Image pickup element and image pickup device

Abstract

To provide an imaging device in which an output of one of a plurality of pixels or the plurality of pixels connected to a common output line is selected and make an output line output the selected output.SOLUTION: A plurality of pixels Gr, Gb, R and Z2, connected to a common output wire RW, includes: a vertical selection transistor TV in which a gate is connected to vertical selection lines VS7 and VS8; horizontal selection transistors TH1 and TH2 in which the gate is connected to horizontal selection lines HS3, HS4, and ZS; and a reset transistor TR in which a drain is connected to reset voltage lines HR3 and HR4. An output of a pixel selected by a control signal supplied from each of the vertical selection lines VS7 and VS8, and each of the horizontal selection lines HS3, HS4, and ZS is output from an output line RW. Also, by controlling a reset voltage, a voltage in a floating diffusion region FD is clipped to a different voltage.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device , and an imaging device Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an imaging element that uses some of its pixels as elements for detecting the focus of an image formed by an imaging lens (for example, Patent Document 1). The pixels used for focus detection and the pixels used for imaging output different signal values. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-103525 Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an imaging device includes: an output section including a first photoelectric conversion section that converts light into electric charges, a second photoelectric conversion section that converts light into electric charges, a first floating diffusion section to which the electric charges converted in the first photoelectric conversion section are transferred, a second floating diffusion section to which the electric charges converted in the second photoelectric conversion section are transferred, a transistor for electrically connecting the first floating diffusion section and a first supply section to which a first voltage is supplied, the first transistor discharging electric charges from the first floating diffusion section, a transistor for electrically connecting the second floating diffusion section and a second supply section to which a second voltage lower than the first voltage and a third voltage lower than the second voltage are supplied, the second transistor discharging electric charges from the second floating diffusion section, and a third transistor including a gate section electrically connected to the first floating diffusion section, a first output unit that outputs a second signal based on the charge of the first floating diffusion unit when the charge is discharged from the first floating diffusion unit to the first supply unit; a second output unit having a fourth transistor including a gate unit electrically connected to the second floating diffusion unit, the second output unit outputting a third signal based on the charge of the second floating diffusion unit when the charge is discharged from the second floating diffusion unit by the second transistor to the second supply unit to which the third voltage is supplied; and a fourth signal based on the charge of the second floating diffusion unit when the charge is discharged from the second floating diffusion unit by the second transistor to the second supply unit to which the second voltage is supplied. . According to a second aspect of the present invention, an imaging device includes the imaging element according to the first aspect. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of an imaging device. [Figure 2] Plan view of the image sensor seen from the imaging surface side. Figure 2(a) is an overall view of the image sensor, and Figure 2(b) is an enlarged view of a part of it. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of a part of a pixel of an image sensor and a readout circuit. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of a control unit of an image sensor. [Figure 5] 4 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of the imaging element. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an imaging pixel and a focus detection pixel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] (Embodiment of Imaging Device) 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of an imaging device using an imaging element according to the first embodiment. The imaging device 1 includes an imaging optical system 2, an imaging element 3, a control unit 4, a lens moving unit 5, and a display unit 6.

[0007] The imaging optical system 2 forms a subject image on the imaging surface of the imaging element 3. The imaging optical system 2 is made up of a lens 2a, a focusing lens 2b, and a lens 2c. The focusing lens 2b is a lens for adjusting the focus of the imaging optical system 2. The focusing lens 2b is configured to be movable in the direction of the optical axis Z.

[0008] The lens moving unit 5 has an actuator (not shown). The lens moving unit 5 moves the focusing lens 2b in the direction of the optical axis Z using this actuator. The image sensor 3 captures an image of a subject and outputs a signal. The image sensor 3 has imaging pixels and AF pixels (focus detection pixels). The imaging pixels output a signal (image signal) used for image generation. The AF pixels output a signal (focus detection signal) used for focus detection. The control unit 4 controls each unit of the image sensor 3, etc. The control unit 4 generates image data by performing image processing, etc. on the image signal output by the image sensor 3. The control unit 4 records the image data on a recording medium (not shown) and displays an image based on the image data on the display unit 6. The control unit 4 can also be interpreted as a generation unit that generates an image based on the image signal. The display unit 6 is a display device having a display member such as a liquid crystal panel.

[0009] The control unit 4 also performs focus detection processing required for automatic focusing (AF) of the imaging optical system 2 using a known phase difference detection method. Specifically, the control unit 4 detects the in-focus position of the focusing lens 2b at which an image formed by the imaging optical system 2 is focused on the imaging surface of the imaging element 3. The control unit 4 detects the amount of image shift between the first and second images based on a pair of focus detection signals output from the imaging element 3. Based on the detected amount of image shift, the control unit 4 calculates the amount of shift (defocus amount) between the current position of the focusing lens 2b and the in-focus position. Focus adjustment is performed automatically by driving the focusing lens 2b in accordance with the defocus amount.

[0010] (Embodiment of Image Sensor) Fig. 2(a) is a view of the image sensor 3 according to the embodiment of the present invention as seen from the imaging surface side, i.e., from the -Z side in Fig. 1. The image sensor 3 has a plurality of pixels 30 arranged in the x and y directions in Fig. 2. Although some of the pixels 30 are omitted in Fig. 2, a large number of pixels 30, for example, 1000 or more, may be arranged in each of the x and y directions. A horizontal control unit HC is provided at the left end of the region (imaging region) in which a plurality of pixels 30 are arranged, and a vertical control unit VC is provided at the top end of the region in the drawing. The horizontal control unit HC and the vertical control unit VC are collectively referred to as a control unit CU.

[0011] (Pixel block configuration) The imaging element 3 has a plurality of pixel blocks BC. In FIG. 2, one pixel block BC has a plurality of pixels 30 arranged in the x and y directions in an area surrounded by a boundary line BB indicated by a dashed line. The area surrounded by the boundary line BB constitutes one pixel block BC. As will be described later, the output units of the plurality of pixels 30 in each pixel block BC are connected to one output line, and each pixel 30 is connected to one readout unit. Note that the plurality of pixels 30 in each pixel block BC may be connected to multiple output lines and connected to multiple readout units. 2, for ease of explanation, the portion corresponding to one pixel block BC is hatched. However, each area surrounded by each boundary line BB shown by a dashed line is a pixel block BC. A plurality of pixels 30 are divided and arranged in a plurality of pixel blocks BC.

[0012] 2, a total of 16 pixels 30, four arranged in the x direction and four arranged in the y direction, make up one pixel block BC. The number of pixels arranged in the x and y directions within one pixel block BC is not limited to four, and may be other numbers such as six or eight. The number of pixels arranged in the x and y directions may be different. 2, the contour shape of the pixel block BC is not limited to the rectangle shown in Fig. 2, but may be any shape that encompasses multiple pixels 30. In this case, the shape of the boundary line BB is not a simple straight line, but rather a shape made up of multiple straight lines that are bent and connected.

[0013] FIG. 2(b) is an enlarged view of two pixel blocks BC1 and BC2, adjacent in the x-direction, among the pixel blocks BC shown in FIG. 2(a). As shown in FIG. 2(b), each of the pixels 30 is provided with one of three color filters having different spectral characteristics, e.g., R (red), G (green), or B (blue). The R color filter mainly transmits light in the red wavelength range, the G color filter mainly transmits light in the green wavelength range, and the B color filter mainly transmits light in the blue wavelength range. The pixels have different spectral characteristics depending on the color filters arranged. The pixels 30 include pixels sensitive to red (R) light (hereinafter referred to as R pixels R), pixels sensitive to green (G) light (hereinafter referred to as G pixels G), and pixels sensitive to blue (B) light (hereinafter referred to as B pixels B). These pixels 30 are arranged in a so-called Bayer array. The G pixel Gb is a G pixel arranged in the same y direction as the B pixel B, and the G pixel Gr is a G pixel arranged in the same y direction as the R pixel R.

[0014] The pixel block BC1 has four G pixels Gb, four G pixels Gr, four R pixels R, and four B pixels B arranged in a Bayer array. These pixels 30 are all imaging pixels Gb, Gr, R, and B (hereinafter also collectively referred to as imaging pixels 30c) used to capture an optical image formed on the imaging surface of the image sensor 3.

[0015] The arrangement of pixels 30 within pixel block BC2 is almost the same as that of pixel block BC1, but in pixel block BC1, some of the pixels in the area where B pixels B are arranged have been replaced with special pixels Z1 and Z2 (collectively referred to as special pixels ZZ) that are different from the above-mentioned imaging pixels 30c.

[0016] The special pixel ZZ is, for example, an AF pixel, the configuration of which will be described later. The special pixel ZZ is not limited to an AF pixel, but may be a pixel having a sensitivity different from any of the imaging pixels 30c described above, or a pixel having a color filter having spectral characteristics different from any of the imaging pixels 30c described above.

[0017] The pixel block BC2 includes at least one special pixel ZZ as the plurality of pixels 30, and has a plurality of imaging pixels 30c. At least one pixel block BC of the plurality of pixel blocks BC is composed of at least one special pixel ZZ and a plurality of imaging pixels 30c, like pixel block BC2. All of the plurality of pixel blocks BC of the imaging element 3 may be composed of pixel blocks BC2 including special pixels ZZ. At least one of the plurality of pixel blocks BC of the imaging element 3 may be a pixel block BC2 including a special pixel ZZ, and the other pixel blocks BC may be pixel blocks BC all composed of imaging pixels 30c.

[0018] 2(a) extends vertical selection lines VS1 to VS8 (collectively referred to as vertical selection lines VS) in the y direction, connected to a selection unit TV (shown in FIG. 3) (described later) provided in each pixel 30. From the horizontal control unit HC, horizontal selection lines HS1 to HS4 (collectively referred to as horizontal selection lines HS) extend in the x direction, connected to a selection unit TH2 (shown in FIG. 3) (described later) provided in each imaging pixel 30c. From the horizontal control unit HC, special horizontal selection lines ZS (connected to selection units (described later) of each special pixel Z1 and Z2) also extend in the x direction. Reset voltage lines HR1 to HR4 (also collectively referred to as reset voltage lines HR) connected to reset sections of the pixels 30, which will be described later, extend from the horizontal control section HC in the x direction.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2(b), each of the vertical selection lines VS1 to VS8 is shared by multiple pixels 30 arranged in the y direction, and each of the horizontal selection lines HS1 to HS4 is shared by multiple imaging pixels 30c arranged in the x direction. The special horizontal selection line ZS is shared by multiple special pixels ZZ arranged in the x direction. Each of the reset voltage lines HR1 to HR4 is shared by multiple pixels 30 arranged in the x direction.

[0020] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an outline of the electrical circuitry for four pixels 30 (two arranged vertically and two arranged horizontally) in an area PB enclosed by a two-dot chain line in the lower right of pixel block BC2 shown in Figure 2(b). As shown in area PB in Figure 2(b), these four pixels 30 are: G pixel Gb at the top left, special pixel Z2 at the top right, R pixel R at the bottom left, and G pixel Gr at the bottom right. Each of the four pixels (Gb, Z2, R, Gr) is basically a four-transistor CMOS image sensor, but as will be described later, the configuration of the so-called selection transistor differs from that of a normal four-transistor CMOS image sensor.

[0021] In each pixel (Gb, Z2, R, Gr), the photodiode PD, which is a photoelectric conversion unit, photoelectrically converts incident light to generate electric charges and temporarily stores the generated electric charges. The transfer transistor TX transfers the electric charges stored in the photodiode PD to a floating diffusion (FD) region FD, where a capacitance CC is formed, based on a transfer signal sent to its gate from a transfer control line (not shown). The amplifier transistor TA outputs a signal corresponding to the electric charges generated in the photodiode PD when a voltage generated in the FD region FD by the transferred electric charges is applied to its gate.

[0022] A power supply voltage VDD is applied to the input side (drain) of the amplification transistor TA. A reset transistor TR is provided to reset the FD region FD to a predetermined voltage. The input side (drain) of the reset transistor TR is connected to a reset voltage line HR3 or HR4, and a predetermined voltage (described later) is supplied from the horizontal control unit HC via the reset voltage line HR.

[0023] The output side (source side) of the amplification transistor TA of each pixel (Gb, Z2, R, Gr) is connected to the input side of the vertical selection transistor TV. The gate of the vertical selection transistor TV is connected to a vertical selection line VS7 or VS8, and the vertical selection transistor TV is controlled to be conductive or non-conductive by a control signal sent from the vertical control unit VC shown in Figure 2(a).

[0024] The output side of the vertical selection transistor TV of the imaging pixel (Gb, R, Gr) is connected to the input side of the horizontal selection transistor TH1. That is, the vertical selection transistor TV and the horizontal selection transistor TH1 are arranged in series. The gate of the horizontal selection transistor TH1 is connected to the horizontal selection line HS3 or HS4, and the horizontal selection transistor TH1 is made conductive or non-conductive by a control signal sent from the horizontal control unit HC shown in Figure 2(a). In the imaging pixels (Gb, R, Gr) of the imaging element 3 of the embodiment, the amplification transistor TA, vertical selection transistor TV, and horizontal selection transistor TH1 can be collectively or individually considered as an output section.

[0025] On the other hand, in the special pixel Z2, the output side of the vertical selection transistor TV is connected to the input side of the special horizontal selection transistor TH2. The gate of the special horizontal selection transistor TH2 is connected to the special horizontal selection line ZS, and the special horizontal selection transistor TH2 is made conductive or non-conductive by a control signal sent from the horizontal control unit HC shown in Figure 2(a). The amplification transistor TA, vertical selection transistor TV, and special horizontal selection transistor TH2 of the special pixel Z2 of the image sensor 3 of the embodiment can be collectively or individually considered as an output section.

[0026] The output sections of the horizontal selection transistors TH1 of the imaging pixels (Gb, R, Gr) in the pixel block BC2 and the output section of the special horizontal selection transistor TH2 in the special pixel Z2 in the pixel block BC2 are both connected to a single output line RW. The output line RW is connected to a readout section that reads out signals from the pixels 30. The readout section has, for example, an AD conversion section ADC that converts analog signals output from the pixels 30 into digital signals. The output line RW is also connected to a current source CS that supplies current to each pixel 30.

[0027] The control unit CU controls the voltages of the control signals sent to the vertical selection lines VS and horizontal selection lines HS to output signals (outputs of the amplification transistors TA) from any one or more pixels (Gb, Z2, R, Gr) in the pixel block BC2 to the output line RW. The readout unit reads out the signals from the pixels (Gb, Z2, R, Gr) in the pixel block BC2.

[0028] 4 is a circuit diagram included in the horizontal control unit HC, which shows part of the circuit included in the horizontal control unit HC, part of the pixels 30, and part of the horizontal selection lines HS, special horizontal selection lines ZS, and reset voltage lines HR connected to the pixels 30 in the pixel blocks BC1 and BC2 described above.

[0029] Each horizontal selection line HS is connected to selection line changeover switches SS1 to SS4 (collectively referred to as selection line changeover switches SS) in the horizontal control unit HC. The selection line changeover switches SS switchably connect each horizontal selection line HS to either a high-voltage line SH supplied with a high voltage such as a power supply voltage VDD, or a low-voltage line SL supplied with a low voltage such as a ground voltage GND.

[0030] For example, when the horizontal selection line HS1 is connected to the high-voltage line SH, the horizontal selection transistor TH1 in the pixel 30 to which the horizontal selection line HS1 is connected becomes conductive. When the horizontal selection line HS1 is connected to the low-voltage line SL, the horizontal selection transistor TH1 becomes non-conductive. The special horizontal selection line ZS is connected to a special changeover switch SZ in the horizontal control unit HC. The special changeover switch SZ switchably connects the special horizontal selection line ZS to either the high-voltage line SH or the low-voltage line SL. For example, when the special horizontal selection line ZS is connected to the high-voltage line SH, the horizontal selection transistor TH2 in the pixel 30 to which the special horizontal selection line ZS is connected becomes conductive. When the special horizontal selection line ZS is connected to the low-voltage line SL, the horizontal selection transistor TH2 becomes non-conductive.

[0031] On the other hand, each reset voltage line HR is connected to reset line selector switches SR1 to SR4 (collectively referred to as reset line selector switches SR) in the horizontal control unit HC. The reset line selector switches SR switchably connect each reset voltage line HR to either a first voltage line RR1 supplied with a first voltage such as a power supply voltage VDD, a second voltage line RR2 supplied with a second voltage closer to the substrate voltage than the first voltage, or a third voltage line RR3 supplied with a third voltage closer to the substrate voltage than the second voltage.

[0032] The horizontal control unit HC applies one of a first voltage, a second voltage, and a third voltage to the input side of the reset transistor TR in each pixel 30 via the reset voltage line HR. The selection line changeover switch SS, the special changeover switch SZ, and the reset line changeover switch SR can all be configured with semiconductor switches, for example, MOS transistor circuits.

[0033] Although not shown, the vertical control section VC also has a changeover switch for switching the voltage applied to each vertical selection line VS, similar to the horizontal control section HC shown in FIG. The switching of each of these switches, that is, the voltage signals to be sent to the vertical selection line VS, horizontal selection line HS, special horizontal selection line ZS, and reset voltage line HR, can be controlled by a control circuit within the control unit CU. The control unit CU can also control the movement of the changeover switch based on instructions from various devices and equipment in which the imaging element is implemented.

[0034] Although not shown, as in a conventional CMOS image sensor, a control line (not shown) similar to the horizontal selection line HS or the vertical selection line VS is connected to the gate of the transfer transistor TX and the gate of the reset transistor TR in each pixel 30 shown in Figure 3. The control unit CU can control the conduction state of the transfer transistor TX and the reset transistor TR for each of the pixels 30 arranged in one row in the x direction or one column in the y direction using this control line.

[0035] Alternatively, the transfer transistor TX and the reset transistor TR may be controlled for each pixel 30. To achieve this, for example, each control line may be configured to have two control lines in the horizontal and vertical directions, and each of the transfer transistor TX and the reset transistor TR may be configured with two transistors arranged in series. Then, either the horizontal control line or the vertical control line may be connected to the gates of each of the two transistors.

[0036] In the imaging element 3 of this embodiment, as described below, the signals of any number of pixels 30 in one pixel block BC connected to one readout unit can be summed and read out (binning readout) via the output line RW and the readout unit. Binning readout makes it easy to use the image sensor 3 in a low-resolution mode that outputs image data with a number of pixels that is less than the total number of pixels of the image sensor. In binning readout, two or more pixels 30 in one pixel block BC are summed and read out by the readout unit, thereby smoothing out noise that gets mixed in with the signal of each pixel 30, thereby obtaining an image with less noise.

[0037] The pixels 30 to be summed by the readout unit during readout are preferably pixels of the same color. Therefore, the vertical control unit VC and the horizontal control unit HC control the voltages of the control signals to the vertical selection line VS and the horizontal selection line HS to select two or more pixels 30 of the same color within one pixel block BC, and output their signals (outputs of the amplification transistors TA) to the output line RW.

[0038] (Operation of readout pixel and clipping pixel) When reading out a signal, if an abnormal value is output to the readout unit, such as when the signal voltage at the input side of the readout unit falls below a specified value, there is a risk that the current source CS or the readout unit connected to the output line RW in the pixel block BC will be damaged due to excessive current flowing through the current source CS or the readout unit. To prevent this, the image sensor 3 of this embodiment can suppress excessive current as follows: When reading out any one or more readout pixels in one pixel block BC, any other pixel 30 in the pixel block BC is set as a clipping operation pixel, and the signals of the readout pixel and the clipping operation pixel are summed and read out, thereby suppressing excessive current.

[0039] By summing and reading out the signal from the clipping pixel, the lower limit of the voltage of the summed read signal is clipped to the value of the signal from the clipping pixel, preventing it from falling below that value, thereby eliminating the risk of damage to the readout section or current source CS. The clipping pixel functions as a pixel that simply outputs a constant signal for clipping, and does not need to be a pixel of the same color as the readout pixel.

[0040] The following describes the operation of reading out a light intensity signal during image capture or the like in the image sensor 3 of this embodiment. First, as an example, the readout pixel is a G pixel (image capture pixel) Gb located in the upper left of Fig. 3, and the clipping operation pixel is an R pixel (image capture pixel) R located in the lower left of Fig. 3. However, as will be described later, any other pixel 30 may be selected as the readout pixel and the clipping operation pixel.

[0041] Prior to an exposure operation for imaging or focus detection, the control unit CU including the horizontal control unit HC controls the reset line selector switch SR to connect each reset voltage line HR to the first voltage line RR1 to which the first voltage is supplied. Then, the control unit CU turns on the reset transistor TR and transfer transistor TX of each pixel 30, resetting the FD region and photodiode PD to the above-mentioned first voltage.

[0042] Thereafter, the control unit CU turns off the transfer transistor TX, and the photodiode PD on the image sensor 3 is exposed for image pickup or focus detection. After exposure, a signal based on the charge generated in the photodiode PD by the exposure is read out using so-called correlated double sampling. The control unit CU applies a high-level voltage to the horizontal selection line HS3, horizontal selection line HS4, and vertical selection line VS7, turning on the vertical selection transistor TV and horizontal selection transistor TH1 of the readout pixel Gb and clipping pixel R, respectively. As a result, the outputs of the amplification transistors TA of the readout pixel Gb and clipping pixel R are output to the output line RW and summed.

[0043] The following description will be made with reference to the timing chart shown in FIG. 5, the horizontal axis represents time, and TX and TR represent the voltages of the control signals input to the gates of the transfer transistor TX and reset transistor TR of each pixel 30. As an example, each transistor in each pixel 30 is an nMOS type, so in FIG. 5, when the control signal is at a high level (e.g., a power supply voltage), the transistor to which the control signal is input is in a conductive state, and when the control signal is at a low level (e.g., a ground voltage), the transistor to which the control signal is input is in a non-conductive state. In FIG. 5, the HR voltage indicates the voltage supplied to the reset voltage line HR connected to each pixel 30, and the FD voltage indicates the voltage of the FD region of each pixel 30.

[0044] At time t0 when readout begins, the control unit CU supplies a low-level control signal to the gates of the transfer transistor TX and reset transistor TR of both the readout pixel Gb and the clipping pixel R. The control unit CU also supplies a first voltage VC1 to the reset voltage lines HR of the readout pixel Gb and the clipping pixel R. Although the FD regions FD of the readout pixel Gb and the clipping pixel R are reset to the first voltage in the reset operation described above, the voltage of the FD regions FD at time t0 is uncertain due to the influence of noise and the like thereafter.

[0045] Next, the control unit CU applies a high-level voltage to the gate of the reset transistor TR of the readout pixel Gb between times t1 and t2, resetting the FD region FD of the readout pixel Gb to a first voltage VC1. As a result, the first voltage VC1 is applied to the gate of the amplifier transistor TA in the readout pixel Gb, and the amplifier transistor TA outputs an amplified signal based on this, i.e., a so-called dark signal that does not reflect the charge accumulated in the photodiode PD. This output is output to the output line RW via the vertical selection transistor TV and the horizontal selection transistor TH1.

[0046] On the other hand, for the clipping pixel R, the control unit CU applies a high-level signal to the gate of the reset transistor TR after time t1, and supplies a second voltage VC2 to the reset voltage line HR connected to the clipping pixel R. As a result, the FD region FD of the clipping pixel R is reset to the second voltage VC2. Therefore, the second voltage VC2 is applied to the gate of the amplification transistor TA in the clipping pixel R, and the amplification transistor TA outputs an amplified signal based on this. This output is output to the output line RW via the vertical selection transistor TV and the horizontal selection transistor TH1.

[0047] In the image sensor 3 of this embodiment, the signal from the readout pixel Gb and the signal from the clipping pixel R are summed together using so-called source binning. Therefore, the voltage of the signal finally read out from the readout section is approximately equal to the higher voltage of the voltage signals that would be produced if the two signals before summation were separately read out from the readout section. Therefore, the second voltage VC2 applied to the reset transistor TR of the clipping pixel R is set as follows: That is, the second voltage VC2 is set so that the output voltage value of the readout unit when only the clipping pixel R is connected does not exceed the expected output voltage value of the readout unit when only the readout pixel Gr that outputs a dark signal is connected.

[0048] Specifically, since the amplification transistor TA of each pixel 30 is an nMOS type, the second voltage VC2 is set to a voltage lower than the first voltage VC1 (close to the ground voltage). However, if the voltage is too low, the function of clipping the output signal is lost, so it is preferable to set the voltage to about 20 to 60 percent of the first voltage VC1 with the ground voltage as the reference. The control unit CU instructs the readout unit to read out a signal, and in this state, the voltage applied to the input unit of the readout unit is AD converted and dark sampling is performed.

[0049] Next, from time t3 to time t4, the control unit CU applies a high-level voltage to the gate of the transfer transistor TX of the readout pixel Gb to transfer the charge in the photodiode PD generated by photoelectric conversion to the FD region. Meanwhile, at time t3, the voltage supplied to the reset voltage line HR connected to the clipping pixel R is changed to the third voltage VC3. As a result, the FD region FD of the clipping pixel R is reset to the third voltage VC3.

[0050] At time t4, the control unit CU commands the readout unit to read out the signal, and in this state, the voltage applied to the input unit of the readout unit is AD converted and signal sampling is performed. The third voltage VC3 is also set as follows: That is, the third voltage VC3 is set so that the output voltage value of a readout unit to which only the clipping operation pixel R is connected does not exceed the expected output voltage value of a readout unit to which only the readout pixel Gr is connected.

[0051] Specifically, the third voltage VC3 is lower than the second voltage VC2, and is preferably set to a voltage that is approximately 30 to 70 percent of the second voltage VC2 with the ground voltage as the reference. If the amplifying transistor TA in each pixel 30 is a pMOS type, the high-low relationship between the first voltage, the second voltage, and the third voltage is reversed.

[0052] The readout unit calculates the difference between the results of the signal sampling and dark sampling and outputs it as the readout result of the light intensity signal from the readout pixel Gb. Therefore, the readout signal from the dark sampling can be interpreted as a correction signal for correcting the readout signal from the signal sampling. The output read out by the readout section in each pixel block BC is output from the image sensor 3 via an output control circuit (not shown).

[0053] (Selection of readout pixel and clip operation pixel) Next, the selection operation of the readout pixels and clip operation pixels performed by the control unit CU by controlling the signal levels of the vertical selection line VS, the horizontal selection line HS, and the special horizontal selection line ZS will be described with reference to Figures 2(b) and 3.

[0054] First, we will explain the case where, in the pixel block BC2 shown in Figure 2(b), all G pixels Gb are set as read pixels, and two R pixels R connected to the horizontal selection line HS4 located at the bottom of the pixel block BC2 are selected as clip operation pixels. In this case, the control unit CU supplies a high-level voltage to the vertical selection lines VS5 and VS7 connected to the four G pixels Gb and the two R pixels R, which turns on the vertical selection transistor TV, and supplies a high-level voltage to the horizontal selection lines HS1, HS3, and HS4 connected to these pixels, which turns on the horizontal selection transistor TH1.

[0055] On the other hand, a low level voltage is supplied to the horizontal selection line HS2, the special horizontal selection line ZS, and the vertical selection lines VS6 and VS8, which are not connected to these pixels. As a result, among the pixels 30 in each pixel block BC2, only the signals from the four G pixels Gb, which are readout pixels, and the two R pixels R connected to the horizontal selection line HS4 can be connected to the output line RW and read out by the readout unit.

[0056] That is, in the readout by the correlated double sampling described above, the four G pixels Gb are used as readout pixels, and the two R pixels R connected to the horizontal selection line HS4 are used as clip operation pixels to perform readout. Specifically, the first voltage VC1 is always applied to the reset voltage lines HR1 and HR3 connected to the reset sections of the four G pixels Gb, and a high-level voltage is applied to the reset transistor TR and the transfer transistor TX at a predetermined timing (predetermined timing of the readout pixel) shown in Figure 5.

[0057] A first voltage VC1, a second voltage VC2, and a third voltage VC3 are sequentially applied to a reset voltage line HR4 connected to the reset sections of two R pixels R connected to the horizontal selection line HS4 at predetermined timings (predetermined timings of clipping operation pixels) shown in Fig. 5. Also, a high-level voltage is applied to the reset transistors TR of the two R pixels R connected to the horizontal selection line HS4 at predetermined timings. As a result, in the pixel block BC2, binning readout can be performed using two R pixels R as clipping operation pixels and four G pixels Gb as readout pixels.

[0058] In the above-described readout operation, by applying a low-level voltage to the horizontal selection line HS1, the two G pixels Gb connected to the horizontal selection line HS3 in the pixel block BC2 can be set as readout pixels, and the two R pixels R can be set as clip operation pixels, thereby performing binning readout. In addition, by applying a low-level voltage to the vertical selection line VS5 as well, one G pixel Gb connected to the horizontal selection line HS3 and the vertical selection line VS7 in the pixel block BC2 can be used as the readout pixel, and one R pixel R can be used as the clip operation pixel, thereby performing binning readout.

[0059] The read pixel and the clip operation pixel can also be selected from pixels of the same color. For example, in pixel block BC2, a high-level voltage is applied only to vertical selection line VS5, a low-level voltage is applied to the other vertical selection lines VS, a high-level voltage is applied to horizontal selection lines HS1 and HS3, and a low-level voltage is applied to horizontal selection lines HS2 and HS4. This allows only the signals from the two G pixels Gb connected to the vertical selection line VS5 to be connected to the output line RW. This is an example in which one G pixel Gb is the readout pixel and the other G pixel Gb is the clipping operation pixel, and the horizontal control unit HC controls the signal levels supplied to the reset voltage line HR and the horizontal selection line HS as follows:

[0060] 5, the first voltage VC1 is constantly supplied to the reset voltage line HR1. Meanwhile, the first voltage VC1, second voltage VC2, and third voltage VC3 are sequentially supplied to the reset voltage line HR3 according to the timing, and high-level voltages are supplied to the gates of the reset transistor TR and transfer transistor TX as appropriate according to the timing. This allows readout to be performed with the G pixel Gb connected to the reset voltage line HR1 as the readout pixel and the G pixel Gb connected to the reset voltage line HR3 as the clip operation pixel.

[0061] In the above readout example, the G pixel Gb is used as the readout pixel, but the G pixel Gr, the R pixel R, the B pixel B, or the special pixel ZZ can also be used as the readout pixel in the same way. In this case, the clipping pixel may be a pixel of the same color as the read pixel, or a pixel of a different color from the read pixel.

[0062] When the special pixel ZZ is used as a read pixel or a clipping pixel, a high-level voltage is applied to the special horizontal selection line ZS connected to the special pixel ZZ instead of the above-mentioned horizontal selection line HS in order to output the signal of the special pixel ZZ to the output line RW. In the pixel block BC2 shown in Figure 2(b), some of the B pixels B, which are highly sensitive to blue light, have been replaced with special pixels Z1 and Z2, but the read operation from the B pixels B in the pixel block BC2 can be performed in almost the same way as the read operation from the G pixels Gr described above.

[0063] For example, when reading out signals from two B pixels B as readout pixels and two special pixels Z1 and Z2 as clip operation pixels, high-level voltages are applied to the horizontal selection line HS1, the special horizontal selection line ZS, and the vertical selection lines VS6 and VS8, and low-level voltages are applied to the other horizontal selection lines HS and vertical selection lines VS.

[0064] This allows only the signals from the two B pixels B and the two special pixels Z1 and Z2 to be connected to the output line RW. Then, as in the example above, a predetermined voltage is applied to the reset voltage line HR etc. so that the two B pixels B become readout pixels and the two special pixels Z1 and Z2 become clip operation pixels, and the above-mentioned correlated double sampling can be performed.

[0065] In this case, by applying a high-level voltage to the horizontal selection line HS2 instead of the special horizontal selection line ZS and applying a predetermined voltage to the reset voltage line HR2 according to the timing shown in Figure 5, the two G pixels Gr connected to the horizontal selection line HS2 can also be used as clip operation pixels.

[0066] The horizontal selection line HS3, which is arranged in parallel with the special horizontal selection line ZS, is not connected to the special horizontal selection transistors TH2 in the special pixels Z1 and Z2. Therefore, when reading out the signal of the B pixel B in the pixel block BC2, no matter what signal the horizontal control unit HC sends to the horizontal selection line HS3, the signal from the special pixels Z1 and Z2 will not be mixed into the signal read out from the B pixel B. However, since the horizontal selection line HS3 is also shared with other pixel blocks BC, such as pixel block BC1 adjacent to pixel block BC2 in the x-direction, it is preferable that the signal applied to the horizontal selection line HS3 be a signal suitable for readout in other pixel blocks BC.

[0067] Similarly, the signal of the special pixel ZZ can be read out by setting the special pixel ZZ as a readout pixel and the other imaging pixel 30c as a clip operation pixel. For example, when the special pixel Z2 in the region PB is read as the readout pixel and the G pixel Gr in the region PB is read as the clip operation pixel, a high-level voltage is applied to the vertical selection line VS8, the horizontal selection line HS4, and the special horizontal selection line ZS, and a low-level voltage is applied to the other vertical selection lines VS and horizontal selection lines HS.

[0068] This allows only the signals of the special pixel Z2 in the area PB and the G pixel Gr in the area PB to be connected to the output line RW. Then, as in the above example, a predetermined voltage is applied to the reset voltage line HR, etc. so that the special pixel Z2 in the region PB becomes a read pixel and the G pixel Gr in the region PB becomes a clip operation pixel, and the above-mentioned correlated double sampling is performed.

[0069] The above describes the reading of signals from the pixels 30 in pixel block BC2, but the same applies to other pixel blocks BC. The signals from each pixel 30 in each pixel block BC are output to the output line RW provided in each pixel block BC and read out by the readout unit. Note that, even when reading out pixel blocks other than pixel block BC2, the vertical selection lines VS, horizontal selection lines HS, and special horizontal selection lines ZS may be shared by multiple pixel blocks BC. For example, like pixel block BC1, the horizontal selection lines HS1 to HS4 may also be connected to the pixels 30 in other pixel blocks BC aligned in the x direction relative to pixel block BC2. Furthermore, the vertical selection lines VS5 to VS8 may also be connected to the pixels 30 in other pixel blocks BC aligned in the y direction relative to pixel block BC2.

[0070] The order in which the signals from the special pixel ZZ and the imaging pixels (Gb, Gr, R, B) are read out can be arbitrary. For example, the control unit CU first selects the special pixel ZZ via the vertical selection line VS and the horizontal selection line HS, and the readout unit reads its output signal, and then selects the imaging pixels (Gb, Gr, R, B), and the readout unit reads their output signals.

[0071] Because the number of special pixels ZZ in the pixel block BC (two, Z1 and Z2) is fewer than the number of imaging pixels 30c (14 in total, Gb, Gr, R, and B), the time required to read out the signals of the special pixels ZZ is shorter than the time required to read out the signals of the imaging pixels. In other words, the signals of the special pixels ZZ can be read out faster than the signals of the imaging pixels 30c. For example, if the special pixel ZZ is an AF pixel, reading out the signals of the special pixel ZZ before reading out the signals of the imaging pixels (Gb, Gr, R, and B) allows the control unit 4 to perform focus detection at high speed. Alternatively, two readout units may be provided in one pixel block BC. By connecting the two readout units to one output line RW, each of the two readout units may read out the signal of the special pixel ZZ and the signals of the imaging pixels (Gb, Gr, R, B). This allows the readout units to read out the signal of the special pixel ZZ and the signals of the imaging pixels (Gb, Gr, R, B) under conditions such as optimal readout gain.

[0072] In the binning readout of the readout pixel and the clipping pixel described above, a high-level signal (transfer signal) is not applied to the gate of the transfer transistor TX in the clipping pixel, so the charge (photoelectric signal) generated by exposure is stored in the photodiode PD in the pixel used as the clipping pixel. Therefore, after the above-described readout using the combination of readout pixels and clipping pixels is completed, at least one of the pixels used as the clipping pixels can be used as a readout pixel to read out its signal.

[0073] In the above embodiments, the voltage applied to the reset unit (reset transistor TR) of the clipping pixel may be either a first voltage VC1 or a second voltage VC2. Correspondingly, the voltage sources connected to the reset voltage line HR by the reset line selector switch SR in the horizontal control unit HC may be either a first voltage line RR1 or a second voltage line RR2 supplied with a second voltage closer to the substrate voltage than the first voltage.

[0074] In this case, the HR voltage (voltage supplied to the reset voltage line HR connected to the clipping pixel) in the case of the clipping pixel shown in Figure 5 should be the first voltage VC1 from time t0 to time t1, and the second voltage VC2 from time t1 onwards. In this case, the second voltage VC2 may be set to about 20 to 40 percent of the first voltage VC1 with the ground voltage as the reference.

[0075] In the above embodiment, among the pixels 30 that are summed and read out by source binning readout, the readout pixel can be interpreted as a first pixel, while the clip operation pixel can be interpreted as a second pixel. The FD region FD of each pixel 30 can also be interpreted as a storage section, since the charges photoelectrically converted by the photodiode PD are transferred and stored there. The FD region FD of the readout pixel (first pixel) can also be interpreted as a first storage section, and the FD region FD of the clip operation pixel (second pixel) can also be interpreted as a second storage section.

[0076] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, clipping pixels may not be used, and the pixels 30 that are summed and read out by source binning may be limited to a plurality of readout pixels. This can be achieved by not selecting the pixels used as clipping pixels in the above readout examples. Specifically, during correlated double sampling, clipping pixels may not be selected by the vertical selection line VS, horizontal selection line HS, and special horizontal selection line ZS, or signals that control various reset voltages and reset transistors TR may not be sent to the clipping pixels at predetermined timings.

[0077] In this case, any one or more of the pixels 30 that are summed and read out can be interpreted as a first pixel, and one or more of the pixels other than the first pixel can be interpreted as a second pixel. The voltage generated in the FD region FD of the first pixel to which the charge generated in the photodiode PD is transferred can also be interpreted as a first voltage, and the voltage generated in the FD region FD of the second pixel to which the charge generated in the photodiode PD is transferred can also be interpreted as a second voltage.

[0078] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a cross section of a pixel 30 portion of the image sensor 3 of this embodiment. Note that FIG. 6 shows only a partial cross section of the entire image sensor 3. The z direction and z direction shown in FIG. 6 are the same as the directions shown in FIG. 1. The image sensor 3 is a so-called back-illuminated image sensor. The image sensor 3 photoelectrically converts light incident from above on the page. The image sensor 3 includes a first semiconductor substrate 7 and a second semiconductor substrate 8.

[0079] As described above, the imaging element 3 has a plurality of pixels 30. Each pixel 30 includes an upper pixel portion 30x provided on the first semiconductor substrate 7 and a lower pixel portion 30y provided on the second semiconductor substrate 8. Each upper pixel portion 30x includes one microlens 74, one color filter 73, one light receiving portion 31 of a photodiode PD, and the like.

[0080] The first semiconductor substrate 7 includes a light receiving layer 71 including the light receiving portion 31 of the photodiode PD included in the pixel upper portion 30x, and a wiring layer 72 in which transistors such as a transfer transistor TX and an amplifying transistor TA are formed. The light receiving layer 71 is arranged on the opposite side (back side) of the first semiconductor substrate 7 to the wiring layer 72. In the light receiving layer 71, a plurality of light receiving portions 31 are arranged two-dimensionally. The upper pixel portion 30x includes a light receiving portion 31 that photoelectrically converts incident light, and therefore can also be interpreted as an imaging portion. The second semiconductor substrate 8 is arranged with the vertical selection transistor TV, horizontal selection transistor TH1, special horizontal selection transistor TH2, vertical selection line VS, horizontal selection line HS, special horizontal selection line ZS, readout section, current source CS, etc., which are included in the pixel lower portion 30y.

[0081] A plurality of bumps 75 are arranged on the surface of the wiring layer 72. A plurality of bumps 76 corresponding to the plurality of bumps 75 are arranged on the surface of the second semiconductor substrate 8 facing the wiring layer 72. The plurality of bumps 75 and the plurality of bumps 76 are bonded to each other. The first semiconductor substrate 7 and the second semiconductor substrate 8 are electrically connected via the plurality of bumps 75 and the plurality of bumps 76, that is, the first semiconductor substrate 7 and the second semiconductor substrate 8 are stacked. In addition, since the readout section that reads out signals from multiple pixels 30 is arranged on the second semiconductor substrate 8, it can also be interpreted as being stacked on the imaging section that is arranged on the first semiconductor substrate 7.

[0082] The configuration of the circuit elements arranged on the first semiconductor substrate 7 and the second semiconductor substrate 8 described above is just an example, and some of these components may be arranged on either the first semiconductor substrate 7 or the second semiconductor substrate 8. The light receiving layer 71 including the light receiving portion 31 of the photodiode PD, the transfer transistor TX, the amplifying transistor TA, the vertical selection transistor TV, the horizontal selection transistor TH2, the horizontal selection transistor TH1, the special horizontal selection transistor TH2, the horizontal selection lines HS3 and HS4, and the special horizontal selection line ZS may be formed on the first semiconductor substrate 7, and the readout portion and the current source CS may be disposed on the second semiconductor substrate 8. The vertical control section VC and the horizontal control section HC may be disposed on either the first semiconductor substrate 7 or the second semiconductor substrate 8. However, if many circuit elements are placed on the first semiconductor substrate 7, it will be impossible to secure sufficient area or volume for placing the light receiving unit 31 on the first semiconductor substrate 7, so it is preferable to place the readout unit and current source CS on the second semiconductor substrate 8.

[0083] The color filter 73 of each pixel 30 is arranged with a color filter that matches the spectral sensitivity characteristics of the pixel. A color filter 73 is also disposed at the special pixel ZZ among the pixels 30. If the special pixel ZZ is an AF pixel, a G color filter is disposed as the color filter 73. The color filter 73 disposed at the special pixel ZZ may be a filter that transmits the entire wavelength range of incident light. The color filter 73 disposed at the special pixel ZZ may also be a color filter 73 with spectral characteristics different from any of the color filters 73 disposed at the imaging pixels 30c.

[0084] If the special pixel ZZ is a pixel for receiving infrared light, the color filter 73 has high transmittance for infrared light and low transmittance for visible light. If the special pixel ZZ is a pixel for receiving visible light, the color filter 73 has high transmittance for the entire wavelength range of visible light.

[0085] The sensitivity of the special pixel ZZ may be made different from the sensitivity of the imaging pixel 30c by, for example, making the average transmittance of the color filter 73 of the special pixel ZZ different from the average transmittance of the color filter 73 of the imaging pixel 30c. Here, the average transmittance refers to the average transmittance for all wavelengths of light that are photoelectrically converted by the light receiving unit 31. The sensitivity of the special pixel ZZ may be made different from that of the imaging pixel 30c by making the area of ​​the light receiving portion 31 of the special pixel ZZ different from the area of ​​the light receiving portion 31 of the imaging pixel 30c, or by making the conditions for ion injection into the light receiving portion 31 different.

[0086] 7 is a diagram showing an example in which the special pixel ZZ is an AF pixel. In FIG. 7, the second semiconductor substrate 8 is omitted from the cross-sectional view of the image sensor 3 shown in FIG. The special pixel Z1 has a light-shielding portion 75R that shields the right side of the light-receiving portion 31 at the boundary between the color filter 73 and the first semiconductor substrate 7. On the other hand, the special pixel Z2 has a light-shielding portion 75L that shields the left side of the light-receiving portion 31 at the same boundary.

[0087] Of the light incident on the special pixel Z1, light LL that is incident at an angle in the -x direction with respect to the direction PL perpendicular to the incident surface of the image sensor 3 is blocked by the light-shielding portion 75R. On the other hand, of the light incident on the special pixel Z2, light LR that is incident at an angle in the +x direction with respect to the direction PL perpendicular to the incident surface of the image sensor 3 is blocked by the light-shielding portion 75L. As a result, the special pixels Z1 and Z2 have reduced sensitivity to light incident from different incident directions, or conversely, have relatively high sensitivity to light incident from different incident directions.

[0088] If this image sensor 3 is applied to the image sensor shown in Figure 1, the special pixels Z1 and Z2 will be highly sensitive to light passing through different positions on the pupil plane of the image sensor 2, and will therefore function as pixels for image plane phase difference focus detection. The positions where the light-shielding portions 75R and 75L are provided are not limited to the boundary between the color filter 73 and the first semiconductor substrate 7, but may be provided anywhere between the microlens 74 and the first semiconductor substrate 7.

[0089] In the above-described embodiments of the image sensor, the arrangement of the pixels 30 is not necessarily limited to the Bayer arrangement. The horizontal selection lines HS and the special horizontal selection lines ZS may extend in the short side direction of the image sensor 3 instead of the long side direction, and the vertical selection lines VS may extend in the long side direction of the image sensor 3 instead of the short side direction. Furthermore, the horizontal selection line HS, special horizontal selection line ZS, and vertical selection line VS that control the signal output of each pixel 30 do not necessarily have to extend in the horizontal direction (x direction) and vertical direction (y direction).The horizontal selection line HS, special horizontal selection line ZS, and vertical selection line VS do not necessarily have to be shared by multiple pixels 30.

[0090] Note that the signal output from the special pixel ZZ is often smaller than the signal output from the imaging pixel 30c due to the presence of light-shielding portions 75R and 75L, etc. Therefore, the special pixel ZZ may incorporate an amplifier circuit that increases the signal output, for example, by about two times. Alternatively, the value of the output signal from the special pixel ZZ may be increased by adding an offset to the signal.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the total number of imaging pixels 30c and B pixels B in each pixel block BC varies depending on whether the pixel block BC includes a special pixel ZZ. Therefore, when performing the above-described binning readout, the magnitude of the sum signal of the pixel block BC may also vary depending on whether the pixel block BC includes a special pixel ZZ.

[0092] Therefore, to prevent this fluctuation in the sum signal, a correction circuit may be provided that increases or decreases the sum signal of the pixel block BC that includes the special pixel ZZ depending on the number of special pixels ZZ included in the pixel block BC. This correction circuit may be provided within the pixel block BC, or may be provided within the image sensor 3 outside the pixel block BC. Alternatively, instead of providing a correction circuit within the image sensor 3, this correction may be performed in the control unit 4.

[0093] For example, in the example shown in Figure 1(b), pixel block BC1 does not include a special pixel ZZ, but includes four G pixels Gb, four G pixels Gr, four B pixels B, and four R pixels R. On the other hand, pixel block BC2 includes two special pixels ZZ (Z1, Z2), four G pixels Gb, four G pixels Gr, and four R pixels R, but only two B pixels B. Therefore, when binning readout of B pixels B is performed in pixel block BC2, the sum signal is multiplied by (4 / 2). This makes it possible to make the sum signal when binning readout of B pixels B approximately equal between pixel block BC1 and pixel block BC2.

[0094] (Effects of the embodiment of the imaging element) (1) The image sensor 3 of the above embodiment has a first pixel and a second pixel. The first pixel has a photodiode (first photoelectric conversion unit) PD that photoelectrically converts light to generate electric charges, an FD region (first accumulation unit) FD that accumulates the electric charges generated by the photodiode PD, and a selection transistor (first output unit) TH1 that outputs a first signal based on the voltage of the FD region FD. The second pixel has a photodiode (second photoelectric conversion unit) PD that photoelectrically converts light to generate electric charges, an FD region (second accumulation unit) FD that accumulates the electric charges generated by the photodiode PD, and a selection transistor (second output unit) TH1 or TH2 that outputs a second signal based on the voltage of the FD region FD. The imaging element 3 of the above embodiment further includes an output line RW to which the selection transistor TH1 of the first pixel and the selection transistor TH1 or TH2 of the second pixel are connected and through which the first signal and the second signal are output, and a control unit CU that controls the voltage of the FD region FD of the first pixel to a first voltage and that can control the voltage of the FD region FD of the second pixel to a second voltage different from the first voltage or to the first voltage. This configuration has the effect of allowing the output of any one or more pixels 30 to be selected from among the plurality of pixels connected to the output line RW and output to the output line RW.

[0095] (2) Furthermore, the control unit CU can control the second storage unit to the second voltage while the first output unit outputs the first signal. This prevents excessive current from flowing through the current source IS even when the first signal has an abnormal value that exceeds a predetermined range, thereby preventing damage to the image sensor 3.

[0096] Although various embodiments and modifications have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these. Furthermore, each embodiment and modification may be applied independently or in combination. Other aspects conceivable within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0097] The disclosures of the following priority applications are incorporated herein by reference: Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-185635 (filed September 28, 2018) [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1: imaging device, 2: imaging lens, 3: imaging element, 4: control unit (generation unit), 5: lens movement unit, 7: first semiconductor substrate, 8: second semiconductor substrate, BC, BC1, BC2: pixel block, HC: horizontal control unit, VC: vertical control unit, CU: control unit, pixel 30, Gr, Gb: G pixel, R: R pixel, B: B pixel, Z1, Z2: special pixel, VS, VS1 to HS8: vertical selection line, HS, HS1 to HS4: horizontal selection line, ZS: special horizontal selection line, HR, HR1 to HR4: reset voltage line, PD: photodiode, TX: transfer transistor, TR: reset transistor, TA: amplification transistor, TV: vertical selection transistor, TH1: horizontal selection transistor, TH2: special horizontal selection transistor, RW: readout line, ADC: readout unit, 31: photosensitive unit, 73: color filter

Claims

1. A first photoelectric conversion unit that converts light into electric charges; a second photoelectric conversion unit that converts light into electric charges; a first floating diffusion portion to which the charges converted by the first photoelectric conversion portion are transferred; a second floating diffusion portion to which the charges converted by the second photoelectric conversion portion are transferred; a first transistor for electrically connecting the first floating diffusion portion and a first supply portion to which a first voltage is supplied, the first transistor discharging charges from the first floating diffusion portion; a second transistor for electrically connecting the second floating diffusion portion to a second supply portion to which a second voltage lower than the first voltage and a third voltage lower than the second voltage are supplied, the second transistor discharging charges from the second floating diffusion portion; an output section having a third transistor including a gate section electrically connected to the first floating diffusion section, the first output section outputting a first signal based on the charge transferred from the first photoelectric conversion section to the first floating diffusion section, and a second signal based on the charge of the first floating diffusion section when the charge is discharged from the first floating diffusion section to the first supply section by the first transistor; a second output section having a fourth transistor including a gate section electrically connected to the second floating diffusion section, the second output section outputting a third signal based on the charge of the second floating diffusion section when the charge is discharged from the second floating diffusion section by the second transistor to the second supply section to which the third voltage is supplied, and a fourth signal based on the charge of the second floating diffusion section when the charge is discharged from the second floating diffusion section by the second transistor to the second supply section to which the second voltage is supplied; an output line on which a first binning process is performed using the first signal output from the first output unit and the third signal output from the second output unit, and a second binning process is performed using the second signal output from the first output unit and the fourth signal output from the second output unit; An imaging element comprising:

2. In the imaging element according to claim 1, an imaging element including a conversion unit electrically connected to the output line and converting an analog signal into a digital signal;

3. In the imaging element according to claim 1 or claim 2, an imaging element including a current source circuit electrically connected to the output line and supplying a current to the output line;

4. In the imaging element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a first transfer transistor for electrically connecting the first photoelectric conversion unit and the first floating diffusion unit; a second transfer transistor for electrically connecting the second photoelectric conversion unit and the second floating diffusion unit; An imaging element comprising:

5. In the imaging element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a first filter having a first spectral characteristic; a second filter having a second spectral characteristic different from the first spectral characteristic; Equipped with the first photoelectric conversion unit converts light transmitted through the first filter into an electric charge; the second photoelectric conversion unit converts light transmitted through the second filter into an electric charge. Image sensor.

6. In the imaging element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a first filter having a first spectral characteristic; a second filter having the first spectral characteristic; Equipped with the first photoelectric conversion unit converts light transmitted through the first filter into an electric charge; the second photoelectric conversion unit converts light transmitted through the second filter into an electric charge. Image sensor.

7. The imaging element according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the first output unit has at least one transistor for electrically connecting the third transistor and the output line; the second output section has at least one transistor for electrically connecting the fourth transistor and the output line; Image sensor.

8. The imaging element according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the first output unit includes a plurality of transistors for electrically connecting the third transistor and the output line; the second output unit includes a plurality of transistors for electrically connecting the fourth transistor and the output line; Image sensor.

9. The imaging element according to any one of claims 1 to 8, a first semiconductor substrate on which the first photoelectric conversion unit and the second photoelectric conversion unit are disposed; a second semiconductor substrate that is stacked together with the first semiconductor substrate and is electrically connected to the first semiconductor substrate; An imaging element comprising:

10. The imaging element according to claim 9, a wiring layer in which the output lines are arranged, the wiring layer is disposed between the first semiconductor substrate and the second semiconductor substrate in a direction in which the first semiconductor substrate and the second semiconductor substrate are stacked. Image sensor.

11. An imaging device comprising an imaging element described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. In the imaging device according to claim 11, An imaging device comprising a lens moving unit that moves a lens included in an optical system that emits light to the imaging element.

13. The imaging device according to claim 12, An imaging device including the optical system.

14. In the imaging device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, An imaging device comprising a control unit electrically connected to the imaging element and configured to generate image data.

Images