CMOS Active Pixel Sensors for Digital Cameras: Current State-of-the-Art

Image sensors play a vital role in many image sensing and capture applications. Among the various types of image sensors, complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) based active pixel sensors (APS), which are characterized by reduced pixel size, give fast readouts and reduced noise. APS are used in many applications such as mobile cameras, digital cameras, Webcams, and many consumer, commercial and scientific applications. With these developments and applications, CMOS APS designs are challenging the old and mature technology of charged couple device (CCD) sensors. With the continuous improvements of APS architecture, pixel designs, along with the development of nanometer CMOS fabrications technologies, APS are optimized for optical sensing. In addition, APS offers very low-power and low-voltage operations and is suitable for monolithic integration, thus allowing manufacturers to integrate more functionality on the array and building low-cost camera-on-a-chip. In this thesis, I explore the current state-of-the-art of CMOS APS by examining various types of APS. I show design and simulation results of one of the most commonly used APS in consumer applications, i.e. photodiode based APS. We also present an approach for technology scaling of the devices in photodiode APS to present CMOS technologies. Finally, I present the most modern CMOS APS technologies by reviewing different design models. The design of the photodiode APS is implemented using commercial CAD tools.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of North Texas

Year dc:date

2007

Author dc:creator

• Palakodety, Atmaram

Contributors dc:contributor

• Mohanty, Saraju P.
• Kougianos, Elias
• Mikler, Armin R.

• CMOS
• image sensors
• active pixel sensor
• charged couple devices
• photogate active pixel sensors
• photodiode active pixel sensors
• Digital cameras.
• Image converters.
• Metal oxide semiconductors, Complementary.

Statement dc:rights

• Public
• Copyright
• Palakodety, Atmaram
• Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

oclc: 176630549
https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc3631/
ark: ark:/67531/metadc3631

OAI identifier oai:identifier

info:ark/67531/metadc3631