PARASITIC CAPACITANCE REDUCTION FOR PASSIVE CHARGE READ-OUT

A circuit technique to reduce the input capacitance line of a charge integrator is described. This approach is particularly tailored for embedded read-out circuits in solid-state integrated sensors. An integrated charge amplifier described herein includes a generic amplifier element and a high speed buffer which drives a metal shield placed underneath the input line. The metal shield therefore follows the potential of the input line and thereby reduces the capacitance between the input line and ground.