high level. Therefore, even if the transmission control signal TS is at a high level, the floating diffusion node FD is reset and is at the pixel voltage VPIX. The row to which the control signal described in FIG. 6 is provided can perform a global shutter operation even during the readout period ROP.

[0077] 7 and 8 are circuit diagrams of pixels included in an image sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Pixels arranged in the same row may be provided with the same control signal. In FIGS. 7 and 8, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 3 will not be described again.

[0078] 7, pixel PXa may include a photodiode PD and a pixel signal generation circuit PSCa that generates pixel signals PXS1 and PXS2. The pixel signal generation circuit PSCa may include a plurality of transistors TX, RX, SF1, PCX, SAMP1, SAMP2, MX1, MX2, SF2, SF3, SX1, and SX2, a first capacitor C1a, and a second capacitor C2a. Charges generated by a reset operation or photocharge accumulation may be stored in the first capacitor C1a and the second capacitor C2a, respectively. The control signals TS, RS, PC, SAMPS1, SAMPS2, EN1, EN2, SELS1, and SELS2 applied to the pixel signal generation circuit PSCa are also included in the control signals CSs generated by the row driver 140.

[0079] The first capacitor C1a is also electrically connected between the first node N1 and the third node N3. Charge may be stored in the first capacitor C1a due to the switching operation of the first sampling transistor SAMP1. A first terminal of the first capacitor C1a is electrically connected to the first node N1, and a second terminal of the first capacitor C1a is also electrically connected to the first mode transistor MX1, which is connected to the third node N3.

[0080] The pixel signal generating circuit PSCa may include a first-mode transistor MX1. A first terminal of the first-mode transistor MX1 ​​is electrically connected to a first capacitor C1a, and a pixel voltage VPIX may be applied to a second terminal of the first-mode transistor MX1. The first-mode transistor MX1 ​​may be turned on or off in response to a first-mode control signal EN1 to adjust the voltage applied to the second terminal of the first capacitor C1a. For example, depending on the switching operation of the first-mode transistor MX1, the pixel voltage VPIX may be applied to the second terminal of the first capacitor C1a, or the second terminal of the first capacitor C1a may be floating.

[0081] The second capacitor C2a is also electrically connected between the second node N2 and the third node N3. Charge may be stored in the second capacitor C2a due to the switching operation of the second sampling transistor SAMP2. A first terminal of the second capacitor C2a is electrically connected to the second node N2, and a second terminal of the second capacitor C2a is also electrically connected to the second mode transistor MX2, which is connected to the third node N3.

[0082] The pixel signal generating circuit PSCa may include a second-mode transistor MX2. A first terminal of the second-mode transistor MX2 is electrically connected to a second capacitor C2a, and a pixel voltage VPIX may be applied to a second terminal of the second-mode transistor MX2. The second-mode transistor MX2 may be turned on or off in response to a second-mode control signal EN2 to adjust the voltage applied to the second terminal of the second capacitor C2a. For example, depending on the switching operation of the second-mode transistor MX2, the pixel voltage VPIX may be applied to the second terminal of the second capacitor C2a, or the second terminal of the second capacitor C2a may be floating.

[0083] The pixel PXa of the image sensor according to the present disclosure may include a first capacitor C1a storing charge due to a reset operation, a second capacitor C2a storing charge due to a charge accumulation operation, a first-mode transistor MX1 ​​electrically connected to one end of the first capacitor C1a, and a second-mode transistor MX2 electrically connected to one end of the second capacitor C2a. The equivalent capacitances at the first node N1 and the second node N2 may be changed by turning on or off the first-mode transistor MX1 ​​and the second-mode transistor MX2. By controlling the equivalent capacitances when the first and second reference signals REF1 and REF2 are output in the readout period ROP to be smaller than the equivalent capacitances when the image signal SIG and the reset signal RST are output, the voltage settling time at the first and second nodes N1 and N2 may be shortened, and the speed at which the first and second reference signals REF1 and REF2 are output to the first and second column lines CL0 and CL1 may be increased.

[0084] 8, pixel PXb may include a photodiode PD and a pixel signal generation circuit PSCb that generates pixel signals. The control signals TS, RS, PC, SAMPS1, SAMPS2, EN1b, EN2b, SELS1, and SELS2 applied to pixel signal generation circuit PSCb are also one of the control signals CSs generated by row driver 140.

[0085] The pixel signal generation circuit PSCb may include a plurality of transistors TX, RX, SF1, PCX, SAMP1, SAMP2, MX1b, MX2b, SF2, SF3, SX1, and SX2, a first capacitor C1b, and a second capacitor C2b. Charges generated by a reset operation or charges generated by a photocharge accumulation operation may be accumulated in the first capacitor C1b and the second capacitor C2b, respectively.

[0086] The first capacitor C1b is also electrically connected between the first node N1 and a third node N3. Charge can be stored in the first capacitor C1b by switching the first sampling transistor SAMP1. A first terminal of the first capacitor C1b is connected to the first mode transistor MX1b, and a second terminal of the first capacitor C1b is also electrically connected to a third node N3 to which a pixel voltage VPIX is applied.

[0087] The pixel signal generation circuit PSCb may include a first-mode transistor MX1b. A first terminal of the first-mode transistor MX1b is electrically connected to the first node N1, and a second terminal of the first-mode transistor MX1b is also electrically connected to the first capacitor C1b. The first-mode transistor MX1b is turned on or off in response to a first-mode control signal EN1b, and the first capacitor C1b and the first node N1 may be electrically connected or electrically isolated from each other by the switching operation of the first-mode transistor MX1b.

[0088] The second capacitor C2b is also electrically connected between the second node N2 and the third node N3. Charge may be stored in the second capacitor C2b through the switching operation of the second sampling transistor SAMP2. A first terminal of the second capacitor C2b is also electrically connected to the second mode transistor MX2b, and a second terminal of the second capacitor C2b is also electrically connected to a third node N3 to which the pixel voltage VPIX is applied.

[0089] The pixel signal generation circuit PSCb may include a second-mode transistor MX2b. A first terminal of the second-mode transistor MX2b is electrically connected to the second node N2, and a second terminal of the second-mode transistor MX2b is also electrically connected to the second capacitor C2b. The second-mode transistor MX2b is turned on or off in response to a second-mode control signal EN2b. The second-mode transistor MX2b may be switched on or off to electrically connect or disconnect the second capacitor C2b from the second node N2.

[0090] Pixel PXb of the image sensor according to the present disclosure may include a first capacitor C1b storing charge due to a reset operation, a second capacitor C2b storing charge due to a charge accumulation operation, a first-mode transistor MX1b electrically connected to one end of the first capacitor C1b, and a second-mode transistor MX2b electrically connected to one end of the second capacitor C2b. The equivalent capacitances at first node N1 and second node N2 may be changed by turning on or off the first-mode transistor MX1b and the second-mode transistor MX2b. By controlling the equivalent capacitances when the first and second reference signals REF1 and REF2 are output in the readout period ROP to be smaller than the equivalent capacitances when the image signal SIG and the reset signal RST are output, the voltage settling time at first node N1 and second node N2 may be shortened, and the speed at which the first and second reference signals REF1 and REF2 are output to the first and second column lines CL0 and CL1 may be increased.

[0091] 9 is a timing diagram illustrating control signals and ramp signals provided to pixels of an image sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In the description of FIG. 9, the same description as that of FIG. 5 will be omitted.

[0092] 7 to 9, pixels PXa and PXb of an image sensor according to the present disclosure may include first-mode transistors MX1 and MX1b electrically connected to first capacitors C1a and C1b and second-mode transistors MX2 and MX2b electrically connected to second capacitors C2a and C2b. The first-mode control signals EN1 and EN1b and the second-mode control signals EN2 and EN2b may be maintained at a high level during the global signal dumping period GSDP. During the global signal dumping period GSDP, the first-mode transistors MX1 and MX1b and the second-mode transistors MX2 and MX2b may be maintained in an on state in response to the first-mode control signals EN1 and EN1b and the second-mode control signals EN2 and EN2b. During the read-out period ROP, while the reset signal RST and the image signal SIG are output, the first mode control signals EN1 and EN1b and the second mode control signals EN2 and EN2b may be maintained at a high level, and the first mode transistors MX1 and MX1b and the second mode transistors MX2 and MX2b may be maintained in an on state.

[0093] Meanwhile, when the first sampling control signal SAMPS1 transitions from a low level to a high level and the second sampling control signal SAMP2 transitions from a low level to a high level, the first mode control signals EN1 and EN1b and the second mode control signals EN2 and EN2b also transition from a high level to a low level. For example, around the time when the reset control signal RS transitions to a high level, the first mode control signals EN1 and EN1b may transition from a high level to a low level and maintain the low level during the first mode transition time ET1. Also, for example, around the time when the reset control signal RS transitions to a high level, the second mode control signals EN2 and EN2b may transition from a high level to a low level and maintain the low level during the second mode transition time ET2. In an exemplary embodiment, the first settling time ST1, the second settling time ST2, the first mode transition time ET1, and the second mode transition time ET2 may overlap with each other, for example, may coincide with each other.

[0094] The first mode transistors MX1 and MX1b are turned off by the low-level first mode control signals EN1 and EN1b, electrically isolating the first node N1 from the third node N3. The second mode transistors MX2 and MX2b are turned off by the low-level second mode control signals EN2 and EN2b, electrically isolating the second node N2 from the third node N3. Therefore, the equivalent capacitance at the first node N1 and the second node N2 is smaller than the capacitance of the first capacitor C1 and smaller than the capacitance of the second capacitor C2. The speed at which the first reference signal REF1 is output to the first column line CL0 may increase, and the speed at which the second reference signal REF2 is output to the second column line CL1 may increase. In other words, the image sensor according to the present disclosure can control the switching operations of the first-mode transistors MX1, MX1b and the second-mode transistors MX2, MX2b to make the speed at which the first reference signal REF1 and the second reference signal REF2 are output faster than the speed at which the reset signal RST and the image signal SIG are output.

[0095] Figure 10 is a circuit diagram of a pixel included in an image sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 is a timing diagram illustrating control signals and ramp signals provided to pixels of an image sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In the description of Figure 10, duplicated descriptions of elements that are the same as those in Figure 3 will be omitted. In the description of Figure 11, duplicated descriptions of elements that are the same as those in Figure 5 will be omitted.

[0096] 10, the pixel PXc may include a photodiode PD and a pixel signal generation circuit PSCc that generates pixel signals PXcS1 and PXcS2. The pixel signal generation circuit PSCc may include a plurality of transistors TX, RX1, RX2, SF1, PCX, SAMP1, SAMP2, MX, SF2, SF3, SX1, and SX2, a first capacitor C1, and a second capacitor C2. The control signals TS, RS1, RS2, PC, SAMPS1, SAMPS2, EN, SELS1, and SELS2 applied to the pixel signal generation circuit PSCc are also one of the control signals CSs generated by the row driver 140.

[0097] The pixel signal generation circuit PSCc may include a first reset transistor RX1 and a second reset transistor RX2. The first reset transistor RX1 and the second reset transistor RX2 can reset the charge accumulated in the floating diffusion node FD. A pixel voltage VPIX is applied to a first terminal of the reset transistor RX1, and a second terminal of the reset transistor RX1 is also electrically connected to the second reset transistor RX2. A first terminal of the second reset transistor RX2 is also electrically connected to the first reset transistor RX1, and a second terminal of the second reset transistor RX2 is also electrically connected to the floating diffusion node FD.

[0098] The first reset transistor RX1 and the second reset transistor RX2 are turned on or off in response to a first reset control signal RS1 and a second reset control signal RS2 received from the row driver 140. When both the first reset transistor RX1 and the second reset transistor RX2 are turned on, charges accumulated in the floating diffusion node FD may be discharged, resetting the floating diffusion node FD.

[0099] 10 and 11, in the global signal dumping period GSDP, the first reset control signal RS1 may transition from a second level (e.g., a low level) to a first level (e.g., a high level) and maintain the high level for a first reset time RT11. In the global signal dumping period GSDP, the second reset control signal RS2 may transition from the second level to the first level and maintain the first level for a first reset time RT21. The high level of the first reset control signal RS1 and the high level of the second reset control signal RS2 may turn on the first reset transistor RX1 and the second reset transistor RX2, resetting the floating diffusion node FD (reset operation). In an exemplary embodiment, the first reset time RT11 of the first reset control signal RS1 and the first reset time RT21 of the second reset control signal RS2 may overlap with each other, for example, may coincide with each other.

[0100] In an exemplary embodiment, the image sensor can support a dual conversion gain (DCG) function by operating in a low conversion gain (LCG) mode and a high conversion gain (HCG) mode. In the LCG mode, when the transmission control signal TS maintains a high level during an integration time TT, the second reset control signal RS2 also maintains a high level. The second reset control signal RS2 can maintain a high level during an LCG time LT, which can overlap with the integration time TT. Since the second reset transistor RX2 is turned on while photocharges are being accumulated in the floating diffusion node FD, the equivalent capacitance of the floating diffusion node FD is substantially increased, thereby reducing the conversion gain of converting photocharges generated in the photodiode PD to the image signal SIG. However, the larger the equivalent capacitance of the floating diffusion node FD, the more photocharges can be accumulated in the floating diffusion node FD.

[0101] In an exemplary embodiment, an additional capacitor may be further connected to the first terminal of the second reset transistor RX2, and when the second reset transistor RX2 is turned on, the additional capacitor and the floating diffusion node FD may be electrically connected to each other, thereby increasing the equivalent capacitance of the floating diffusion node FD.

[0102] 10 is a timing diagram illustrating the image sensor operating in LCG mode, but the image sensor according to the present disclosure is not limited thereto. When the image sensor operates in HCG mode, the second reset control signal RS2 can be maintained at a low level during the accumulation time TT during which the transmission control signal TS is maintained at a high level. In HCG mode, the conversion efficiency of converting the photocharges generated in the photodiode PD into the image signal SIG is relatively increased, and a relatively small amount of photocharges can be accumulated in the floating diffusion node FD.

[0103] During the readout period ROP, when the first reset control signal RS1 maintains a high level during the second reset time RT12, the second reset control signal RS2 may maintain a high level during the second reset time RT22. The high level of the first reset control signal RS1 and the high level of the second reset control signal RS2 turn on the first reset transistor RX1 and the second reset transistor RX2, resetting the floating diffusion node FD. For example, the voltage of the floating diffusion node FD may be reset to the pixel voltage VPIX. In an exemplary embodiment, the second reset time RT12 of the first reset control signal RS1 and the first reset time RT22 of the second reset control signal RS2 may overlap each other, e.g., may coincide with each other.

[0104] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, these are merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible therefrom. Therefore, the true technical scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the technical spirit of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 100 image sensors 110 pixel array 120 Controller 130 Ramp Signal Generator 140 Row Driver 150 Readout circuit 151 Correlated double sampling circuit 153 Analog-to-Digital Converter 155 Subtraction Circuit 157 buffers

Claims

1. In an image sensor including a pixel array in which a plurality of pixels are arranged, Each of the plurality of pixels A photodiode; a floating diffusion node that accumulates photocharges generated by the photodiode; a first source follower transistor that amplifies a potential change at the floating diffusion node and outputs the amplified potential change to an output node; a first sampling transistor electrically connected between the output node and a first node; a first capacitor electrically connected to the first node and configured to store a charge corresponding to the reset voltage of the floating diffusion node; a second sampling transistor electrically connected between a second node different from the first node and the output node; a second capacitor electrically connected to the second node and configured to store a charge corresponding to a voltage of the floating diffusion node where the photocharges are accumulated; at least one mode transistor that adjusts the equivalent capacitance at each of the first node and the second node in response to a mode control signal; a first terminal of the at least one mode transistor is electrically connected to a third node electrically connected to the first capacitor and the second capacitor; A pixel voltage is applied to a second terminal of the at least one mode transistor.

2. In an image sensor including a pixel array in which a plurality of pixels are arranged, Each of the plurality of pixels A photodiode; a floating diffusion node that accumulates photocharges generated by the photodiode; a first source follower transistor that amplifies a potential change at the floating diffusion node and outputs the amplified potential change to an output node; a first sampling transistor electrically connected between the output node and a first node; a first capacitor electrically connected to the first node and configured to store a charge corresponding to the reset voltage of the floating diffusion node; a second sampling transistor electrically connected between a second node different from the first node and the output node; a second capacitor electrically connected to the second node and configured to store a charge corresponding to a voltage of the floating diffusion node where the photocharges are accumulated; at least one mode transistor that adjusts the equivalent capacitance at each of the first node and the second node in response to a mode control signal; the at least one mode transistor includes a first mode transistor and a second mode transistor; a first terminal of the first-mode transistor is electrically connected to the first capacitor, and a pixel voltage is applied to a second terminal of the first-mode transistor; The image sensor according to claim 1, wherein a first terminal of the second-mode transistor is electrically connected to the second capacitor, and the pixel voltage is applied to a second terminal of the second-mode transistor.

3. In an image sensor including a pixel array in which a plurality of pixels are arranged, Each of the plurality of pixels A photodiode; a floating diffusion node that accumulates photocharges generated by the photodiode; a first source follower transistor that amplifies a potential change at the floating diffusion node and outputs the amplified potential change to an output node; a first sampling transistor electrically connected between the output node and a first node; a first capacitor electrically connected to the first node and configured to store a charge corresponding to the reset voltage of the floating diffusion node; a second sampling transistor electrically connected between a second node different from the first node and the output node; a second capacitor electrically connected to the second node and configured to store a charge corresponding to a voltage of the floating diffusion node where the photocharges are accumulated; at least one mode transistor that adjusts the equivalent capacitance at each of the first node and the second node in response to a mode control signal; the at least one mode transistor includes a first mode transistor and a second mode transistor; the at least one mode transistor includes a first mode transistor and a second mode transistor; a first terminal of the first-mode transistor electrically connected to the first node and a second terminal of the first-mode transistor electrically connected to the first capacitor; a first terminal of the second-mode transistor electrically connected to the second node, and a second terminal of the second-mode transistor electrically connected to the second capacitor.

4. Each of the plurality of pixels a second source follower transistor for outputting a first pixel signal corresponding to a potential change at the first node to a first column line; 4. The image sensor of claim 1, further comprising: a third source follower transistor for outputting a second pixel signal corresponding to a change in potential of the second node to a second column line.

5. the image sensor includes a readout circuit that receives pixel signals from a plurality of column lines connected to the pixel array and outputs image data according to the pixel signals; The readout circuit a first correlated double sampling circuit and a first analog-to-digital circuit connected to the first column line; a second correlated double sampling circuit and a second analog-to-digital circuit connected to the second column line; 5. The image sensor according to claim 4, further comprising: a subtraction circuit that subtracts the digital signals output from the first analog-to-digital circuit and the second analog-to-digital circuit.

6. In a first period, a reset signal corresponding to the reset voltage of the floating diffusion node is output to the first column line, and an image signal corresponding to the voltage of the floating diffusion node where the photocharges are accumulated is output to the second column line; 6. The image sensor of claim 4, wherein in a second period after the first period, a first reference signal corresponding to the reset voltage of the floating diffusion node is output to the first column line, and a second reference signal corresponding to the reset voltage of the floating diffusion node is output to the second column line.

7. 7. The image sensor of claim 6, wherein the equivalent capacitance of each of the first node and the second node in the first section is greater than the capacitance of each of the first node and the second node in the second section.

8. The image sensor includes:

8. The image sensor of claim 6, further comprising a row driver that generates the mode control signal so that the at least one mode transistor is turned off when the first sampling transistor and the second sampling transistor are turned on in the second period.

9. Each of the plurality of pixels 9. The image sensor according to claim 3, claim 4 that relies on claim 3, or claim 5 that relies directly or indirectly on claim 4 that relies on claim 3, further comprising: a first reset transistor and a second reset transistor that reset the floating diffusion node with a pixel voltage and are connected in series with each other.

10. Each of the plurality of pixels The floating diffusion node is reset by the pixel voltage, and includes a first reset transistor and a second reset transistor connected in series to each other. Claim 1, Claim 2, Claim 4 that relies on Claim 1 or 2, Claim 5 that relies on Claim 4 that relies on Claim 1 or 2, and Claim 4 that relies on Claim 1 or 2 are directly or indirectly relied upon. An image sensor described in any one of claims 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 6

11. 11. The image sensor of claim 9, wherein when the photo-charges are stored in the floating diffusion node, the first reset transistor is turned off and the second reset transistor is turned on.

12. In an image sensor including a pixel array in which a plurality of pixels are arranged, Each of the plurality of pixels A photodiode; a floating diffusion node for storing photocharges generated by the photodiode; a first reset transistor for resetting the floating diffusion node with a pixel voltage; a first source follower transistor that amplifies a potential change at the floating diffusion node and outputs the amplified potential change to an output node; a first sampling transistor electrically connected between the output node and a first node; a second sampling transistor electrically connected between the output node and a second node different from the first node; a first capacitor electrically connected between the first node and a third node; a second capacitor electrically connected between the second node and the third node; An image sensor comprising: at least one mode transistor responsive to a mode control signal for providing a pixel voltage to one end of the first capacitor and one end of the second capacitor.

13. Each of the plurality of pixels a second source follower transistor for outputting a first pixel signal corresponding to a potential change at the first node to a first column line; 13. The image sensor of claim 12, further comprising: a third source follower transistor for outputting a second pixel signal corresponding to a change in potential of the second node to a second column line.

14. In a first period, a reset signal corresponding to the reset voltage of the floating diffusion node is output to the first column line, and an image signal corresponding to the voltage of the floating diffusion node where the photocharges are accumulated is output to the second column line; 14. The image sensor of claim 13, wherein, in a second period after the first period, a first reference signal corresponding to the reset voltage of the floating diffusion node is output to the first column line, and a second reference signal corresponding to the reset voltage of the floating diffusion node is output to the second column line.

15. Each of the plurality of pixels 15. The image sensor according to claim 12, further comprising a precharge transistor that precharges the output node.

16. 16. The image sensor according to claim 12, wherein the at least one mode transistor applies a pixel voltage to the third node in response to the mode control signal.

17. the at least one mode transistor includes a first mode transistor and a second mode transistor; the first mode transistor is electrically connected between the third node to which a pixel voltage is applied and the first capacitor; 17. The image sensor of claim 12, wherein the second-mode transistor is electrically connected between the third node to which a pixel voltage is applied and the second capacitor.

18. a second reset transistor electrically connected between the floating diffusion node and the first reset transistor, 18. The image sensor of claim 12, wherein an equivalent capacitance of the floating diffusion node is adjusted by a switching operation of the second reset transistor.

19. the first capacitor stores a charge corresponding to the reset voltage of the floating diffusion node; 19. The image sensor of claim 12, wherein the second capacitor stores a charge corresponding to a voltage of the floating diffusion node where the photocharges are accumulated.

20. In an image sensor including a pixel array in which a plurality of pixels are arranged, Each of the plurality of pixels A photodiode; a transfer transistor for transferring photocharges generated in the photodiode to a floating diffusion node; a reset transistor for resetting the floating diffusion node with a pixel voltage; a first source follower transistor that amplifies a potential change at the floating diffusion node and outputs the amplified potential change to an output node; a precharge transistor for precharging the output node; a first sampling transistor electrically connected between the output node and a first node; a second sampling transistor electrically connected between the output node and a second node different from the first node; a first capacitor electrically connected between the first node and a third node; a second capacitor electrically connected between the second node and the third node; a mode transistor that applies a pixel voltage to the third node by a switching operation; a second source follower transistor that amplifies and outputs a potential change at the first node; a first selection transistor electrically connected to the second source follower transistor and outputting a first pixel signal to a first column line; a third source follower transistor that amplifies and outputs a potential change at the second node; a second selection transistor electrically connected to the third source follower transistor and outputting a second pixel signal to a second column line.

Images