An image sensor and processing method therein comprises a pixel circuit configured to generate a pixel signal; a vertical signal line configured to convey the pixel signal; and a charge amplifier circuit configured to receive the pixel signal, the charge amplifier circuit being switched between a low bandwidth state and a high bandwidth state in response to a control signal.

A dynamic vision sensor device includes a photo detector that outputs a detection signal based on light incident from outside, a log amplifier that receives the detection signal from the photo detector through a first node, amplifies the received detection signal, and outputs the amplified detection signal to a second node, a differencing amplifier that outputs a difference signal based on a change in an intensity of the amplified detection signal, and an event determination circuit that determines an event based on the difference signal. The log amplifier includes a first buffer connected between the first node and a third node, an amplifier connected between the third node and the second node, and a feedback circuit connected between the second node and the first node.

The disclosure provides an improved transimpedance amplifier (TIA) that can operate at a higher bandwidth and lower noise compared to conventional TIAs. The TIA employs a data path with both feedback impedance and feedback capacitance for improved performance. The feedback impedance includes at least two resistors in series and at least one shunt capacitor, coupled between the at least two resistors, that helps to extend the circuit bandwidth and improve SNR at the same time. The capacitance value of the shunt capacitor can be selected based on both the bandwidth and noise. In one example, the TIA includes: (1) a biasing path, and (2) a data path, coupled to the biasing path, including multiple inverter stages and at least one feedback capacitance coupled across an even number of the multiple inverter stages. An optical receiver and a circuit having the TIA are also disclosed.

A clamp circuit can control a clamp transistor such that a change in a photodiode current detection voltage signal in an optical receiver circuit can control the clamp transistor to change state when a difference of a clamp voltage and the photodiode current detection voltage signal exceeds a threshold voltage of the clamp transistor. Using a feedback loop, the clamp circuit can accurately clamp a current when the photodiode current is larger than a detect current threshold.

The present technology relates to a comparator that can easily modify operating point potential of the comparator, and an imaging device.

A pixel signal output from a pixel, and, a reference signal with changeable voltage are input to a differential pair. A current mirror connected to the differential pair, and a voltage drop mechanism allowed to cause a predetermined voltage drop is connected between a transistor that configures the differential pair, and a transistor that configures the current mirror. A switch is connected in parallel to the voltage drop mechanism. The present technology can be applied, for example, to an image sensor that captures an image.

An amplifier includes a first capacitor connected between an input node and a floating node, a second capacitor connected between the floating node and an output node, an amplifying element connected between a power supply voltage and the output node and operating in response to a voltage level of the floating node, a current bias source connected between the output node and a ground voltage, a first reset switch connected between the floating node and an intermediate node and operating in response to a reset bias, a second reset switch connected between the intermediate node and the output node and operating in response to the reset bias, and a reset bias generator circuit that outputs the reset bias in response to a reset signal. The reset bias is one of a reset voltage of the intermediate node, the power supply voltage, and the ground voltage.

A disclosed comparator includes a comparison circuit that performs comparison between an input signal and a reference signal and changes a level of a signal to be output to a first node in accordance with a result of the comparison; and a positive feedback circuit including an amplifier unit that includes a current source load and outputs a signal in accordance with a potential of the first node to a second node and a feedback unit that positively feeds back a signal in accordance with a potential of the second node to the first node. The feedback unit includes a first transistor to which output of the amplifier unit is fed back and a switch that controls turning on or off of the first transistor.

A disclosed comparator includes a comparison circuit including a differential unit that compares an input signal with a reference signal and changes a level of a signal output to a first node in accordance with a result of comparison and an amplifier unit that includes a load element and outputs a signal in accordance with a potential of the first node to a second node, and a positive feedback circuit that is connected to the second node and a third node and changes a level of a signal at the third node at a rate higher than a change rate of a level of a signal at the second node in accordance with a change in a level of a signal at the second node.

A transimpedance amplifier is provided for converting a current between its two input terminals to a voltage over its two output terminals comprising a high-speed level shifter configured for creating a difference in input DC voltage and for being transparent for alternating voltages, an input biasing network configured for reverse biasing a photodiode connected to at least one of the input terminals and transparent for a feedback signal from the feedback network which is differentially and DC-coupled with the output terminals of the voltage amplifier and outputs of the feedback network are differentially and DC-coupled with the input biasing network of which outputs are coupled with inputs of the level shifter which is differentially and DC-coupled with input terminals of the voltage amplifier.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a current amplification circuitry and a driving method thereof, and a fingerprint detection device. The current amplification circuitry includes a voltage control circuit, a plurality of first current amplification circuits, and a second current amplification circuit. The voltage control circuit provides a voltage control signal to the plurality of first current amplification circuits. The first current amplification circuit includes a current mirror, and the current mirror is coupled to a voltage input terminal, the voltage control circuit, and a first input terminal of the second current amplification circuit. The first current amplification circuit amplifies a current from the voltage input terminal according to the voltage control signal provided by the voltage control circuit, and provides the amplified current to the second current amplification circuit. The second current amplification circuit is coupled to the voltage input terminal via a second input terminal and amplifies the amplified current.