CMOS image sensor system with self-reset digital pixel architecture for improving SNR and dynamic range

摘要

A CMOS DPS image sensor architecture for improving SNR and dynamic range is presented. The CMOS DPS architecture includes self-reset digital pixels capable of collecting more charge than the physical well capacity. A method for improving SNR without reducing dynamic range in a CMOS video sensor system under low illumination is described, wherein the CMOS video sensor system employing self-reset DPS architecture includes pixel level A/D conversion and wherein each DPS pixels is capable of resetting itself whenever a corresponding diode reaches saturation during integration time.