CMOS Cameras: Advanced Pixel Design Techniques

This lecture discusses advanced design techniques for CMOS cameras, focusing on the architecture of active pixel sensors (APS). The instructor explains the structure of a 5T APS, highlighting the use of pinned photodiodes to reduce dark current and improve performance. The lecture covers the functionality of various components, including the output diffusion, transfer gates, and reset transistors, emphasizing their roles in managing light information and noise reduction. The instructor also introduces the 7T APS design, which incorporates a mid-reservoir to facilitate both correlated double sampling and global shutter capabilities, addressing the limitations of previous designs. The discussion includes the challenges of achieving low noise and high sensitivity while managing pixel non-uniformities and fixed pattern noise. The lecture concludes with a summary of the key features of different APS designs and their implications for image quality, setting the stage for further exploration of noise management and sensor optimization in future sessions.