PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION APPARATUS AND IMAGE PICKUP SYSTEM

摘要

When a level of a signal output from a pixel is higher than a comparison level, the signal output from the pixel is converted into a digital signal during a first period by using a first reference signal. If the level of the signal output from the pixel is lower than the comparison level, the signal output from the pixel is converted into a digital signal during a second period that is longer than the first period by using a second reference signal.

主权项

1. A photoelectric conversion apparatus comprising:
a pixel configured to generate a signal through photoelectric conversion; a reference signal generation unit configured to generate a first reference signal that changes at a first rate of change with respect to time and a second reference signal that changes at a second rate of change, the second rate of change being smaller than the first rate of change; an analog-to-digital conversion unit; and a control unit configured to cause
the analog-to-digital conversion unit to
convert the signal output from the pixel into a digital signal by using the first reference signal during a first period if a level of the signal output from the pixel is higher than a comparison level, andconvert the signal output from the pixel into a digital signal by using the second reference signal during a second period if the level of the signal output from the pixel is lower than the comparison level, and configured to make the second period longer than the first period.