256/spl times/256 CMOS active pixel sensor camera-on-a-chip

A CMOS imaging sensor integrates the sensor technology and digital control functions on a single chip. This demonstrates the viability of producing a camera-on-a-chip suitable for commercial, military, and scientific applications. Good imaging performance has been demonstrated with high quantum efficiency, low noise, no lag, no smear and good blooming control. The chip is characterized by random access, simple clocks, low system power, simple power supplies and fast read-out rates. The simple digital interface permits easy restructuring of windows-of-interest and integration times. The measured performance indicates that this technology will become competitive with CCDs in many applications, resulting in enhanced system performance and reduced cost.