Noise Sources in CMOS Image Se...

Noise Sources in CMOS Image SensorsNoise Sources in CMOS Image Sensors
Hewlett-Packard Components Group Imaging Products Operations

INTRODUCTION
Until recently, CMOS image sensors have been plagued by poor image quality due to high fixed pattern noise (FPN), high dark current and poor sensitivity. Understanding the relationship between noise sources and the image output of a CMOS sensor will improve your ability to design high quality solutions with CMOS technology. Potential noise sources are present from the sensor photodiode through the column and programmable gain amplifiers (PGA) and analog-to-digital converters (ADC)
CMOS Active Pixel Sensor Array Column Amplifiers
PGA PGA

Pixel Reset (kT/C) Noise: The signal integrated on a pixel is measured relative to its reset level. The thermal noise uncertainty associated with