JP2010177928A5 - - Google Patents

Description

In order to achieve the above object, each of the image pickup devices of the present invention includes photoelectric conversion means for generating electric charge according to incident light, and includes a plurality of pixels arranged two-dimensionally and the pixels arranged in each column. An output line for outputting an output signal from a plurality of pixels, an amplifying means for amplifying the output signals of the plurality of pixels output to the output line, and a gain of the amplifying means when the gain is not less than a predetermined gain , and a first current source for supplying a current greater than the lower predetermined gain to the output line.

FD204 and another MOS amplifier 205, a floating diffusion amplifier is constituted by a constant current source 209 (first current source) for supplying a constant current to the vertical signal line 208. In each pixel constituting the row selected by the selection switch 206, the charge transferred to the FD 204 is converted into a voltage signal by the FD 204 and output to a corresponding circuit in the readout circuit 103 through the floating diffusion amplifier.

Switch 218 is a switch for reading out the offset of the amplifier 211 (amplification means), it is driven by an offset read pulse φTN supplied from the horizontal selection circuit 104. In the offset storage capacitor 219, the offset signal of the amplifier is stored immediately before reading out the pixel signal.

The gain of the amplifier 211 is determined by the ratio of the capacitor 210 and the capacitor 212. Although not shown, the capacitance 21 2 is composed of a plurality of selectively connectable capacity, by switching the capacitance value, it is possible to change the amplifier 211 going out gain. When a plurality of capacitors are connected and the capacitance value of the capacitor 212 is large, the gain is low. Conversely, when the connected capacitance is small and the capacitance value is small, the gain is high.

Claims (6)

A plurality of pixels arranged two-dimensionally, each of which includes photoelectric conversion means for generating charges according to incident light ,
An output line for outputting an output signal from the plurality of pixels arranged in each column;
Amplifying means for amplifying output signals of the plurality of pixels output to the output line;
If more than the gain the gain predetermined for the amplifying means, imaging and having a first current source for supplying a current greater than the lower predetermined gain to said output line element. Characterized in that the pre-Symbol amplification means, in the case of more than gain the gain is predetermined, comprising a second current source for supplying a current greater than the lower predetermined gain to said amplifying means The imaging device according to claim 1. Before SL amplification means, the imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that provided for each output line of each column.   An imaging apparatus comprising the imaging device according to claim 1. Photometric means;
On the basis of the photometry result of the photometry means, the imaging apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that a control means for controlling to change the gain of said amplifying means. Sensitivity setting means for accepting sensitivity settings from the outside;
On the basis of the sensitivity set by the sensitivity setting means, the imaging apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that a control means for controlling to change the gain of said amplifying means.