Power-Performance Tradeoffs in Wide Dynamic Range Image Sensors with Multiple Reset Approach

Abstract

A variety of solutions for widening the dynamic range (DR) of CMOS image sensors have been proposed throughout the years. These solutions can be categorized into different groups according to the principle used for DR widening. One of the methods, which is based on autonomous control over the integration time, was implemented by our group. We proposed the multiple resets algorithm, which was successfully implemented in three generations of WDR image sensors. While achieving the same goal of widening the DR of the sensor, each of the implemented imagers had a different architecture, and therefore presented different performance and power figures. This paper reviews designs of the aforementioned sensors and presents a comprehensive analysis of their power consumption. Power-performance tradeoffs are also discussed. Advantages and disadvantages of each sensor are presented.

Keywords

• wide dynamic range
• CMOS image sensor
• low power