A 250000-pixel image sensor with FET amplification at each pixel for high-speed television cameras

An amplified MOS imager (AMI) for use in each pixel in a high-speed TV camera is discussed. The AMI performs such functions as amplification, readout, and resetting independently and completely. Thus the AMI is easier to operate and completely free from image lag, and has relatively little smear (2*10/sup -5/) compared with other devices. The AMI can also handle both hole and electron signals when a photoconductive layer is laminated on its surface. The image area dimensions are 8.8 mm (H)*6.6 mm (V) with 510 (H)*490 (V) pixels. Each pixel has an FET amplifier that enhances signal current 100*immediately after receiving the incident light. A source-follower is used for output signal linearity. The AMI is equipped with three horizontally aligned output lines, each operated at a horizontal clock rate of 30 MHz. The total sampling frequency can be 90 MHz, but the device in this television camera application operates at a sampling frequency of 57 MHz.<<ETX>>