A digital high-dynamic-range CMOS image sensor with multi-integration and pixel readout request

A novel principle has been developed to build an ultra wide dynamic range digital CMOS image sensor. Multiple integrations are used to achieve the required dynamic. Its innovative readout system allows a direct capture of the final image from the different exposure time with no need of external reconstruction. The sensor readout system is entirely digital, implementing an in-pixel ADC. Realized in the STMicroelectronics 0.13&mgr;m CMOS standard technology, the 10&mgr;m x 10&mgr;m pixels contain 42 transistors with a fill factor of 25%. The sensor is able to capture more than 120dB dynamic range scenes at video rate.