The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 23, 2015
Filed:
Aug. 08, 2013
Lester Kozlowski, Simi Valley, CA (US);
Lester Kozlowski, Simi Valley, CA (US);
AltaSens, Inc., Westlake Village, CA (US);
Abstract
An image sensor architecture for an active pixel sensor array are separated and arranged vertically in at least two different layers in a hybrid chip structure. The top layer includes the photodiode and amplifier circuitry for each pixel. A bottom includes the pixel circuit components and any digital circuitry required for signal processing. By forming the top layer in a process optimized for forming low-noise pixels, the pixel performance can be greatly improved. In addition, since the digital circuitry is now separated from the imaging circuitry, it can be formed using a process which has been optimized for circuit speed and manufacturing cost. By combining the two layers into a stacked structure, the top layer (and any intermediate layer(s)) acts to optically shield the lower layer, thereby allowing charge to be stored and shielded without the need for a mechanical shutter.