| 摘要 |
A pixel array comprises pixels (10) arranged in columns. A pixel (10) comprises a photo-sensitive element (11) for generating charges responsive to electromagnetic radiation and a buffer amplifier (M2) for buffering a voltage proportional to the charges generated by the photo-sensitive element. A first switch (M3) selectively connects an output of the buffer amplifier to an active pixel mode column output line (9). A second switch (M1) selectively transfers at least part of the charges generated by the photo-sensitive element (11) to a passive pixel mode column output line (15). The pixel (10) can be selectively operated in a conventional, active pixel mode, and in a passive pixel/charge binning mode. The second switch (M1) can be a reset switch, with the second output line operable, on a time-shared basis, as a supply line for providing the reference voltage. Another embodiment has the first switch and the second switch connected to a single column output line which is operable, on a time-shared basis, as the active pixel mode column output line and as the passive pixel mode column output line. |
