Solid-state imaging device, driving method for solid-state imaging device, and electronic device

Abstract

To provide a solid-state image pickup device capable of reading out signals of which the conversion gains are different and the signal directions are different from each other, a driving method for the solid-state image pickup device, and an electronic apparatus.SOLUTION: A pixel signal processing unit 400 includes: a first readout unit 410 for inverting a signal direction of first conversion gain signals (HCGRST and HCGSIG) in a pixel signal PIXOUT inputted to an input node ND401 and inputting inverted first conversion gain signals (HCGRST and HCGSIG) to which inversion and amplification processing is applied, through a connection node ND402 to an AD conversion section 430; and a second readout section 420 for holding a signal direction of second conversion gain signals (LCGSIG and LCGRST) in the pixel signal PIXOUT inputted to the input node ND401 and inputting non-inverted second conversion gain signals (LCGSIG and LCGRST) through the connection node ND402 to the AD conversion section 430.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a solid-state imaging device, a method for driving a solid-state imaging device, and an electronic device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensors are in practical use as solid-state imaging devices (image sensors) that use photoelectric conversion elements that detect light and generate electric charges. CMOS image sensors are widely used as part of various electronic devices such as digital cameras, video cameras, surveillance cameras, medical endoscopes, personal computers (PCs), and portable terminal devices (mobile devices) such as mobile phones.

[0003] CMOS image sensors have a photodiode (photoelectric conversion element) and a floating diffusion (FD) amplifier with a floating diffusion layer for each pixel, and the mainstream readout method is a column-parallel output type that selects a row in the pixel array and reads out the pixels simultaneously in the column direction.

[0004] Incidentally, the pixel configuration of a solid-state imaging device (CMOS image sensor) can be exemplified by a basic pixel having a four-transistor (4Tr) configuration in which, for one photodiode (photoelectric conversion element), there is one transfer transistor as a transfer element, one reset transistor as a reset element, one source follower transistor as a source follower element, and one selection transistor as a selection element.

[0005] The transfer transistor is selected during a predetermined transfer period and becomes conductive, transferring the charges (electrons) photoelectrically converted and accumulated in the photodiode to the floating diffusion FD. The reset transistor is selected and turned on during a predetermined reset period, resetting the floating diffusion FD to the potential of the power supply line. The select transistor is selected and turned on during read scanning, which causes the source follower transistor to output the column output read signal converted into a voltage signal by the floating diffusion FD to the vertical signal line.

[0006] For example, during a read scan period, after the floating diffusion FD is reset to, for example, the potential (reference potential) of the power supply line during the reset period, the charge of the floating diffusion FD is converted into a voltage signal with a gain according to the FD capacitance and output to the vertical signal line as a reference level read reset signal (reference level signal) Vrst. Subsequently, during a predetermined transfer period, the charges (electrons) photoelectrically converted and accumulated in the photodiode are transferred to the floating diffusion FD. The charges in the floating diffusion FD are then converted into a voltage signal with a gain according to the FD capacitance, and output to the vertical signal line as a signal level readout signal (signal level signal) Vsig. The output signal of the pixel is processed by CDS (Correlated Double Sampling) as a differential signal (Vsig-Vrst) in the column readout circuit.

[0007] In this way, a normal pixel read signal (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a pixel signal) PS is formed by a read reset signal Vrst of one reference level and a read signal Vsig of one signal level.

[0008] Meanwhile, in order to improve characteristics, various methods have been proposed for realizing a high-quality solid-state imaging device (CMOS image sensor) having a high dynamic range (HDR).

[0009] One approach to achieving a high dynamic range is to use a Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor (LOFIC) (see, for example, Patent Document 1). A pixel with a LOFIC configuration has a storage capacitor and a storage transistor added to the basic configuration described above, and the oversaturated charge that overflows from the photodiode during the same exposure time is stored in the storage capacitor instead of being discarded.

[0010] This LOFIC pixel can have two types of conversion gain: one due to the floating diffusion capacitance Cfd1 (high gain side: proportional to 1 / Cfd1), and the other due to the floating diffusion capacitance Cfd1 + the LOFIC capacitance Clofic of the storage capacitor C2 (low gain side: proportional to 1 / (Cfd1+Clofic)). That is, in the LOFIC pixel, a low conversion gain (LCG) signal and a high conversion gain (HCG) signal are used to achieve high saturation and low dark noise, respectively. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-328493 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2020-115603 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] However, LOFIC has a significant problem of SNR degradation at the junction of the high conversion gain (HCG) and low conversion gain (LCG) signals. That is, the LOFIC configuration alone cannot remove the kTC noise of the LCG signal, resulting in a decrease in SNR at the junction of the HCG signal and the LCG signal.

[0013] For example, Patent Document 2 proposes a specific circuit configuration for a pixel signal processing unit in a readout circuit of a solid-state imaging device that is not subject to LOFIC but can eliminate noise gaps at the connection points between low conversion gain data and high conversion gain data, suppress increases in power consumption and circuit area, and achieve a high dynamic range.

[0014] In a CMOS image sensor with a LOFIC structure, the signal directions of the high conversion gain (HCG) signal and the low conversion gain (LCG) signal, i.e., their level transition directions, are opposite to each other, so a dual readout circuit is required. However, since the pixel signal processing unit in the readout circuit described in Patent Document 2 is capable of reading both the HCG signal and the LCG signal generated from single-exposure HDR (SEHDR) pixels whose signal directions are the same, it is difficult to apply it directly to a CMOS image sensor with a LOFIC structure.

[0015] Furthermore, when attempting to realize a dual readout circuit applicable to a CMOS image sensor with a LOFIC structure, in order to reduce chip costs, a readout circuit that can process both LCG and HCG signals with minimal circuit overhead and can achieve low power consumption is required.

[0016] The present invention provides a solid-state imaging device capable of reading out signals having different conversion gains and different signal directions, a method for driving a solid-state imaging device, and electronic equipment. The present invention aims to provide a solid-state imaging device, a method for driving a solid-state imaging device, and electronic equipment that are capable of reading out signals with different conversion gains and different signal directions, thereby suppressing increases in power consumption and circuit area, and achieving a high dynamic range and ultimately high image quality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] A solid-state imaging device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a readout pixel that performs photoelectric conversion and is capable of reading out as pixel signals first conversion gain signals and second conversion gain signals having opposite signal directions according to at least two conversion gains, and a pixel signal processing unit that processes the pixel signals read out from the readout pixel, wherein the pixel signal processing unit includes an input node to which the pixel signals read out from the readout pixel are input, a connection node connected to a next-stage circuit, a first readout unit that inverts the signal direction of the first conversion gain signal among the pixel signals input to the input node and outputs an inverted first conversion gain signal to the connection node, and a second readout unit that maintains the signal direction of the second conversion gain signal among the pixel signals input to the input node and outputs a non-inverted second conversion gain signal to the connection node.

[0018] A second aspect of the present invention is a pixel signal processing apparatus including a readout pixel that performs photoelectric conversion and is capable of reading out, as a pixel signal, a first conversion gain signal and a second conversion gain signal whose signal directions are opposite to each other according to at least two conversion gains, and a pixel signal processing unit that processes the pixel signal read out from the readout pixel, wherein the pixel signal processing unit includes an input node to which the pixel signal read out from the readout pixel is input, a connection node connected to a next-stage circuit, a first readout unit that inverts the signal direction of the first conversion gain signal among the pixel signals input to the input node and outputs an inverted first conversion gain signal to the connection node, and a pixel signal processing unit that processes the pixel signal input to the input node. and a second readout unit that maintains the signal direction of the second conversion gain signal and outputs a non-inverted second conversion gain signal to the connection node, wherein in a first conversion gain signal readout mode, the first readout unit performs an inverted readout of a first readout reset signal with a first conversion gain, and then performs an inverted readout of a first readout luminance signal with the first conversion gain, and in a second conversion gain signal readout mode, the second readout unit performs a non-inverted readout of a second readout luminance signal with a second conversion gain, and then performs a non-inverted readout of a second readout reset signal with the second conversion gain.

[0019] An electronic device according to a third aspect of the present invention has a solid-state imaging device and an optical system that forms an image of a subject on the solid-state imaging device, wherein the solid-state imaging device includes a readout pixel that performs photoelectric conversion and is capable of reading out as pixel signals a first conversion gain signal and a second conversion gain signal having opposite signal directions according to at least two conversion gains, and a pixel signal processing unit that processes the pixel signal read out from the readout pixel, wherein the pixel signal processing unit includes an input node to which the pixel signal read out from the readout pixel is input, a connection node connected to a next-stage circuit, a first readout unit that inverts the signal direction of the first conversion gain signal among the pixel signals input to the input node and outputs an inverted first conversion gain signal to the connection node, and a second readout unit that maintains the signal direction of the second conversion gain signal among the pixel signals input to the input node and outputs a non-inverted second conversion gain signal to the connection node. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to read out signals having different conversion gains and different signal directions. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to read out signals with different conversion gains and different signal directions, and it is also possible to suppress increases in power consumption and circuit area, and it is also possible to achieve a high dynamic range, and ultimately to achieve high image quality. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a solid-state imaging device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a readout pixel according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 4 is a timing chart showing an example of a readout sequence of a readout pixel in the solid-state imaging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of a pixel signal processing unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5]5 is a timing chart for explaining the readout operation of pixel signals from readout pixels in a dual conversion gain readout mode of the solid-state imaging device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of a main part of a pixel signal processing unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10 is a timing chart for explaining the readout operation of pixel signals from readout pixels in a dual conversion gain readout mode of the solid-state imaging device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of a main part of a pixel signal processing unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 11 is a timing chart for explaining the readout operation of pixel signals from readout pixels in a dual conversion gain readout mode of the solid-state imaging device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the main parts of a pixel signal processing unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention and an example of a stacked structure of pixels and pixel signal processing units. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of a pixel signal processing unit according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram illustrating an active circuit in a first conversion gain signal readout mode of a pixel signal processing unit according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram illustrating an active circuit in a second conversion gain signal readout mode of a pixel signal processing unit according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of a pixel signal processing unit according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram illustrating an active circuit in a first conversion gain signal readout mode of a pixel signal processing unit according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram illustrating an active circuit in a second conversion gain signal readout mode of a pixel signal processing unit according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of a pixel signal processing unit according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 13 is a timing chart for explaining the readout operation of a pixel signal from a readout pixel in a conversion gain readout mode of the solid-state imaging device according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 19] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating operation sequences and potential transitions for explaining operations under low, medium and high illumination in the conversion gain readout mode of the solid-state imaging device according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 20] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an electronic device to which a solid-state imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0023] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a solid-state imaging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of a readout pixel in the solid-state imaging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 3A to 3E are timing charts showing an example of a readout sequence of a readout pixel in the solid-state imaging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] In this embodiment, the solid-state imaging device 10 is configured by, for example, a CMOS image sensor.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, this solid-state imaging device 10 has, as its main components, a pixel section 20 as an imaging section, a vertical scanning circuit (row scanning circuit) 30, a readout circuit (column readout circuit) 40 including a pixel signal processing section 400, a horizontal scanning circuit (column scanning circuit) 50, and a timing control circuit 60. Of these components, for example, the vertical scanning circuit 30, the readout circuit 40, the horizontal scanning circuit 50, and the timing control circuit 60 constitute a pixel signal readout unit 70.

[0026] In the first embodiment, the readout pixels 200 arranged in a matrix in the pixel section 20 basically have a configuration as shown in FIG. That is, the readout pixel 200 is composed of a floating diffusion FD (Floating Diffusion) 11 that holds the transferred charge in order to read it out as a voltage signal, a photodiode PD11 as a photoelectric conversion element that accumulates charge according to the amount of incident light during the exposure period PEXP, a transfer transistor TG11-Tr as a transfer element that is held in a non-conductive state during the exposure period PEXP and held in a conductive state during the transfer period to transfer the charge accumulated in the photodiode PD11 as the photoelectric conversion element to the floating diffusion FD11, and a reset transistor RST11-Tr as a reset element that is capable of performing a reset process to discharge the accumulated charge in the floating diffusion FD11.

[0027] Furthermore, the readout pixel 200 is configured to include a storage capacitor CS11 as a storage capacitance element capable of storing overflow charge that overflows from a photodiode PD11 as a photoelectric conversion element, and a storage transistor SG11-Tr as a storage connection element that selectively connects the floating diffusion FD11 and the storage capacitor CS11 as a storage capacitance element.

[0028] Furthermore, the readout pixel 200 has an overflow path OVFP that allows the charge that overflows from the photodiode PD11 as a photoelectric conversion element and overflows into the floating diffusion FD11 through the transfer transistor TG11-Tr to overflow toward the formation region of the storage capacitor CS11 as a storage capacitance element. A storage capacitor CS11 is connected between a storage node NDS11 formed in a predetermined region of the overflow path OVFP and a reference potential VSS, a storage transistor SG11-Tr is connected between the storage node NDS11 and a floating diffusion FD11, and a reset transistor RST11-Tr is connected between a power supply potential VAAPIX and the storage node NDS11. Furthermore, the readout pixel 200 includes a source follower transistor SF11-Tr as a source follower element that outputs a voltage signal converted by the floating diffusion FD11, and a selection transistor SEL11-Tr as a selection element.

[0029] The readout pixel 200 of this embodiment, under the control of the readout unit 70, selectively connects the floating diffusion FD11 to the storage capacitor CS11 as a storage capacitance element through the storage transistor SG11-Tr as a storage connection element, thereby changing the capacitance of the floating diffusion FD11 to a first capacitance or a second capacitance, and switching the conversion gain to a first conversion gain determined by the first capacitance (e.g., high conversion gain: HCG: High Conversion Gain) or a second conversion gain determined by the second capacitance (e.g., low conversion gain: LCG: Low Conversion Gain).

[0030] In this way, under the control of the readout unit 70, the solid-state imaging device 10 is configured to be able to perform a first conversion gain mode readout in which pixel signals are read out at a first conversion gain (high conversion gain: HCG) corresponding to the first capacitance, and a second conversion gain mode readout in which pixel signals are read out at a second conversion gain (low conversion gain: LCG) corresponding to the second capacitance (different from the first capacitance) during a specified dual conversion gain readout mode period, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0031] The readout pixel 200 is provided with, for example, a structure called a lateral overflow integration capacitor (hereinafter referred to as "LOFIC (Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor)"), and under the control of the readout unit 70, operates in a double sampling readout mode (LOFIC mode) using a second conversion gain related to the accumulated charge and overflow charge of the photodiode PD11, which is a photoelectric conversion element, under low illumination conditions.

[0032] In this first embodiment, the readout pixel 200 performs a dual conversion gain signal readout, which involves a first conversion gain signal readout that reads out a pixel signal at a first conversion gain (e.g., high conversion gain: HCG) corresponding to a first capacitance, and a second conversion gain signal readout that reads out a pixel signal at a second conversion gain (e.g., low conversion gain: LCG) corresponding to a second capacitance (different from the first capacitance). In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the readout process for the readout pixel 200 is performed as follows: first, in the first conversion gain signal readout mode, the first readout reset signal HCGRST is read out, and then the first readout luminance signal HCGSIG is read out. Subsequently, in the second conversion gain signal readout mode, the second readout luminance signal LCGSIG is read out, and then the second readout reset signal LCGRST is read out.

[0033] In this way, the first conversion gain signal (HCGRST, HCGSIG) and the second conversion gain signal (LCGSIG, LCGRST) read out as the pixel signal PXLOUT from the readout pixel 200 are formed as signals with opposite signal directions (level transition directions).

[0034] (Specific circuit configuration of pixel 200) Here, a specific circuit configuration of the readout pixel 200 in FIG. 2 will be described. Here, an example of the configuration of a readout pixel 200 having a LOFIC structure will be described.

[0035] In the pixel section 20, readout pixels 200, each including a photodiode (photoelectric conversion element) and an in-pixel amplifier, are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix of N rows and M columns.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, for example, this readout pixel 200 includes a photodiode PD11 as a photoelectric conversion element, a transfer transistor TG11-Tr as a transfer element, a reset transistor RST11-Tr as a reset element, a source follower transistor SF11-Tr as a source follower element, a selection transistor SEL11-Tr as a selection element, a storage transistor SG11-Tr as a storage connection element, a storage capacitor CS11 as a storage capacitance element, a floating diffusion FD11, and a storage node NDS11 connected to the storage capacitor CS11.

[0037] In addition, in the readout pixel 200, the capacitance CFD of the floating diffusion FD11 is formed to be a very small capacitance for low noise. The capacitance CS1 of the storage capacitor CS11 is set to a very large capacitance (electrostatic capacity) for a high FWC (Full Well Capacity). The capacitance CS1 of the storage capacitor CS11 is larger than the capacitance CFD of the floating diffusion FD11. For high conversion gain, the capacitance CFD of the floating diffusion FD11 is mainly used, and for low conversion gain, the capacitance CS1 of the storage capacitor CS11 is also used.

[0038] The photodiode PD11 generates and accumulates signal charges (electrons in this case) in an amount corresponding to the amount of incident light. In the following, the case where the signal charges are electrons and each transistor is an n-type transistor will be described, but the signal charges may be holes and each transistor may be a p-type transistor.

[0039] In each readout pixel 200, a buried photodiode (PPD) is used as the photodiode (PD). The surface of the substrate on which the photodiode (PD) is formed has interface states due to defects such as dangling bonds, which can generate a large amount of charge (dark current) due to thermal energy, making it impossible to read out the correct signal. In a buried photodiode (PPD), the charge storage section of the photodiode (PD) is embedded in the substrate, which makes it possible to reduce the inclusion of dark current in the signal.

[0040] The transfer transistor TG11-Tr is connected between the photodiode PD11 and the floating diffusion FD11, and is controlled by a control signal TG. The transfer transistor TG11-Tr is selected and turned on while the control signal TG is at high level (H), and transfers the charges (electrons) photoelectrically converted by the photodiode PD11 and stored in the storage node to the floating diffusion FD11.

[0041] In the example of FIG. 2, the reset transistor RST11-Tr is connected between the power supply potential VAAPIX and the storage node NDS11, and is controlled via a control signal RST. The reset transistor RST11-Tr is selected and turned on while the control signal RST is at H level, and resets the floating diffusion FD11 (and the storage capacitor CS11) to the power supply potential VAAPIX when the storage transistor SG11-Tr is held in the on state.

[0042] In the first embodiment, the reset transistor RST11-Tr, the storage transistor SG11-Tr, and the transfer transistor TG11-Tr are maintained in a conductive state, and the floating diffusion FD11 and the photodiode PD11 are reset. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the reset transistor RST11-Tr and the storage transistor SG11-Tr are maintained in a conductive state, and the floating diffusion FD11 and the storage capacitor CS11 are reset.

[0043] The storage transistor SG11-Tr is connected between the floating diffusion FD11 (and the reset transistor RST11-Tr) and the storage capacitor CS11 via a storage node NDS11. The storage transistor SG11-Tr is controlled by a control signal SG applied to the gate through a control line. The storage transistor SG11-Tr is selected and turned on while the control signal SG is at H level, connecting the floating diffusion FD11 (and the reset transistor RST11-Tr) and the storage capacitor CS11. In the first embodiment, as described above, the reset transistor RST11-Tr and the storage transistor SG11-Tr are held in a conductive state, and the floating diffusion FD11 and the storage capacitor CS11 are reset.

[0044] In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the overflow path OVFP is formed as a path that can transfer the overflow charge of the photodiode PD11 to the storage capacitor CS11 via the floating diffusion FD11, the storage transistor SG11-Tr, and the storage node NDS11 (solid arrow), and is also formed as a path that can transfer the overflow charge of the storage capacitor CS11 to the power supply potential VAAPIX via the storage node NDS11 and the reset transistor RST11-Tr (dashed arrow).

[0045] The source follower transistor SF11-Tr and the selection transistor SEL11-Tr are connected in series between the power supply potential VAAPIX and the vertical signal line LSGN11. A floating diffusion FD11 is connected to the gate of the source follower transistor SF11-Tr, and the selection transistor SEL11-Tr is controlled by a control signal SEL applied to the gate via a control line. The selection transistor SEL11-Tr is selected and turned on during a selection period when the control signal SEL is at level H. As a result, the source follower transistor SF11-Tr outputs the column output readout voltage signals (VRST1, VSIG1) converted into voltage signals by FD11 to the vertical signal line LSGN11.

[0046] In the pixel section 20, the readout pixels 200 are arranged in N rows and M columns, and therefore there are N control lines and M vertical signal lines. In FIG. 1, each control line is represented as one row scan control line.

[0047] The vertical scanning circuit 30 drives pixels in the shutter row and the readout row through row scanning control lines under the control of the timing control circuit 60 . Furthermore, the vertical scanning circuit 30 outputs, in accordance with the address signal, a row selection signal of a read row for reading out a signal and a row address of a shutter row for resetting the charge accumulated in the photodiode PD11.

[0048] The readout circuit 40 may include a pixel signal processing unit 400 as a plurality of column signal processing circuits (not shown) arranged corresponding to each column output of the pixel unit 20, and may be configured to enable column-parallel processing with the plurality of column signal processing circuits. In the readout circuit 40, the pixel signal processing unit 400 has a function of inverting either the first conversion gain signal (HCGRST, HCGSIG) or the second conversion gain signal (LCGSIG, LCGRST), which are formed as signals with the opposite signal direction, in other words, the opposite level transition direction, and are read out from the readout pixel 200 as the pixel signal PXLOUT, specifically the first conversion gain signal. Furthermore, the pixel signal processing unit 400 has an analog-digital (AD) conversion function that converts the first conversion gain signal and the second conversion gain signal from analog signals to digital signals after aligning the signal directions (level transition directions). A specific example of the circuit configuration of the pixel signal processing unit will be described in detail later.

[0049] The horizontal scanning circuit 50 scans and transfers the signals processed by the plurality of pixel signal processing units 400 of the readout circuit 40 in the horizontal direction, and outputs them to a signal processing circuit (not shown).

[0050] The timing control circuit 60 generates timing signals necessary for signal processing in the pixel section 20, the vertical scanning circuit 30, the readout circuit 40, the horizontal scanning circuit 50, and the like.

[0051] When the dual conversion gain read mode MDCG is specified, the read unit 70 performs a first conversion gain reset read process HCGRRD, a first conversion gain read process HCGSRD, a second conversion gain read process LCGSRD, and a second conversion gain reset read process LCGRRD.

[0052] In the first embodiment, after starting the exposure period PEXP, the readout section 70 performs readout processing in the dual conversion gain readout mode MDCG as the readout mode processing.

[0053] For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the readout unit 70 holds the reset transistor RST11-Tr, the storage transistor SG11-Tr, and the transfer transistor TG11-Tr in a conductive state for a predetermined period of time to reset the photodiode PD11, the floating diffusion FD11, and the storage capacitor CS11, thereby performing shutter processing, and then turns the transfer transistor TG11-Tr off to start the exposure period PEXP. Then, after starting the exposure period PEXP, the readout unit 70 sequentially performs a first conversion gain reset readout process HCGRRD, a first conversion gain readout process HCGSRD, a second conversion gain readout process LCGSRD, and a second conversion gain reset readout process LCGRRD as processing of the dual conversion gain readout mode DMCG.

[0054] The configuration and function of each part of the solid-state imaging device 10 have been outlined above. Next, the configuration of the pixel signal processing unit 400, which is the column processing system of the readout unit 70 according to the first embodiment, and the associated readout processing will be described in detail.

[0055] FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of a pixel signal processing unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] The pixel signal processing unit 400, which can amplify and AD convert multiple pixel signals read out from the readout pixels 200, is configured to include an input node ND401, a connection node ND402, a first readout unit 410, a second readout unit 420, and an AD conversion unit 430, as shown in Figure 4.

[0057] The input node ND401 receives the first conversion gain signal (HCGRST, HCGSIG) and the second conversion gain signal (LCGSIG, LCGRST) that are read out as the pixel signal PXLOUT from the read pixel 200 to the vertical signal line LSGN11, and supplies the input signals to the first readout unit 410 and the second readout unit 420.

[0058] The connection node ND402 is connected to the output terminal of the first readout section 410 and the output terminal of the second readout section 320, and is also connected to the input terminal of the AD conversion section 430 at the next stage. The connection node ND402 supplies the first conversion gain signal inverted by the first readout section 410 and the second conversion gain signal processed by the second readout section 420 to the AD conversion section 430.

[0059] The first readout unit 410 inverts the signal direction (level transition direction) of the first conversion gain signals (HCGRST, HCGSIG) of the pixel signal PIXOUT input to the input node ND401, and outputs the inverted first conversion gain signals to the connection node ND402.

[0060] The second readout unit 420 holds the signal direction (level transition direction) of the second conversion gain signals (LCGSIG, LCGRST) of the pixel signal PIXOUT input to the input node ND401, and outputs the non-inverted second conversion gain signal to the connection node ND402.

[0061] Here, a specific example of the configuration of the first readout section 410 and the second readout section 420 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0062] (Configuration example of the first readout unit 410) The first readout section 410 includes a first operational amplifier (amplifier) ​​411 whose inverting input terminal (-) is connected to a signal supply line from an input node ND401. The amplifier 411 has an inverting input terminal (-) connected to a signal supply line from the input node ND401 and connected to a first node ND411, an output terminal connected to a second node ND412, and a non-inverting input terminal (+) connected to a third node ND413. A first input switch 412 and a first sampling capacitor CS411 are connected in series between the input node ND401 and a first node ND411. A feedback capacitor CF411 is connected between the second node ND412 and the first node ND411. A first reset switch RST411 is connected in parallel with the feedback capacitor CF411 between the second node ND412 and the first node ND411. An output switch 413 is connected between the second node ND412 and the connection node ND402. A third node ND413 connected to the non-inverting input terminal (+) of the amplifier 411 is connected to the reference potential VB.

[0063] The first input switch 412 is formed of, for example, a MOS transistor, and is switched between a conductive state and a non-conductive state by a control signal φ1. In the first conversion gain signal read mode, the first input switch 412 is maintained in a conductive state when a control signal φ1 is supplied, for example, at a high level, and the first conversion gain signal (HCGRST, HCGSIG) input to the input node ND401 is input to the inverting input terminal (-) of the amplifier 411 through the first sampling capacitor CS411.

[0064] The output switch 413 is formed of, for example, a MOS transistor, and is switched between a conductive state and a non-conductive state by a control signal φ1. In the first conversion gain signal read mode, the output switch 413 is maintained in a conductive state by supplying a control signal φ1, for example, at a high level, and inputs the inverted first conversion gain signals (HCGRST, HCGSIG) that have been inverted and amplified by the amplifier 411 to the AD conversion unit 430 through the connection node ND402.

[0065] The first reset switch RST411 is switched between a conductive state and a non-conductive state by a control signal RST_HCG. The first reset switch RST411 is maintained in a conductive state by supplying a control signal RST_HCG at, for example, a high level during a predetermined start period of the first conversion gain signal readout mode, thereby initializing the amplifier 411.

[0066] (Configuration example of second readout unit 420) The second readout section 420 includes a second input switch 421 connected to a signal transfer line LS421 between the input node ND401 and the connection node ND402.

[0067] The second input switch 421 is formed of, for example, a MOS transistor, and is switched between a conductive state and a non-conductive state by a control signal φ21. In the second conversion gain signal read mode, the second input switch 421 is maintained in a conductive state by supplying a control signal φ2, for example, at a high level, and inputs the second conversion gain signal (LCGSIG, LCGRST) input to the input node ND401 to the AD conversion unit 430 through the connection node ND402.

[0068] (Configuration example of AD conversion unit 430) The AD conversion unit 430 includes a second operational amplifier (amplifier) ​​431 whose inverting input terminal (-) is connected to a signal supply line from the connection node ND402. The amplifier 431 has an inverting input terminal (-) connected to the signal supply line from the connection ND402, which is connected to the input node ND431, an output terminal connected to the output node ND432, and a non-inverting input terminal (+) connected to the output side of the reference potential control circuit 432. A sampling capacitor CC431 serving as an input capacitor is connected between the connection node ND402 and the input node ND431. A third reset switch RST431 is connected between the output node ND432 and the input node ND431. A third switch 433 and a sampling capacitor CSH431 are connected in series between a third node ND431 connected to the inverting input terminal (-) of the amplifier 431 and a reference potential VSS.

[0069] The third input switch 433 is formed of, for example, a MOS transistor, and is switched between a conductive state and a non-conductive state by a control signal φ2. The third input switch 433 connects the sampling capacitor CC431 to the sampling capacitor CSH431 via the input node ND431 in the second conversion gain signal readout mode. By providing the sampling capacitor CSH431, the amplitude of the pixel signal can be adjusted, and in particular, the amplitude of a high-amplitude pixel signal can be reduced (adjusted) to a level that allows AD conversion, thereby expanding the dynamic range.

[0070] The third reset switch RST431 is switched between a conductive state and a non-conductive state by a control signal RST_LCG. The third reset switch RST431 is maintained in a conductive state by supplying a control signal RST_LCG at, for example, a high level during a predetermined start period of the first conversion gain signal readout mode, thereby initializing the amplifier 431.

[0071] (Readout operation of solid-state imaging device 10) The characteristic configurations and functions of each part of the solid-state imaging device 10 have been described above. Next, the operation of reading out pixel signals from the solid-state imaging device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail.

[0072] 5A to 5G are timing charts for explaining the readout operation of pixel signals from readout pixels in the dual conversion gain readout mode of the solid-state imaging device according to the first embodiment.

[0073] Figure 5(A) shows the control signal RST of the reset transistor RST11-Tr of the readout pixel 200, Figure 5(B) shows the control signal SG of the storage transistor SG11-Tr of the readout pixel 200, and Figure 5(C) shows the control signal TG of the transfer transistor TG11-Tr of the readout pixel 200. Figure 5(D) shows the control signal φ1 of the first input switch 412 and output switch 413 of the first readout unit 410 of the pixel signal processing unit 400, the second input switch 421 of the second readout unit 420, and the control signal φ2 of the third input switch 433 of the AD conversion unit 430. 5E shows the control signal RST_HCG of the first reset switch RST411 of the first readout unit 410 of the pixel signal processing unit 400, and the control signal RST_LCG of the second reset switch RST431 of the AD conversion unit 430. 5(F) shows the pixel signal PIXOUT read out from the readout pixel 200, and FIG. 5(G) shows the amplified output signal AMPOUT of the first readout section 410 and the second readout section 420 of the pixel signal processing section 400.

[0074] Before the processing of the dual conversion gain readout mode MDCG is started, the control signals RST, SG, and TG are set to a high level for a predetermined period of time, and the reset transistor RST11-Tr, the storage transistor SG11-Tr, and the transfer transistor TG11-Tr are kept in a conductive state for a predetermined period of time. As a result, the photodiode PD11, floating diffusion FD11, and storage capacitor CS11 are reset to the fixed potential VAAPIX, that is, a shutter operation is performed (FIGS. 5(A) to 5(C)).

[0075] (Readout process in first conversion gain signal readout mode) Then, at the timing when the transfer transistor TG11-Tr is switched from the conductive state to the non-conductive state, the exposure time PEXP starts, and the readout process in the first conversion gain signal readout mode is performed. A certain period after the exposure period PEXP starts, the control signal SG is switched to high level for a predetermined period, and then the readout period of the first readout reset signal (HCGRST) begins. At this time, the control signal SG remains at a low level, and the storage transistor SG11-Tr is in a non-conducting state, so the charge in the floating diffusion FD11 and the charge in the storage capacitor CS11 are separated, and the gain of the floating diffusion FD11 is held at the first conversion gain HCG, which is determined by the first capacitance including the capacitance CFD of the floating diffusion FD11.

[0076] Then, during the first reset signal readout period after the reset processing, a first readout reset signal HCGRST converted by a first conversion gain HCG determined by the first capacitance of the floating diffusion FD11 is read out from the source follower transistor SF11-Tr to the vertical signal line LSGN11, and a first conversion gain reset readout processing HCGRRD is performed in the readout circuit 40, which is a column processing circuit, to perform a predetermined processing on this first readout reset signal HCGRST.

[0077] Next, during the first transfer period after the first reset signal readout period, the control signal TG is switched to high level, the transfer transistor TG11-Tr is held in a conductive state, and the accumulated charge in the photodiode PD11 is transferred to the floating diffusion FD11. After the first transfer period, the control signal TG is switched to low level, and the transfer transistor TG11-Tr is switched to a non-conductive state.

[0078] Next, during the first signal readout period following the first transfer period, a first readout signal HCGSIG converted with a first conversion gain determined by the first capacitance of the floating diffusion FD11 is read out from the source follower transistor SF11-Tr to the vertical signal line LSGN11, and a first conversion gain readout process HCGSRD is performed in the readout circuit 40, which is a column processing circuit, to perform a predetermined process on this first readout signal HCGSIG.

[0079] And the reset level (VHCGRST,V RH ) and signal level (VHCGSIG, V SH ) is held, or a digital CDS calculation is performed using the difference between the reset level and the signal level.

[0080] In the first conversion gain signal readout mode, the readout circuit 40 performs the following process. In the first conversion gain signal readout mode, the control signal φ1 is supplied at an active high level to the first input switch 412 and the output switch 413 in the first readout section 410 of the pixel signal processing section 400 of the readout circuit 40. On the other hand, in the first conversion gain signal readout mode, the control signal φ2 applied to the second input switch 421 in the second readout section 420 of the pixel signal processing section 400 of the readout circuit 40 is held at an inactive low level. Therefore, in the first conversion gain signal readout mode, the first readout section 410 of the pixel signal processing section 400 is in an active state, and the second readout section 420 is in an inactive state.

[0081] In addition, in the first readout section 410, a control signal RST_HCG is supplied, for example, at a high level during a predetermined start period of the first conversion gain signal readout mode, switching the first reset switch RST411 to a conductive state and initializing the amplifier 411. In the first conversion gain signal readout mode, the first readout reset signal HCGRST (potential V RH ) is input, and then the first read reset signal HCGRST is inverted by the amplifier 411.

[0082] Also, during the first conversion gain signal readout mode, since inactive control signals φ2 and RST_LCG are supplied to the third input switch 433 and the second reset switch RST431, the AD conversion unit 430 performs AD conversion by comparing the output signal AMPOUT of the first readout unit 410 supplied to the inverting input terminal (-) of the amplifier 431 with a predetermined potential supplied to the non-inverting input terminal (+).

[0083] In the first conversion gain signal readout mode, the first readout unit 410 functioning as an amplifier unit receives a first readout reset signal HCGRST (potential V RH ) is input, and then the first readout luminance signal HCGSIG (potential V SH ) is supplied. Then, the first read reset signal HCGRST (potential V RH ) is input, and then the first read reset signal HCGRST is inverted and amplified by the amplifier 411 and output to the AD conversion unit 430 at the next stage. The output signal AMPOUT of the amplifier 411 of the first readout unit 410 is a reference potential V B Based on this, the first read reset signal HCGRST (potential V RH ) and low-potential readout luminance signal HCGSIG(V SH ) to the capacitance ratio G(C S / C F ) multiplied by the level-amplified signal (VB +G*(V RH -V SH )) becomes.

[0084] (Readout process in second conversion gain signal readout mode) Next, after the first conversion gain read process HCGSRD, the control signal SG is switched from low level to high level, the storage transistor SG11-Tr is switched to the conductive state, and the storage capacitor CS11 is connected to the floating diffusion FD11. As a result, the charge of the floating diffusion FD11 and the charge of the storage capacitor CS11 are shared, and the gain of the floating diffusion FD11 is switched to the second conversion gain LCG determined by the second capacitance. This switches the readout process from the first conversion gain signal readout mode to the second conversion gain signal readout mode.

[0085] Then, during the second transfer period after the first signal readout period, the control signal TG is switched to high level, the transfer transistor TG11-Tr is held in a conductive state, and the charge accumulated in the photodiode PD11 is transferred to the floating diffusion FD11. After the second transfer period, the control signal TG is switched to low level, and the transfer transistor TG11-Tr is switched to a non-conductive state. Then, during the second signal readout period following the second transfer period after the first signal readout period, a second readout signal LCGSIG converted with a second conversion gain LCG determined by the second capacitance of the floating diffusion FD11 is read out from the source follower transistor SF11-Tr to the vertical signal line LSGN11, and a second conversion gain readout process LCGSRD is performed in the readout circuit 40, which is a column processing circuit, to perform a predetermined process on this second readout signal LCGSIG.

[0086] Next, after the second signal readout period has elapsed, the control signal RST is switched to high level, the reset transistor RST11-Tr is switched to a conductive state, and the second reset signal readout period begins. Then, during the second reset signal readout period, a second readout reset signal LCGRST converted by a second conversion gain LCG determined by the second capacitance of the floating diffusion FD11 is read out from the source follower transistor SF11-Tr to the vertical signal line LSGN11, and a second conversion gain reset readout process HCGRRD is performed in the readout circuit 40, which is a column processing circuit, to perform a predetermined process on this second readout reset signal LCGRST.

[0087] And the reset level (LCGRST, V RL ) and signal level (LCGSIG,V SL ) or hold the reset level LCGRST(V RL ) and signal level LCGSIG(V SL ) offset noise cancellation calculation is performed using the difference.

[0088] In the second conversion gain signal readout mode, the readout circuit 40 performs the following process. In the second conversion gain signal readout mode, the control signal φ1 is supplied at an inactive low level to the first input switch 412 and the output switch 413 in the first readout section 410 of the pixel signal processing section 400 of the readout circuit 40. On the other hand, in the second conversion gain signal readout mode, the control signal φ2 is held at an active high level to the second input switch 421 in the second readout section 420 of the pixel signal processing section 400 of the readout circuit 40. Therefore, in the second conversion gain signal readout mode, the first readout section 410 of the pixel signal processing section 400 is in an inactive state, and the second readout section 420 is in an active state. Accordingly, during the second conversion gain signal readout mode, the power supply to the amplifier 411 of the first readout section 410 can be turned off, thereby making it possible to reduce power consumption.

[0089] Also, in the second conversion gain signal readout mode, the AD conversion unit 430 receives active control signals φ2 and RST_LCG from the third input switch 433 and the second reset switch RST431, and the output signal AMPOUT of the second readout unit 420, which is supplied to the inverting input terminal (-) of the amplifier 431, is processed as follows.

[0090] In the second conversion gain signal readout mode, the second readout section 420, which functions as an attenuator, and the amplifier 431 of the AD conversion section 430 receive the second readout luminance signal LCGSIG (potential V SL ) is input, followed by the second read reset signal LCGRST (potential V RL ) is supplied. The output signal AMPOUT of the amplifier 431 of the AD conversion unit 430 is a reference potential V B Based on this, the second readout luminance signal LCGSIG (potential V SL ) is input, followed by the second read reset signal LCGRST (potential V RL ) to the capacitance ratio G(C C / (C C +C SH )) multiplied by the level-attenuated signal (V B +G*(V RL -V SL )) becomes.

[0091] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the pixel signal processing unit 400 capable of AD conversion processing, etc., is configured to include an input node ND401, a connection node ND402, a first readout unit 410, a second readout unit 420, and an AD conversion unit 430, as shown in FIG. 4. The first readout unit 410 inverts the signal direction (level transition direction) of the first conversion gain signals (HCGRST, HCGSIG) among the pixel signals PIXOUT input to the input node ND401, and inputs the inverted first conversion gain signals (HCGRST, HCGSIG) that have been subjected to inversion amplification processing to the AD conversion unit 430 through the connection node ND402. The second readout unit 420 holds the signal direction (level transition direction) of the second conversion gain signals (LCGSIG, LCGRST) of the pixel signal PIXOUT input to the input node ND401, and inputs the non-inverted second conversion gain signals (LCGSIG, LCGRST) to the AD conversion unit 430 through the connection node ND402. Furthermore, by providing a sampling capacitor CSH431, the AD conversion unit 430 can adjust the amplitude of pixel signals, particularly by reducing (adjusting) the amplitude of high-amplitude pixel signals to a level that can be AD converted, thereby expanding the dynamic range.

[0092] Therefore, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to read out signals that have different conversion gains and different signal directions. Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to read out signals with different conversion gains and different signal directions, which makes it possible to prevent increases in power consumption and circuit area, and also to achieve a high dynamic range, thereby enabling high image quality to be achieved. In the second conversion gain signal readout mode, the first readout section 410 of the pixel signal processing section 400 is in an inactive state, and the second readout section 420 is in an active state. Accordingly, during the second conversion gain signal readout mode, the power supply to the amplifier 411 of the first readout section 410 can be turned off, thereby making it possible to reduce power consumption. Furthermore, since the AD conversion unit 430 can receive an inverted first conversion gain signal and a non-inverted second conversion gain signal in the same direction, an existing ADC can convert the inverted first conversion gain signal and the non-inverted second conversion gain signal that are input without overhead, which in turn enables cost reduction of the applied camera system.

[0093] (Second embodiment) FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of a main part of a pixel signal processing unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 7A to 7H are timing charts for explaining the readout operation of pixel signals from readout pixels in the dual conversion gain readout mode of the solid-state imaging device according to the second embodiment.

[0094] Figure 7(A) shows the control signal RST of the reset transistor RST11-Tr of the readout pixel 200, Figure 7(B) shows the control signal SG of the storage transistor SG11-Tr of the readout pixel 200, and Figure 7(C) shows the control signal TG of the transfer transistor TG11-Tr of the readout pixel 200. 7D shows the control signal φ1 of the first input switch 412 of the first readout unit 410 of the pixel signal processing unit 400, and the control signal φ2 of the second input switch 421 of the second readout unit 420. In FIG. 7(E) shows the control signal RST_HCG of the first reset switch RST411 of the first readout unit 410 of the pixel signal processing unit 400, and FIG. 7(F) shows the control signal RST_LCG of the second reset switch RST412 of the AD conversion unit 430. 7(G) shows the pixel signal PIXOUT read out from the readout pixel 200, and FIG. 7(H) shows the amplified output signal AMPOUT of the first readout section 410 and the second readout section 420 of the pixel signal processing section 400.

[0095] The pixel signal processing unit 400A of the second embodiment differs from the pixel signal processing unit 400 of the first embodiment in the following respects.

[0096] In the pixel signal processing unit 400 of the first embodiment, the first readout unit 410 has an amplifier 411, the second readout unit 420 has no amplifier, and the signal transfer line LS421 connected to the second input switch 421 is connected to the connection node ND402 and functions as an attenuator. The first readout unit 410 and the second readout unit 420 do not share the amplifier 411, but each independently and individually perform inverting amplification processing on the first conversion gain signals (HCGRST, HCGSIG) to be processed and non-inverting attenuation processing on the second conversion gain signals (LCGSIG, LCGRST).

[0097] In contrast to this, in the pixel signal processing unit 400A of the second embodiment, the amplifier 411A is shared by the first readout unit 410A and the second readout unit 420A. Specifically, in the second readout section 410A, a fourth input switch 414 is connected between a third node ND413 connected to the non-inverting input terminal (+) of the amplifier 411A and a reference potential VB. On the other hand, in the second readout section 420A, the signal transfer line SL421 connected to the second input switch 421 is connected to a third node ND413 connected to the non-inverting input terminal (+) of the amplifier 411A instead of the connection node ND402. Furthermore, in the second readout unit 420A, a second sampling capacitor CC421 is connected between the second input switch 421 and a third node ND413. An attenuation capacitor CSH421 is connected between a fifth node ND421, which is a connection node between the third node ND413 and the second sampling capacitor CC421, and the reference potential VSS.

[0098] The fourth input switch 414 is formed of, for example, a MOS transistor, and is switched between a conductive state and a non-conductive state by a control signal φ3. The fourth input switch 414 is maintained in a conductive state by supplying a control signal φ3, for example at a high level, during a predetermined start period of the first conversion gain signal readout mode or the second conversion gain signal readout mode, thereby connecting the reference potential VB to the non-inverting input terminal (+) of the amplifier 411A.

[0099] According to the second embodiment, in the second conversion gain signal readout mode, the second sampling capacitor CC421 and the attenuation capacitor CSH421 function as an attenuator that attenuates the second conversion gain signal (LCGSIG, LCGRST). This attenuator output is then fed to the non-inverting input terminal (+) of amplifier 411A and buffered by a non-inverting unity gain amplifier applied to the non-inverting input terminal (+).

[0100] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment described above, it is possible to read out signals with different conversion gains and different signal directions, which makes it possible to suppress increases in power consumption and circuit area, and also to achieve a high dynamic range, thereby enabling the realization of high image quality.

[0101] (Third embodiment) FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of a main part of a pixel signal processing unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 9A to 9H are timing charts for explaining the readout operation of pixel signals from readout pixels in the dual conversion gain readout mode of the solid-state imaging device according to the third embodiment.

[0102] Figure 9(A) shows the control signal RST of the reset transistor RST11-Tr of the readout pixel 200, Figure 9(B) shows the control signal of the storage transistor SG11-Tr of the readout pixel 200, and Figure 9(C) shows the control signal TG of the transfer transistor TG11-Tr of the readout pixel 200. 9(D) shows the control signal φ1 of the first input switch 411 of the first readout unit 410B of the pixel signal processing unit 400B and the control signal φ2 of the second input switch 421B of the second readout unit 420B. FIG. 9(E) shows the control signal φ3 of the fourth switch 414 of the first readout unit 410B of the pixel signal processing unit 400B. FIG. 9F shows the control signal RST_HCG of the first reset switch RST 421 of the first readout unit 410 of the pixel signal processing unit 400B. FIG. 9G shows the pixel signal PIXOUT read out from the readout pixel 200, and FIG. 9H shows the amplified output signal AMPOUT of the first readout section 410B and the second readout section 420B of the pixel signal processing section 400B.

[0103] The pixel signal processing unit 400B of the third embodiment differs from the pixel signal processing unit 400A of the second embodiment in the following respects.

[0104] In the pixel signal processing unit 400B of the third embodiment, during readout processing in the first conversion gain signal readout mode, the signal transfer line LS421 of the second readout unit 420B is connected to the reference potential VSS serving as the pixel ground, and the input capacitance on the non-inverting input terminal (+) side of the amplifier 411B is set to a capacitance (CC+CSH) obtained by adding up the capacitances of the sampling capacitor CC421 and the attenuation capacitor CSH421, and is balanced with the capacitance CS of the first sampling CS421 connected to the inverting input terminal (-) side.

[0105] In the pixel signal processing unit 400B of the third embodiment, the second input switch 421B has a terminal a connected to the terminal input node ND401, a terminal b connected to the reference potential VSS, and a terminal c connected to the signal transfer line LS421, and connects the terminal c to the terminal a when the control signal φ2 is at a high level, and connects the terminal c to the terminal b when the control signal φ2 is at a low level.

[0106] According to the third embodiment, when operating in the first conversion gain signal readout mode, the input capacitance on the non-inverting input terminal (+) side is set to be approximately equal to the capacitance (CC+CSH) in order to balance with CS, and fluctuations in the pixel ground are canceled by the differential action of amplifier 411B.

[0107] In the pixel signal processing unit 400B of the third embodiment, during readout processing in the first conversion gain signal readout mode, the signal transfer line LS421 of the second readout unit 420B is connected to the reference potential VSS as the pixel ground, and the input capacitance on the non-inverting input terminal (+) side of the amplifier 411B is set to a capacitance (CC+CSH) obtained by adding up the capacitances of the sampling capacitor CC421 and the attenuation capacitor CSH421, and is balanced with the capacitance CS of the first sampling CS421 connected to the inverting input terminal (-) side. On the other hand, in the second conversion gain signal readout mode, the signal transfer line LS421 of the second readout unit 420B is connected to the input node ND401, and the second sampling capacitor CC421 and the attenuation capacitor CSH421 connected to the reference potential as the analog ground function as an attenuator that attenuates the second conversion gain signal (LCGSIG, LCGRST). This attenuator output is then fed to the non-inverting input terminal (+) of amplifier 411B and buffered by a non-inverting unity gain amplifier applied to the non-inverting input terminal (+).

[0108] According to the third embodiment, not only can the effects of the second embodiment be obtained, but also, since a signal input to a so-called pixel ground noise cancellation circuit is supplied to the non-inverting input terminal (+) side of the amplifier 411B via a sampling capacitor CSH421, it is possible to cancel ground (GND) floating for each column, thereby reducing noise such as shading. So-called ground bounce cancellation (GBC) is possible.

[0109] (Fourth embodiment) FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the main parts of a pixel signal processing unit according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention and an example of the layered structure of pixels and pixel signal processing units.

[0110] The pixel signal processing unit 400C of the fourth embodiment differs from the pixel signal processing unit 400A of the second embodiment in the following respects. In the pixel signal processing unit 400C of this fourth embodiment, a fifth switch 422 is connected between a third node ND413 connected to the non-inverting input terminal (+) of the amplifier 411C and a fifth node ND421 connected to the capacitors CC421 and CSH421. The conduction state of the fifth switch 422 is controlled by control signals φ1 and φ2.

[0111] In the pixel signal processing unit 400C of the fourth embodiment, during readout processing in the first conversion gain signal readout mode, the signal transfer line SL421 of the second readout unit 420C is connected to the reference potential, and the input capacitance on the inverting input terminal (+) side of the amplifier 411C is set to a capacitance (CC+CSH) obtained by adding the capacitances of the fourth sampling capacitor CC421 and the attenuation capacitor CSH421, and is balanced with the capacitance CS of the first sampling CS421 connected to the inverting input terminal (-) side.

[0112] According to the fourth embodiment, when operating in the first conversion gain signal readout mode, the input capacitance on the non-inverting input terminal (+) side is set to be approximately equal to the capacitance (CC+CSH) in order to balance with CS, and fluctuations in the pixel ground are canceled by the differential action of amplifier 411C.

[0113] In the pixel signal processing unit 400C of the fourth embodiment, during readout processing in the first conversion gain signal readout mode, the signal transfer line LS421 of the second readout unit 420C is connected to the reference potential VSS as the pixel ground, and the input capacitance on the non-inverting input terminal (+) side of the amplifier 411C is set to a capacitance (CC+CSH) obtained by adding up the capacitances of the sampling capacitor CC421 and the attenuation capacitor CSH421, and is balanced with the capacitance CS of the first sampling CS421 connected to the inverting input terminal (-) side. On the other hand, in the second conversion gain signal readout mode, the signal transfer line LS421 of the second readout unit 420C is connected to the input node ND401, and the second sampling capacitor CC421 and the attenuation capacitor CSH421 connected to the reference potential as the analog ground function as an attenuator that attenuates the second conversion gain signal (LCGSIG, LCGRST). This attenuator output is then fed to the non-inverting input terminal (+) of amplifier 411C and buffered by a non-inverting unity gain amplifier applied to the non-inverting input terminal (+).

[0114] According to the fourth embodiment, not only can the effects of the second embodiment described above be obtained, but also, because the signal input to the pixel ground noise cancellation circuit is supplied to the non-inverting input terminal (+) side of the amplifier 411C via the attenuation capacitor CSH421, it is possible to cancel ground (GND) floating for each column, for example, and ultimately reduce noise such as shading, etc. So-called ground bounce cancellation (GBC) is possible.

[0115] In the fourth embodiment, the AD conversion unit 430 C is configured by a single-slope ADC including a comparator 435 , a counter 436 , and a memory 437 . The comparator 435 compares the output signal of the amplifier 411C of the first readout unit 410C with a ramp signal RAMP having a linearly changing slope waveform with a certain gradient, and outputs, for example, a high-level signal until the two signals intersect. In the AD conversion unit 430C, this high level period is input to the counter 436 to perform AD conversion.

[0116] (Stacked structure of pixels and pixel signal processing unit) Furthermore, the solid-state imaging device 10C according to the fourth embodiment has a stacked structure of the readout pixel 200 and the pixel signal processing unit 400C. The solid-state imaging device 10C according to the fourth embodiment has a stacked structure of a first substrate (upper substrate) 110 and a second substrate (lower substrate) 120. The solid-state imaging device 10C is formed as an imaging device with a laminated structure, for example, by bonding together at the wafer level and then cutting out by dicing. In this example, a first substrate 110 is stacked on a second substrate 120.

[0117] The readout pixels 200 are formed on the first substrate 110, and the pixel signal processing unit 400C is formed on the second substrate 120.

[0118] In such a stacked structure, the output node of the readout pixel 200 on the first substrate 110 and the input node ND401 of the pixel signal processing unit 400C on the second substrate 120 are electrically connected using vias (Die-to-Die Vias), microbumps, etc., as shown in FIG. 10, for example.

[0119] (Fifth embodiment) FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of a pixel signal processing unit according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram for explaining an active circuit in the first conversion gain signal readout mode of the pixel signal processing unit according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram illustrating an active circuit in the second conversion gain signal readout mode of the pixel signal processing unit according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0120] The pixel signal processing unit 400D of the fifth embodiment differs from the pixel signal processing unit 400A of the second embodiment in the following respects. In the pixel signal processing unit 400D of the fifth embodiment, the first readout unit 410D and the second readout unit 420D share the first sampling capacitor CS411 and the second sampling capacitor CC421, and share the feedback capacitor CF411 and the attenuation capacitor CSH421. In this example, a first sampling capacitor CS411 and a feedback capacitor CF411 are used.

[0121] The components of the pixel signal processing unit 400D of the fifth embodiment are connected as follows.

[0122] In the pixel signal processing unit 400D, a sampling capacitor CS411 is connected to an input node ND401, a first input switch 412 is connected between the sampling capacitor CS411 and a first node ND411 connected to an inverting input terminal (-) of an amplifier 411D, which is a first operational amplifier, and a second input switch 421 is connected between the sampling capacitor CS411 and a third node ND413 connected to a non-inverting input terminal (+) of the amplifier 411D. A feedback capacitor CF411 is connected between a second node ND412 connected to the output terminal of the amplifier 411D and a first node ND411 connected to the inverting input terminal (-), and a reset switch RST411 is connected between the second node ND412 connected to the output terminal of the amplifier 411D and the first node ND411 connected to the inverting input terminal (-). A sixth switch 416 is connected between one electrode side of the feedback capacitor CF411 and a first node ND411 connected to the inverting input terminal (-) of the amplifier 411D, a seventh switch 417 is connected between the other electrode side of the feedback capacitor CF411 and a second node ND412 connected to the output terminal of the amplifier 411D, an eighth switch 418 is connected between one electrode side of the feedback capacitor CF411 and a third node ND413 connected to the non-inverting input terminal (+) of the amplifier 411D, a ninth switch 419 is connected between the other electrode side of the feedback capacitor CF411 and a reference potential VSS, and a third switch 414 is connected between the third node ND413 connected to the non-inverting input terminal (+) of the amplifier 411D and a reference potential VB.

[0123] In such a configuration, during the first conversion gain signal readout mode, the first input switch 412, the third switch 414, the sixth switch 416, and the seventh switch 417 are held in a conductive state, as shown in FIG. On the other hand, the second input switch 421, the reset switch RST 411, the eighth switch 418, and the ninth switch 419 are held in a non-conductive state.

[0124] During the second conversion gain signal readout mode, as shown in FIG. 13, the first input switch 412, the third switch 414, the sixth switch 416, and the seventh switch 417 are held in a non-conductive state. On the other hand, the second input switch 421, the reset switch RST 411, the eighth switch 418, and the ninth switch 419 are maintained in a conductive state.

[0125] According to the fifth embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the second embodiment described above, and also to reduce the number of components, thereby enabling a reduction in pixel size and ultimately a simplification of the stacked structure. For example, in a stacked structure, if one of the sampling capacitor CS411 or the feedback capacitor CF411 is placed on the upper first substrate 110 side, then only the remaining feedback capacitor CF411 or the sampling capacitor CS411 needs to be placed on the lower second substrate 129.

[0126] (Sixth embodiment) FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of a pixel signal processing unit according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a circuit diagram for explaining an active circuit in the first conversion gain signal readout mode of the pixel signal processing unit according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a circuit diagram for explaining an active circuit in the second conversion gain signal readout mode of the pixel signal processing unit according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0127] The pixel signal processing unit 400E of the sixth embodiment differs from the pixel signal processing unit 400A of the second embodiment in the following respects. In a pixel signal processing unit 400E of the sixth embodiment, a first reading unit 410E and a second reading unit 420E share a first sampling capacitor CS411 and a second sampling capacitor CC421. In this example, the first sampling capacitor CS411 is used.

[0128] The components of the pixel signal processing unit 400E of the sixth embodiment are connected as follows.

[0129] In the pixel signal processing unit 400E, a sampling capacitor CS411 is connected to an input node ND401, a first input switch 412 is connected between the sampling capacitor CS411 and a first node ND411 connected to an inverting input terminal (-) of an amplifier 411E, which is a first operational amplifier, and a second input switch 421 is connected between the sampling capacitor CS411 and a third node ND413 connected to a non-inverting input terminal (+) of the amplifier 411E. A feedback capacitor CF411 is connected between the output terminal of the amplifier 411E and a first node ND411 connected to the inverting input terminal (-), a reset switch RST411 is connected between a second node ND412 connected to the output terminal of the amplifier 411E and the first node ND411 connected to the inverting input terminal (-), a tenth switch 4110 is connected between a connection node ND403 between one electrode side of the sampling capacitor CS411 and the first input switch 412 and the second input switch 421 and an attenuation capacitor CSH421, and a third switch 414 is connected between the non-inverting input terminal (+) of the amplifier 411E and a reference potential VB.

[0130] In this configuration, during the first conversion gain signal readout mode, the first input switch 412 and the third switch 414 are maintained in a conductive state, as shown in FIG. On the other hand, the reset switch RST 411, the tenth switch 4110, and the second input switch 421 are held in a non-conductive state.

[0131] During the second conversion gain signal readout mode, the first input switch 412 and the third switch 414 are held in a non-conductive state. Meanwhile, the reset switch RST 411, the tenth switch 4110, and the second input switch 421 are maintained in a conductive state.

[0132] According to the sixth embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the second embodiment described above, and also to reduce the number of components, thereby enabling a reduction in pixel size and ultimately a simplification of the stacked structure. For example, in a stacked structure, if one of the sampling capacitor CS411 or the feedback capacitor CF411 is placed on the upper first substrate 110 side, then only the remaining feedback capacitor CF411 or the sampling capacitor CS411 needs to be placed on the lower second substrate 129. Furthermore, according to the sixth embodiment, the number of switches can be reduced and gain adjustment becomes easier compared to the fifth embodiment described above.

[0133] (Seventh embodiment) FIG. 17 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of a pixel signal processing unit according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0134] The pixel signal processing unit 400F of the seventh embodiment differs from the pixel signal processing unit 400 of the first embodiment in the following respects. In the pixel signal processing unit 400 of the first embodiment, the signals to be read are two types of dual conversion gain signals. In contrast to this, in the pixel signal processing unit 400F of the seventh embodiment, there are multiple types of signals to be read out, three types of triple conversion gain signals in the seventh embodiment.

[0135] In a first readout unit 410F of a pixel signal processing unit 400F of the seventh embodiment, an amplifier 411F, which is a first operational amplifier, is configured to have one to two input channels. Specifically, the inverting input terminal (−) of the amplifier 411F is increased to two channels. That is, the inverting input terminal (−) of the amplifier 411F includes a second inverting input terminal (−) 2 in addition to the first inverting input terminal of FIG. The first readout unit 410F further includes a third input switch 412-2 and a third sampling capacitor CS412 connected in series between the second inverting input terminal (-)2 of the amplifier 411F and the input node ND401, a second feedback capacitor CF412 connected between the output terminal of the amplifier 411F connected to the connection node ND402 and the second inverting input terminal (-)2, and a second reset switch RST412 connected between the output terminal of the amplifier 411F connected to the connection node ND402 and the inverting input terminal (-)2, and the non-inverting input terminal (+) of the amplifier 411F is connected to the reference potential VSS.

[0136] In the pixel signal processing unit 400F, the first input switch 412 is maintained in a conductive state in the first conversion gain signal readout mode. The second input switch 421 is maintained in a conductive state during the second conversion gain signal readout mode. The third input switch 412-2 is maintained in a conductive state during a third conversion gain signal readout mode, which is intermediate between the first conversion gain and the second conversion gain.

[0137] The readout pixel 200F of the seventh embodiment is configured to be able to perform, for example, under the control of the readout unit 70, a first conversion gain mode readout in which pixel signals are read out at a first conversion gain (high conversion gain: HCG) corresponding to the first capacitance, and a second conversion gain mode readout in which pixel signals are read out at a second conversion gain (low conversion gain: LCG) corresponding to the second capacitance during a specified dual conversion gain readout mode period. Then, in the circuit system of the pixel signal processing unit 400F, inverted high gain processing (I-HCG), inverted low gain processing (I-LCG), and non-inverted attenuation processing (N-ATT) are performed. In the seventh embodiment, in the circuit system of the pixel signal processing unit 400F, pixel signals are read out using a third conversion gain (medium conversion gain: MCG) corresponding to a third capacitance (different from the first capacitance and the second capacitance) having an intermediate value between a first conversion gain (high conversion gain: HCG) corresponding to the first capacitance and a second conversion gain (low conversion gain: LCG) corresponding to the second capacitance.

[0138] Thus, according to the seventh embodiment, by sandwiching the third conversion gain (medium conversion gain) MCG between the first conversion gain (high conversion gain) HCG and the second conversion gain (low conversion gain) LCG, the first conversion gain (high conversion gain) HCG and the third conversion gain (medium conversion gain) MCG can minimize SNR degradation at the connection point by CDS operation, and further, although the second conversion gain (low conversion gain) LCG operates in DDS operation, by connecting from the third conversion gain (medium conversion gain) MCG, mode transition is possible in areas with large signal amounts (= areas with high SNR), making it possible to minimize SNR degradation.

[0139] 18A to 18G are timing charts for explaining the readout operation of pixel signals from readout pixels in the conversion gain readout mode of the solid-state imaging device according to the seventh embodiment. Figures 19(A) to (C) are diagrams showing operation sequences and potential transitions to explain the operation of the solid-state imaging device of the seventh embodiment in the conversion gain readout mode under low illumination, medium illumination, and high illumination.

[0140] Figure 18(A) shows the control signal RST of the reset transistor RST11-Tr of the readout pixel 200F, Figure 18(B) shows the control signal SG of the storage transistor SG11-Tr of the readout pixel 200F, and Figure 18(C) shows the control signal TG of the transfer transistor TG11-Tr of the readout pixel 200F. Figure 18(D) shows the control signal φ1 of the first input switch 412 and output switch 413 of the first readout unit 410F of the pixel signal processing unit 400F, the control signal φ2 of the second input switch 421 of the second readout unit 420, and the third input switch 433 of the AD conversion unit 430. FIG. 18E shows the control signal RST_HCG of the first reset switch RST411 of the first readout unit 410F of the pixel signal processing unit 400F, and the control signal RST_LCG of the second reset switch RST431 of the AD conversion unit 430. FIG. 18(F) shows the pixel signal PIXOUT read out from the readout pixel 200F, and FIG. 18(G) shows the amplified output signal AMPOUT from the first readout section 410F and the second readout section 420F of the pixel signal processing section 400F.

[0141] In the pixel signal processing unit 400F, the conversion gain signal is read out as follows. The readout pixel 200F can read out, as pixel signals, the first conversion gain signal (HCGRST, HCGSIG) and the second conversion gain signal (LCGRST, LCGSIG) whose signal directions (level transition directions) according to the two conversion gains are opposite to each other. Then, the pixel signal processing unit 400F first performs inversion reading of the third read reset signal MCGRST using a third conversion gain MCG having an intermediate value between the first conversion gain HCG and the second conversion gain LCG in the first readout unit 410F (LCG x I-LCG). Next, in the first readout section 410F, an inverted readout of the first readout reset signal HCGRST is performed using the first conversion gain HCG (HCG x I-HCG). Next, in the first readout section 410F, inversion readout of the first readout luminance signal HCGSIG with the first conversion gain HCG is performed (HCG x I-HCG). Next, in the first readout section 410F, inversion readout of the third readout luminance signal MCGSIG is performed using the third conversion gain MCG (LCG x I-LCG). Furthermore, the second readout section 420F performs non-inverted readout of the second readout luminance signal LCGSIG with the second conversion gain LCG (LCG x N-AT). Next, in the second readout section 420F, non-inverted readout of the second readout reset signal LCG is performed using the second conversion gain LCG (LCG x N-AT).

[0142] According to the seventh embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, according to the seventh embodiment, by sandwiching a third conversion gain (medium conversion gain) MCG between the first conversion gain (high conversion gain) HCG and the second conversion gain (low conversion gain) LCG, the first conversion gain (high conversion gain) HCG and the third conversion gain (medium conversion gain) MCG can operate in CDS, minimizing SNR degradation at the connection point; furthermore, although the second conversion gain (low conversion gain) LCG operates in DDS, by connecting it from the third conversion gain (medium conversion gain) MCG, mode transition is possible in areas with large signal amounts (= areas with high SNR), making it possible to minimize SNR degradation.

[0143] The solid-state imaging devices 10, 10A to 10F described above can be applied as imaging devices to electronic devices such as digital cameras, video cameras, mobile terminals, surveillance cameras, and medical endoscope cameras.

[0144] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an electronic device equipped with a camera system to which a solid-state imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0145] As shown in FIG. 20, the electronic device 300 includes a CMOS image sensor 310 to which the solid-state imaging devices 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, and 10F according to the present embodiment can be applied. Furthermore, the electronic device 300 has an optical system (lens or the like) 420 that guides incident light to the pixel region of the CMOS image sensor 310 (forming an image of a subject). The electronic device 300 includes a signal processing circuit (PRC) 330 that processes the output signal of the CMOS image sensor 310 .

[0146] The signal processing circuit 330 performs predetermined signal processing on the output signal of the CMOS image sensor 310 . The image signal processed by the signal processing circuit 330 can be displayed as a moving image on a monitor such as an LCD display, or output to a printer, or can be recorded directly on a recording medium such as a memory card, and various other forms are possible.

[0147] As described above, by incorporating the above-described solid-state imaging devices 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, and 10F as the CMOS image sensor 310, it is possible to provide a high-performance, compact, and low-cost camera system. This makes it possible to realize electronic devices such as surveillance cameras and medical endoscope cameras that are used in applications where camera installation requirements include constraints such as mounting size, number of connectable cables, cable length, and installation height. [Explanation of symbols]

[0148] 10,10A to 10F··· solid-state imaging device, 20··· pixel section, 200,200F··· readout pixel, PD11··· photodiode, FD11··· floating diffusion, TG11-Tr··· transfer transistor, RST11-Tr··· reset transistor, SF11-Tr··· source follower transistor, SG11-Tr··· storage transistor, CS11··· storage capacitor, 30··· vertical scanning circuit, 40··· readout circuit, 400,400A to 400F··· pixel signal processing section, 410,410A ~410F···First readout unit, 411, 411A to 411F···Amplifier (first operational amplifier), ND401···Input node, ND402···Connection node, 420, 420A to 420F···Second readout unit, 421···Second input node, 430···AD conversion unit, 431···Amplifier (second operational amplifier), 50···Horizontal scanning circuit, 60···Timing control circuit, 70···Readout unit, 300···Electronic device, 310···CMOS image sensor, 320···Optical system, 330···Signal processing circuit (PRC).

Claims

1. a readout pixel that performs photoelectric conversion and is capable of reading out, as a pixel signal, a first conversion gain signal and a second conversion gain signal, the signal directions of which are opposite to each other and correspond to at least two conversion gains; a pixel signal processing unit that processes the pixel signals read out from the read pixels, The pixel signal processing unit an input node to which a pixel signal read from the read pixel is input; a connection node connected to a next-stage circuit; a first readout unit that inverts a signal direction of the first conversion gain signal among the pixel signals input to the input node and outputs the inverted first conversion gain signal to the connection node; a second readout unit that maintains the signal direction of the second conversion gain signal among the pixel signals input to the input node and outputs a non-inverted second conversion gain signal to the connection node. Solid-state imaging device.

2. The first readout unit a first operational amplifier having an inverting input terminal connected to the input node; 2. The solid-state imaging device according to claim 1.

3. The first readout unit a first input switch and a first sampling capacitor connected in series between the inverting input terminal of the first operational amplifier and the input node; a feedback capacitor connected between the output terminal of the first operational amplifier connected to the connection node and the inverting input terminal; a reset switch connected between the output terminal of the first operational amplifier connected to the connection node and the inverting input terminal; the first input switch is maintained in a conductive state during a first conversion gain signal read mode; The non-inverting input terminal of the first operational amplifier is connectable to at least a reference potential.

3. The solid-state imaging device according to claim 2.

4. The second readout unit a second input switch connected between the input node and the connection node; The second input switch is maintained in a conductive state during a second conversion gain signal readout mode.

4. The solid-state imaging device according to claim 3.

5. The pixel signal processing unit a first operational amplifier shared by the first readout unit and the second readout unit; and The first readout unit a first input switch and a first sampling capacitor connected in series between the inverting input terminal of the first operational amplifier and the input node; a feedback capacitor connected between the output terminal of the first operational amplifier connected to the connection node and the inverting input terminal; a reset switch connected between the output terminal of the first operational amplifier connected to the connection node and the inverting input terminal; a third switch that selectively connects the non-inverting input terminal to a reference potential; The second readout unit the second input switch and a second sampling capacitor connected in series between the input node and the non-inverting input terminal; a damping capacitor connected between the non-inverting input terminal and a reference potential; the first input switch and the third switch are maintained in a conductive state during a first conversion gain signal read mode; The second input switch and the reset switch are maintained in a conductive state during a second conversion gain signal readout mode.

5. The solid-state imaging device according to claim 4.

6. The second readout unit a fourth switch capable of connecting at least a signal line connecting the second input switch and the non-inverting input terminal to a reference potential in the first conversion gain signal readout mode; 6. The solid-state imaging device according to claim 5.

7. a fifth switch capable of selectively connecting the non-inverting input terminal to a connection node between the second sampling capacitor and the attenuation capacitor; 6. The solid-state imaging device according to claim 5.

8. The first readout unit and the second readout unit the first sampling capacitor and the second sampling capacitor are shared; The feedback capacitor and the attenuation capacitor are shared.

6. The solid-state imaging device according to claim 5.

9. the sampling capacitor is connected to the input node; the first input switch is connected between the sampling capacitor and the inverting input terminal of the first operational amplifier; the second input switch is connected between the sampling capacitor and the non-inverting input terminal of the first operational amplifier; the feedback capacitor is connected between the output terminal of the first operational amplifier connected to the connection node and the inverting input terminal; the reset switch is connected between the output terminal of the first operational amplifier connected to the connection node and the inverting input terminal; a sixth switch is connected between one electrode of the feedback capacitor and the inverting input terminal of the first operational amplifier; a seventh switch is connected between the other electrode of the feedback capacitor and the output terminal of the first operational amplifier; an eighth switch is connected between one electrode of the feedback capacitor and the non-inverting input terminal of the first operational amplifier; a ninth switch is connected between the other electrode of the feedback capacitor and a reference potential; The third switch is connected between the non-inverting input terminal of the first operational amplifier and the reference potential.

9. The solid-state imaging device according to claim 8.

10. In the first conversion gain signal readout mode, the first input switch, the third switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are held in a conductive state; the second input switch, the reset switch, the eighth switch, and the ninth switch are held in a non-conductive state; In the second conversion gain signal readout mode, the first input switch, the third switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are held in a non-conducting state; The second input switch, the reset switch, the eighth switch, and the ninth switch are maintained in a conductive state.

10. The solid-state imaging device according to claim 9.

11. The first readout unit and the second readout unit The first sampling capacitor and the second sampling capacitor are shared.

6. The solid-state imaging device according to claim 5.

12. the sampling capacitor is connected to the input node; a first input switch connected between the sampling capacitor and the inverting input terminal of the first operational amplifier; the second input switch is connected between the sampling capacitor and the non-inverting input terminal of the first operational amplifier; the feedback capacitor is connected between the output terminal of the first operational amplifier connected to the connection node and the inverting input terminal; the reset switch is connected between the output terminal of the first operational amplifier connected to the connection node and the inverting input terminal; a tenth switch is connected between the attenuation capacitor and a connection node between one electrode side of the sampling capacitor and the first input switch and the second input switch; A third switch is connected between the non-inverting input terminal of the first operational amplifier and the reference potential. The solid-state imaging device according to claim 11.

13. In the first conversion gain signal readout mode, the first input switch and the third switch are held in a conducting state; the reset switch and the tenth switch are held in a non-conductive state; In the second conversion gain signal readout mode, the first input switch and the third switch are held in a non-conductive state; The reset switch and the tenth switch are maintained in a conductive state.

13. The solid-state imaging device according to claim 12.

14. The first operational amplifier comprises: the inverting input terminal includes at least a second inverting input terminal in addition to a first inverting input terminal for the inverting input terminal; The first readout unit further includes: a third input switch and a third sampling capacitor connected in series between the second inverting input terminal of the first operational amplifier and the input node; a second feedback capacitor connected between the output terminal of the first operational amplifier connected to the connection node and a second inverting input terminal of the first operational amplifier; a second reset switch connected between the output terminal of the first operational amplifier connected to the connection node and a second inverting input terminal of the first operational amplifier; The non-inverting input terminal of the first operational amplifier is connectable to at least a reference potential.

14. The solid-state imaging device according to claim 4 or 13.

15. The first input switch is maintained in a conductive state during a first conversion gain signal readout mode; the second input switch is maintained in a conductive state during a second conversion gain signal readout mode; The third input switch is maintained in a conductive state during a third conversion gain signal readout mode, the third conversion gain being intermediate between the first conversion gain and the second conversion gain.

15. The solid-state imaging device according to claim 14.

16. The readout pixel is a first conversion gain signal and a second conversion gain signal, the signal directions of which are opposite to each other and correspond to the two conversion gains, can be read out as pixel signals; The pixel signal processing unit In a first conversion gain signal readout mode, the first readout unit performs inverted readout of a first readout reset signal by a first conversion gain, and then performing inverted readout of the first readout luminance signal using a first conversion gain; In a second conversion gain signal readout mode, the second readout unit performs non-inverted readout of a second readout luminance signal using a second conversion gain, and then A non-inverted readout of the second readout reset signal is performed using the second conversion gain. The solid-state imaging device according to claim 1 .

17. The readout pixel is At least a first conversion gain signal and a second conversion gain signal, the signal directions of which are opposite to each other according to the conversion gain, can be read out as pixel signals; The pixel signal processing unit In the first readout unit, an inverted readout of a third readout reset signal is performed by a third conversion gain having an intermediate value between the first conversion gain and the second conversion gain, and then In the first readout unit, an inverted readout of a first readout reset signal is performed by a first conversion gain, and then In the first readout unit, an inverted readout of a first readout luminance signal is performed using a first conversion gain, and then inverting and reading a third readout luminance signal by a third conversion gain in the first readout unit; In the second readout unit, a non-inverted readout of a second readout luminance signal is performed using a second conversion gain, and then In the second readout unit, a non-inverted readout of a second readout reset signal is performed by a second conversion gain.

16. The solid-state imaging device according to claim 14.

18. The pixel signal processing unit an analog-to-digital (AD) conversion unit that converts the pixel signals processed by the first readout unit and the second readout unit and output by the connection node from analog signals to digital signals; The first readout unit or the AD conversion unit a sample-and-hold switch disposed on a connection line between the output terminal of the first operational amplifier and the connection node; The AD conversion unit a second operational amplifier; an input capacitor connected between the inverting input terminal of the second operational amplifier and the sample-and-hold switch; an eleventh switch connected to the inverting input terminal of the second operational amplifier and maintained in a conductive state during the second conversion gain signal readout mode; a sample and hold capacitor connected between the eleventh switch and a reference potential; a third reset switch connected between the inverting input terminal and the output terminal of the second operational amplifier and maintained in a conductive state during the second conversion gain signal readout mode; The non-inverting input terminal of the second operational amplifier can be connected to a reference potential or an output terminal of the second operational amplifier. The solid-state imaging device according to claim 2 .

19. a readout pixel that performs photoelectric conversion and is capable of reading out, as a pixel signal, a first conversion gain signal and a second conversion gain signal, the signal directions of which are opposite to each other and correspond to at least two conversion gains; a pixel signal processing unit that processes the pixel signals read out from the read pixels, The pixel signal processing unit an input node to which a pixel signal read from the read pixel is input; a connection node connected to a next-stage circuit; a first readout unit that inverts a signal direction of the first conversion gain signal among the pixel signals input to the input node and outputs the inverted first conversion gain signal to the connection node; a second readout unit that maintains the signal direction of the second conversion gain signal among the pixel signals input to the input node and outputs a non-inverted second conversion gain signal to the connection node. A method for driving a solid-state imaging device, comprising: In a first conversion gain signal readout mode, the first readout unit performs inverted readout of a first readout reset signal by a first conversion gain, and then performing inverted readout of the first readout luminance signal using a first conversion gain; In a second conversion gain signal readout mode, the second readout unit performs non-inverted readout of a second readout luminance signal using a second conversion gain, and then A non-inverted readout of the second readout reset signal is performed using the second conversion gain. A method for driving a solid-state imaging device.

20. a solid-state imaging device; an optical system that forms a subject image on the solid-state imaging device, the solid-state imaging device, a readout pixel that performs photoelectric conversion and is capable of reading out, as a pixel signal, a first conversion gain signal and a second conversion gain signal, the signal directions of which are opposite to each other and correspond to at least two conversion gains; a pixel signal processing unit that processes the pixel signals read out from the read pixels, The pixel signal processing unit an input node to which a pixel signal read from the read pixel is input; a connection node connected to a next-stage circuit; a first readout unit that inverts a signal direction of the first conversion gain signal among the pixel signals input to the input node and outputs the inverted first conversion gain signal to the connection node; a second readout unit that maintains the signal direction of the second conversion gain signal among the pixel signals input to the input node and outputs a non-inverted second conversion gain signal to the connection node. electronic equipment.

Images