Symagery Microsystems Inc.

Harusaki Technologies, LLC

Psion Teklogix Systems Inc.

Paul Hua

George Chamberlain

Peter Hauderowicz

John Scott-Thomas

Scott-Thomas John

The method and apparatus for resetting an Active Pixel Sensor (APS) array comprises a controller for sequentially pre-resetting groups of one or more sensors in the array and then simultaneously resetting all of the sensors. The groups may be formed from one or more adjacent or non-adjacent individual sensors, rows or columns of sensors. The apparatus may further include a detector for sensing the bias voltage present on the array substrate in order for the controller to determine the number of sensors in the groups being reset. This method and apparatus assure that current flow is kept at a fairly steady level to avoid large variations in current flow that may disrupt other functioning circuits on the substrate including latch-up.

Active pixel sensor array reset

Many electrical sensing devices include an array of transducer elements for converting external stimuli to electrical indications. Novel technologies to realize improvements in low power consumption, low noise, and analog output path which occupies minimal die area while maintaining certain data rates are disclosed. A two stage pipeline architecture of the invention in the analog output path maintains fast pixel rates with minimal ADC (analog digital converter) arrangement. A novel power supply and the use of differential amplifiers in connection with a black signal level as a reference voltage are also described.

Electrical sensing apparatus and method utilizing an array of transducer elements

An output signal of an image sensor pixel, which substantially avoids fixed pattern noise contributed by the readout circuitry, is provided. The apparatus, which is used to provide an output signal that is a function of the difference between two sample signals Vand V, includes first and second capacitor elements that are coupled together at a common terminal. A reference voltage Vis first applied to the capacitor elements, then a first sample signal Vfrom the image sensor pixel is applied to the first capacitor element producing a charge that is transferred to the second capacitor element. A second sample signal Vfrom the image sensor pixel is then applied to the first capacitor element producing a charge that is also transferred to the first capacitor element such that V=V&#x2212;V+V.

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Nepean, Canada

Paul Hua