CMOS active pixel image sensor with simple floating gate pixels

A new pixel structure using a simple floating gate (SFG) has been proposed. The pixel consists of a coupling capacitor, a photogate, a barrier gate and a MOS transistor. It features complete reset that results in no kTC noise and no image lag, high blooming overload protection, nondestructive readout (NDRO), and CMOS compatibility. Its basic operation has been confirmed with a 32(H)/spl times/27(V) pixel area array. Since the pixel structure is relatively simple, small pixel size is feasible. >