A charge-coupled device.

摘要

A charge-coupled device has a semiconductor body defining a charge transfer channel (5). Charge storage and charge transfer electrodes (4a and 4b) are provided for, respectively, defining charge wells within the charge transfer channel and transferring charge between charge wells. Clock lines 0B_1 and 0B_2 provide clock signals to the charge storage and transfer electrodes (4a and 4b) for controlling movement of charge between charge wells and to an output connection (30) of the charge transfer channel (5). Signal processing means in the form of a sense amplifier (33) are provided for processing an output from the charge transfer channel (5) and a conductive path (32) connects the output connection (30) and the signal processing means (33). The conductive path (32) crosses at least one of the clock lines (0B_1 and 0B_2) and a conductive shielding layer (34) extends between and is electrically isolated from the said at least one clock line (0B_1 and 0B_2) and the conductive path (32).