Popis: |
An active pixel sensor array (APS) with programmable resolution was realized in standard 0.5 micrometers CMOS technology. For operation under poor lighting conditions, the change of sub-regions of 2 by 2 respectively 4 by 4 pixels can be summed, yielding a corresponding sensitivity enhancement. In that way the maximum resolution of 1024 by 1024 can be reduced to 512 by 512 or 256 by 256. Based on a charge skimming mechanism, the required circuitry can be implemented in any logic CMOS technology without process modifications. Output through 1, 2 or 4 analog channels clocked at a pixel at up to 40 MHz each allows a frame rate up to 160 frames/sec at an overall power dissipation of 70 mW. |