Image sensor having a two dimensional array of imaging elements with opposite polarity leakage currents

摘要

A two-dimensional array (2) of imaging elements (3) is arranged in rows and columns. Each imaging element (3) has a two terminal component (40) for sensing light incident on the imaging element and for storing charge representing the incident light. A plurality of row and column conductors (5 and 6) are provided with one of the two terminals (4a,4b) of each component (40) in a row being coupled to the associated row conductor (5) and the other one of the two terminals (4a,4b) to the associated column conductor (6). Voltage signals are applied to the row and column conductors (5 and 6) for enabling the components (40) to sense light incident on the array (2) and to enable charge stored at a selected imaging element (3) to be sensed. The rows of imaging elements (3) are arranged in first and second sets (S1 and S2). A voltage signal of one polarity is applied to a row conductor (5) associated with the first set (S1) to enable charge stored at an imaging element (3) in the associated row (5) to be sensed. A voltage of the opposite polarity is applied to a row conductor (5) associated with the second set (S2) to enable charge stored at an imaging element (3) in the associated row (5) to be sensed. The leakage currents from rows in the first set (S1) of rows will thus be of opposite polarity to the leakage currents from rows in the second set (S2) so reducing the overall leakage current and thus the vertical cross-talk between rows.