Patent attributes
A pixel cell with controlled leakage is formed by modifying the location and gate profile of a high dynamic range (HDR) transistor. The HDR transistor may have the gate profile of a transfer gate or a reset gate. The HDR transistor may be located on a side of the photodiode that is the same, opposite to, or perpendicular to the transfer gate. The leakage through the HDR transistor may be controlled by modifying the photodiode implants around the transistor. The photodiode implants at the HDR transistor may be placed similarly to the implants at the transfer gate. However, when the photodiode implants are moved away from the HDR transistor, leakage is reduced. When the photodiode implants are moved farther under the HDR transistor, leakage is increased to the extent desirable. The leakage through the HDR transistor may also be controlled by applying a voltage across the transistor.