The present technology relates to a signal processing device and method, and a program that enable easier and more accurate failure detection. The signal processing device includes: an addition unit that adds test data for failure detection to valid data on which predetermined processing is to be performed, two or more samples processed in parallel in different paths having a same sample value in the test data; and a signal processing unit that performs the predetermined processing on the valid data and the test data that has been added to the valid data by a plurality of the paths. The present technology can be applied to in-car cameras.

The present technology relates to a signal processing device and method, and a program that enable easier and more accurate failure detection. The signal processing device includes: an addition unit that adds test data for failure detection to valid data on which predetermined processing is to be performed, two or more samples processed in parallel in different paths having a same sample value in the test data; and a signal processing unit that performs the predetermined processing on the valid data and the test data that has been added to the valid data by a plurality of the paths. The present technology can be applied to in-car cameras.

In a photoelectric conversion device, groups of unit pixels are arranged in a well, where each of the unit pixels includes photoelectric conversion elements, an amplifier transistor, and transfer transistors. The photoelectric conversion device includes a line used to supply a voltage to the well, a well-contact part used to connect the well-voltage-supply line to the well, and transfer-control lines used to control the transfer transistors. The transfer-control lines are symmetrically arranged with respect to the well-voltage-supply line in respective regions of the unit-pixel groups.

The present technology relates to a signal processing device and method, and a program that enable easier and more accurate failure detection. The signal processing device includes: an addition unit that adds test data for failure detection to valid data on which predetermined processing is to be performed, two or more samples processed in parallel in different paths having a same sample value in the test data; and a signal processing unit that performs the predetermined processing on the valid data and the test data that has been added to the valid data by a plurality of the paths. The present technology can be applied to in-car cameras.

The present technology relates to a signal processing device and method, and a program that enable easier and more accurate failure detection. The signal processing device includes: an addition unit that adds test data for failure detection to valid data on which predetermined processing is to be performed, two or more samples processed in parallel in different paths having a same sample value in the test data; and a signal processing unit that performs the predetermined processing on the valid data and the test data that has been added to the valid data by a plurality of the paths. The present technology can be applied to in-car cameras.

In one embodiment an analog-to-digital converter circuit has an input for receiving a first analog signal level and a second analog signal level, a ramp generator adapted to provide a ramp signal, a comparison unit coupled to the input and the ramp generator, a control unit coupled to the comparison unit the control unit having a counter, the control unit being prepared to enable the counter as a function of a comparison of the ramp signal with the first analog signal level and the second analog signal level, and an output for providing an output digital value as a function of a relationship between the first analog signal level and the second analog signal level. Therein the ramp signal has at least one linearly rising and at least one linearly falling portion and an adjustable shift at a reversal point between the rising and the falling portion of the ramp signal, the shift depending on the number of rising and falling portions of the ramp signal.

In one embodiment an analog-to-digital converter circuit has an input for receiving a first analog signal level and a second analog signal level, a ramp generator adapted to provide a ramp signal, a comparison unit coupled to the input and the ramp generator, a control unit coupled to the comparison unit the control unit having a counter, the control unit being prepared to enable the counter as a function of a comparison of the ramp signal with the first analog signal level and the second analog signal level, and an output for providing an output digital value as a function of a relationship between the first analog signal level and the second analog signal level. Therein the ramp signal has at least one linearly rising and at least one linearly falling portion and an adjustable shift at a reversal point between the rising and the falling portion of the ramp signal, the shift depending on the number of rising and falling portions of the ramp signal.

In a photoelectric conversion device, groups of unit pixels are arranged in a well, where each of the unit pixels includes photoelectric conversion elements, an amplifier transistor, and transfer transistors. The photoelectric conversion device includes a line used to supply a voltage to the well, a well-contact part used to connect the well-voltage-supply line to the well, and transfer-control lines used to control the transfer transistors. The transfer-control lines are symmetrically arranged with respect to the well-voltage-supply line in respective regions of the unit-pixel groups.

Image sensors with precharge boost are disclosed herein. An example image sensor may include pixels that each include a photodiode to receive image light and produce image charge in response, a floating diffusion to receive the image charge, a transfer gate to couple the photodiode to the floating diffusion in response to a transfer control signal, a reset gate to couple a reset voltage to the floating diffusion in response to a reset control signal, and a boost capacitor coupled between the floating diffusion and a boost voltage source, wherein, during a precharge operation, the boost voltage is provided to the boost capacitor for a portion of time the transfer gate is enabled and while the reset gate is disabled.

Image sensors with precharge boost are disclosed herein. An example image sensor may include pixels that each include a photodiode to receive image light and produce image charge in response, a floating diffusion to receive the image charge, a transfer gate to couple the photodiode to the floating diffusion in response to a transfer control signal, a reset gate to couple a reset voltage to the floating diffusion in response to a reset control signal, and a boost capacitor coupled between the floating diffusion and a boost voltage source, wherein, during a precharge operation, the boost voltage is provided to the boost capacitor for a portion of time the transfer gate is enabled and while the reset gate is disabled.