Solid-state image pickup device and camera system

摘要

A solid-state image pickup device and a camera system in which: (1) counters are organized into a counter group and a memory group on a column-by-column basis; (2) in each column, the individual counters are cascade-connected between individual bits; (3) switches are provided at bit output portions of the individual counters; (4) connecting sides of the individual switches are commonly connected to a column-signal transfer line, and output sides of the switches are shared with the other individual bits; (5) inputs of memories (latch circuits), which store digital data for horizontal transfer, share the column-signal transfer line; and (6) outputs of the memories corresponding to the individual bits are connected via switches to data transfer signal lines wired so as to be orthogonal to the column-signal transfer line.

主权项

1. A solid-state image pickup device comprising: (a) a pixel section including a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix; and (b) a pixel-signal reading circuit that reads pixel signals from the pixel section, wherein, the pixel-signal reading circuit includes one or more comparators and one or more counters, and each counter includes first switches provided at bit output portions of the counter, connecting output sides of the first switches being shared with other individual bits such that the output sides of at least two of the first switches are connected to each other to form a shared connection, prior to the shared connection being connected to a data storage region, wherein the output sides of the at least two of the first switches are connected to the data storage region by the shared connection, wherein the shared connection is on a side of the first switches that is in a direction away from input sides of the first switches, and wherein the bit output portions provide signals to input sides of the first switches, and the signals are then provided to the output sides of the first switches, and wherein, after the signal is provided to the output sides of the first switches, the output signal is provided directly to the shared connection.