The TC237B is a frame-transfer, charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor designed for use in single-chip black and white National Television Standards Committee (NTSC) TV, computer, and special-purpose applications that require low cost and small size. The image-sensing area of the TC237B device is configured into 500 lines with 680 elements in each line. Twenty-two elements are provided in each line for dark reference. The antiblooming feature of the sensor is based on an advanced lateral overflow drain concept. The sensor can be operated in a true interlace mode as a 658(H) x 496(V) sensor with a low dark current. An important feature of the TC237B high-resolution sensor is the ability to capture a full 340,000 pixels per field. The image sensor also provides high-speed image transfer capability and a continuous electronic exposure control without the loss of sensitivity and resolution inherent in other technologies. Charge voltage is converted to signal voltage at 13 V per electron by a high-performance structure with a reset and a voltage-reference generator. The signal is further buffered by a low-noise, two-stage, source-follower amplifier to provide high-output drive capability. The TC237B sensor is built using TI-proprietary advanced virtual-phase (AVP) technology, which provides devices with high blue response, low dark current, high photoresponse uniformity, and single-phase clocking. The TC237B sensor is characterized for operation from 10C to 45C. This MOS device contains limited built-in gate protection. During storage or handling, the device leads should be shorted together or the device should be placed in conductive foam. In a circuit, unused inputs should always be connected to VSS. Under no circumstances should pin voltages exceed absolute maximum ratings. Avoid shorting OUT to VSS during operation to prevent damage to the amplifier. The device can also be damaged if the output terminals are reverse-biased and an excessive current is allowed to flow. Specific guidelines for handling devices of this type are contained in the publication Guidelines for Handling Electrostatic-Discharge-Sensitive (ESDS) Devices and Assemblies available from Texas Instruments.