Image Sensor

Abstract

The present invention relates to an image sensor and is a technology capable of detecting the distance to a target object. The present invention includes a first tab for capturing and accumulating a signal carrier, and a second tab spaced apart from the first tab at a certain distance, wherein the first tab and the second tab are arranged diagonally within the same unit pixel and are placed in the two vertex regions of the unit pixel.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image sensor and is a technology capable of detecting the distance to a target object. Background Technology

[0002] An image sensor is a device that captures images by utilizing the light-reactive properties of semiconductors. Recently, with the development of the computer and telecommunications industries, the demand for improved image sensors is increasing in various fields, including smartphones, digital cameras, gaming devices, the Internet of Things, robots, security cameras, and medical micro-cameras.

[0003] Image sensors can be broadly classified into Charge Coupled Device (CCD) image sensors and Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors. Compared to CMOS image sensors, CCD image sensors have less noise and superior image quality. However, CMOS image sensors offer a simpler driving method and can be implemented using various scanning methods. Furthermore, CMOS image sensors allow for the integration of signal processing circuits onto a single chip, facilitating product miniaturization and very low power consumption. Additionally, they offer low manufacturing costs due to their compatibility with CMOS process technologies. Recently, CMOS image sensing devices are being widely used due to their characteristics that make them more suitable for mobile devices. The problem to be solved

[0004] An embodiment of the present invention provides an image sensor that can minimize power consumption of a Current-Assisted Photonic Demodulator (CAPD) by maximizing the distance between taps within a pixel. means of solving the problem

[0005] An image sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first tab for capturing and accumulating a signal carrier; and a second tab spaced apart from the first tab at a certain distance, wherein the first tab and the second tab are arranged diagonally within the same unit pixel and are arranged in the two vertex regions of the unit pixel.

[0006] An image sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises: a pixel array including a plurality of unit pixels arranged in a matrix form and adjacent to each other; and a plurality of tabs arranged diagonally in the pixel array, wherein the plurality of tabs are arranged in the vertex regions of the plurality of unit pixels. Effects of the invention

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention provides the effect of minimizing power consumption of a Current-Assisted Photonic Demodulator (CAPD).

[0008] Furthermore, the embodiments of the present invention are for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art may make various modifications, changes, substitutions, and additions based on the technical concept and scope of the appended claims, and such modifications, changes, etc. should be considered to fall within the scope of the following claims. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an image sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a layout diagram of a unit pixel illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a layout of the pixel array illustrated in FIG. 1. FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5 are drawings for explaining the operation of the pixel array of FIGS. 3. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the attached drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. In the drawings, the sizes and relative sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity of explanation.

[0011] The terms used herein are for describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. In this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text. As used herein, "comprises" and / or "comprising" do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, actions, and / or elements to the mentioned components, steps, actions, and / or elements. Also, "and / or" includes each of the mentioned items and all combinations of one or more. Furthermore, throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components.

[0012] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc. are used to describe various elements, components, and / or sections, it goes without saying that these elements, components, and / or sections are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one element, component, or section from another. Accordingly, it goes without saying that the first element, first component, or first section mentioned below may be a second element, second component, or second section within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0013] When elements or a layer are referred to as being "on" or "on" another element or layer, this includes not only being directly on top of the other element or layer but also cases where another layer or element is interposed. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" or "directly on," it indicates that no other element or layer is interposed. "And / or" includes each of the mentioned items and all combinations of one or more of them.

[0014] Spatially relative terms such as "below," "beneath," "lower," "above," and "upper" may be used to facilitate the description of the relationship between one element or component and another, as illustrated in the drawings. Spatially relative terms should be understood as encompassing different orientations of the element during use or operation, in addition to the orientations illustrated in the drawings. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same component.

[0015] The embodiments described herein will be explained with reference to plan and cross-sectional views, which are ideal schematic diagrams of the invention. The shapes of the exemplary drawings may be modified due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, etc. The embodiments of the invention are not limited to the specific shapes depicted but include variations in shape resulting from the manufacturing process. Accordingly, the regions illustrated in the drawings are schematic in nature, and the shapes of the regions illustrated in the drawings are intended to illustrate specific forms of the regions of the device and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0016] Methods for measuring depth using image sensors are being developed through extensive research, and demand is rapidly increasing in fields such as security, medical devices, automobiles, gaming consoles, VR / AR, and mobile devices. Representative depth measurement methods include Triangulation, Time of Flight (TOF), and Interferometry; among these, the Time of Flight (TOF) method is gaining importance due to its wide range of applications, fast processing speed, and cost-effectiveness.

[0017] Time of Flight (TOF) methods can be broadly classified into direct and indirect methods. The direct method measures distance by calculating the round-trip time based on the common principle of determining distance using incident light and reflected light. The indirect method, on the other hand, measures distance using the phase difference.

[0018] The direct method is advantageous for long distances and is widely used in automobiles. The indirect method is utilized in game consoles and mobile cameras where shorter distances and fast processing speeds are required. The indirect method has the advantages of a simple circuit, requiring less memory, and being relatively inexpensive.

[0019] A Current-Assisted Photonic Demodulator (CAPD), one of the pixel types of indirect Time of Flight (TOF) sensors, is a method that detects electrons generated inside the pixel by applying a substrate voltage and utilizing the potential difference of the electric field to create a majority current. Because the CAPD utilizes a majority current, it can detect electrons quickly and can even detect electrons formed deep within the pixel, making it excellent in terms of efficiency.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an image sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, the image sensor can measure the distance to a target object (1) using the time of flight (TOF) method. This image sensor may include a light source (10), a lens module (20), a pixel array (30), and a control block (40).

[0022] The light source (10) irradiates light onto the target object (1) in response to a clock signal (MLS) from the control block (40). The light source (10) may be a combination of a laser diode (LD) or light-emitting diode (LED) that emits light of a specific wavelength band (e.g., near-infrared, infrared, or visible light), a near-infrared laser (NIR), a point light source, a monochromatic light source that combines a white lamp and a monochromator, or other laser light sources. For example, the light source (10) may emit infrared light having a wavelength of 800 nm to 1000 nm. The light irradiated from the light source (10) may be modulated light that is modulated at a predetermined frequency. Although only one light source (10) is shown in FIG. 1 for convenience of explanation, multiple light sources may be arranged around the lens module (20).

[0023] The lens module (20) can collect light reflected from an object (1) and focus it onto pixels (PX) of a pixel array (30). For example, the lens module (20) may include a focusing lens or other cylindrical optical element on a glass or plastic surface. The lens module (20) may include a plurality of lenses aligned around an optical axis.

[0024] The pixel array (30) may include a plurality of unit pixels (PX) arranged continuously in a two-dimensional matrix structure (e.g., arranged continuously in the column direction and row direction). The unit pixels (PX) may be formed on a semiconductor substrate, and each unit pixel (PX) may output a pixel signal by converting light incident through the lens module (20) into an electrical signal corresponding to the intensity of the light. At this time, the pixel signal may be a signal indicating the distance to the target object (1) rather than a signal indicating the color of the target object (1). Each unit pixel (PX) may be a Current-Assisted Photonic Demodulator (CAPD) pixel. A more detailed structure and operation of the pixel array (30) will be described later with reference to FIG. 2 and below.

[0025] The control block (40) can control the light source (10) to irradiate light onto the target object (1). Additionally, the control block (40) can drive the unit pixels (PX) of the pixel array (30) to process pixel signals corresponding to the light reflected from the target object (1) and measure the distance to the surface of the target object (1).

[0026] This control block (40) may include a control circuit (41), a light source driver (42), a timing controller (43), and a logic circuit (44).

[0027] The control circuit (41) can drive unit pixels (PX) of the pixel array (30) in response to a timing signal output from the timing controller (43). For example, the control circuit (41) can generate a control signal capable of selecting and controlling at least one row line among a plurality of row lines. Such control signals may include a demodulation control signal that generates a hole current in the substrate, a reset signal that controls a reset transistor, a transmission signal that controls the transfer of photocharge accumulated in the detection node, a floating diffusion signal to provide additional capacitance under high illumination conditions, a selection signal that controls a selection transistor, etc. In FIG. 1, the control circuit (41) is shown as being arranged along the column direction (vertical direction) of the pixel array (30), but according to one embodiment, at least a portion of the control circuit (41) (e.g., a circuit that generates the demodulation control signal) may be arranged along the row direction (horizontal direction) of the pixel array (30).

[0028] The light source driver (42) can generate a clock signal (MLS) that can drive the light source (10) under the control of the timing controller (43). The clock signal (MLS) may be a signal modulated at a predetermined frequency.

[0029] The timing controller (43) can generate a timing signal to control the operation of the control circuit (41), the light source driver (42), and the logic circuit (44).

[0030] The logic circuit (44) can process pixel signals output from the pixel array (30) under the control of the timing controller (43) to generate pixel data in the form of digital signals. To this end, the logic circuit (44) may include a correlated double sampler (CDS) for performing correlated double sampling on the pixel signals output from the pixel array (30). Additionally, the logic circuit (44) may include an analog-to-digital converter for converting the output signals from the correlated double sampler into digital signals. Furthermore, the logic circuit (44) may include a buffer circuit for temporarily storing pixel data output from the analog-to-digital converter and outputting it externally under the control of the timing controller (43). Meanwhile, as the pixel array (30) is composed of CAPD pixels, two column lines for transmitting pixel signals may be provided per column of the pixel array (30). Additionally, configurations for processing pixel signals output from each column line may also be provided corresponding to each column line.

[0031] A light source (10) emits modulated light modulated at a predetermined frequency toward a scene being captured by an image sensor, and the image sensor detects the modulated light (i.e., incident light) reflected from target objects (1) within the scene to generate depth information for each unit pixel (PX). There is a time delay between the modulated light and the incident light depending on the distance between the image sensor and the target object (1). This time delay appears as a phase difference between the signal generated by the image sensor and the clock signal (MLS) controlling the light source (10). An image processor (not shown) can calculate the phase difference in the signal output from the image sensor to generate a depth image containing depth information for each unit pixel (PX).

[0032] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a layout of a unit pixel (PX) illustrated in Figure 1.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 2, a unit pixel (PX) may include a pair of tabs (31, 35) spaced apart at regular intervals. A control signal may be applied to the pair of tabs (31, 35) from a control circuit (41). When a voltage corresponding to the control signal is applied to one of the pair of tabs (31, 35) (tab 35), a current is generated between the pair of tabs (31, 35), and a signal carrier generated by photoelectric conversion is guided to the other tab (31) and collected. The pair of tabs (31, 35) can perform the function of capturing and accumulating a signal carrier in response to the control signals (A, B).

[0034] Here, the tab (31) and the tab (35) are positioned diagonally within a unit pixel (PX) and can be positioned in the two vertex areas of the unit pixel (PX). That is, the tab (31) can be positioned in the top-left vertex area within the unit pixel (PX), and the tab (35) can be positioned in the bottom-right vertex area within the unit pixel (PX). In other words, the tabs (31, 35) can be positioned along a diagonal (or in a diagonal direction) having a predetermined angle with respect to one side (e.g., left side, top side) within the unit pixel (PX).

[0035] In FIG. 2, the tab (31) is shown positioned at the upper left of the unit pixel (PX) and the tab (35) is shown positioned at the lower right of the unit pixel (PX), but the scope of the invention is not limited thereto and the tab (31) may be positioned at the lower left of the unit pixel (PX) and the tab (35) may be positioned at the upper right of the unit pixel (PX).

[0036] The tap (31) may include a control unit (32) and a detector (33). Additionally, the tap (35) may include a control unit (36) and a detector (37). Each of the control units (32, 36) generates a Hall current to move a signal carrier. Each of the detector units (33, 37) may perform the function of detecting a signal carrier corresponding to incident light.

[0037] In the tab (31), the control unit (32) is positioned overlapping the top-left corner area within a unit pixel (PX) and may have a circular shape. In the tab (31), the detection unit (33) may be positioned to surround the control unit (32). The detection unit (33) may include a plurality of detection nodes (33a to 33d) spaced apart at regular intervals from all four sides around the control unit (32). Each of the plurality of detection nodes (33a to 33d) may be physically separated from one another. The plurality of detection nodes (33a to 33d) may surround the control unit (32) in a rectangular shape, but the connection of the corner portions may be omitted. That is, the plurality of detection nodes (33a to 33d) may not completely surround the control unit (32) but may have a shape in which at least a part is open.

[0038] Each of the multiple detection nodes (33a to 33d) can be extended in a long line shape. The extension width of each of the multiple detection nodes (33a to 33d) may be the same as the width of the control unit (32). Among the multiple detection nodes (33a to 33d), a pair of detection nodes (33a, 33c) facing each other may have the same length. Among the multiple detection nodes (33a to 33d), another pair of detection nodes (33b, 33d) facing each other may have the same length. The multiple detection nodes (33a to 33d) and the multiple detection nodes (37a to 37d) may be arranged obliquely. Here, being arranged obliquely means that the extension direction of each of the multiple detection nodes (33a to 33d) is not parallel to one side (i.e., the top side, bottom side, left side, or right side) of the unit pixel (PX) but is rotated at a predetermined angle.

[0039] In the tab (35), the control unit (36) is positioned overlappingly in the bottom right corner area within a unit pixel (PX) and may have a circular shape. In the tab (35), the detection unit (37) may be positioned to surround the control unit (36). The detection unit (37) may include a plurality of detection nodes (37a to 37d) spaced apart at regular intervals from all four sides around the control unit (36). Each of the plurality of detection nodes (37a to 37d) may be physically separated from one another. The plurality of detection nodes (37a to 37d) may surround the control unit (32) in a rectangular shape, but the connection of the corner portions may be omitted. That is, the plurality of detection nodes (37a to 37d) may not completely surround the control unit (32) but may have a shape in which at least a part is open.

[0040] Each of the multiple detection nodes (37a to 37d) can be extended in a long line shape. The extension width of each of the multiple detection nodes (37a to 37d) may be the same as the width of the control unit (36). Among the multiple detection nodes (37a to 37d), a pair of detection nodes (37a, 37c) facing each other may have the same length. Among the multiple detection nodes (37a to 37d), another pair of detection nodes (37b, 37d) facing each other may have the same length. The multiple detection nodes (37a to 37d) may be positioned obliquely so as to face the multiple detection nodes (33a to 33d). Here, being positioned obliquely means that the extension direction of each of the multiple detection nodes (37a to 37d) is not parallel to one side (i.e., the top side, bottom side, left side, or right side) of the unit pixel (PX) but is positioned rotated at a predetermined angle.

[0041] The Hall current flowing between each tap (31, 35) to which different voltages are applied increases as the potential difference between each tap (31, 35) increases, as the distance between each tap (31, 35) decreases, and as the length of the side facing each tap (31, 35) increases. Conversely, the Hall current flowing between each tap (31, 35) to which different voltages are applied decreases as the potential difference between each tap (31, 35) decreases, as the distance between each tap (31, 35) increases, and as the length of the side facing each tap (31, 35) decreases. That is, the Hall current can be determined by the potential difference between each tap (31, 35) and the resistance between each tap (31, 35). As the distance between each tap (31, 35) increases, and as the length of the side facing each tap (31, 35) decreases, the resistance between each tap (31, 35) increases. In this disclosure, it is assumed that the potential difference between each tap (31, 35) receiving different voltages is the same.

[0042] As illustrated in FIG. 2, according to a structure in which each tab (31, 35) is placed in a diagonal vertex region, the distance between each tab (31, 35) is increased, and thus the resistance can be increased. As a result, the Hall current flowing between each tab (31, 35) is reduced, and thus the power consumption required to drive the pixel array (30) can be reduced.

[0043] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a layout of the pixel array (30) illustrated in FIG. 1. The detailed structure and function of each unit pixel (PX) included in the pixel array (30) correspond to FIG. 2, so a redundant description will be omitted.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 3, the pixel array (30) may include a plurality of adjacent unit pixels (PX1 to PX16) arranged in a 4×4 matrix form. For convenience of explanation in the embodiment of the present invention, the pixel array (30) is illustrated as including 16 unit pixels (PX1 to PX16), but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto, and the number of unit pixels can be changed. Among the plurality of unit pixels (PX1 to PX16) shown in FIG. 3, the unit pixel (PX2) may correspond to the unit pixel (PX) of FIG. 2.

[0045] In the pixel array (30), a plurality of tabs (T1~T12) may be arranged diagonally in each unit pixel (PX1~PX16). The plurality of tabs (T1~T12) may be arranged in the vertex regions of the plurality of unit pixels (PX1~PX16). In the pixel array (30), among the unit pixels (PX1~PX16), for a pair of unit pixels adjacent to each other in the up-down or left-right direction, the tabs (T1~T12) may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the boundary of the unit pixel.

[0046] Tabs (T1, T2) may be placed on the upper side of unit pixels (PX1 to PX4) in a pixel array (30). Tab (T1) may be shared by a pair of unit pixels (PX1, PX2). Here, Tab (T1) may be shared by a total of four pixels, including pixels (not shown) placed on top of each of the unit pixels (PX1, PX2). Tab (T2) may be shared by a pair of unit pixels (PX3, PX4). Here, Tab (T2) may be shared by a total of four pixels, including pixels (not shown) placed on top of each of the unit pixels (PX3, PX4).

[0047] Tabs (T3, T4) may be placed on the lower side of unit pixels (PX13~PX16) in a pixel array (30). Tab (T3) may be shared by a pair of unit pixels (PX13, PX14). Here, Tab (T3) may be shared by a total of four pixels, including pixels (not shown) placed below each of the unit pixels (PX13, PX14). Tab (T4) may be shared by a pair of unit pixels (PX15, PX16). Here, Tab (T4) may be shared by a total of four pixels, including pixels (not shown) placed below each of the unit pixels (PX15, PX6).

[0048] Tabs (T5, T6) may be placed on the left side of unit pixels (PX1, PX5, PX9, PX13) in a pixel array (30). Tab (T5) may be shared by a pair of unit pixels (PX1, PX5). Here, Tab (T5) may be shared by a total of four pixels, including pixels (not shown) placed to the left of each of the unit pixels (PX1, PX5). Tab (T6) may be shared by a pair of unit pixels (PX9, PX13). Here, Tab (T6) may be shared by a total of four pixels, including pixels (not shown) placed to the left of each of the unit pixels (PX9, PX13).

[0049] Tabs (T7, T8) may be placed on the right side of unit pixels (PX4, PX8, PX12, PX16) in a pixel array (30). Tab (T7) may be shared by a pair of unit pixels (PX4, PX8). Here, Tab (T7) may be shared by a total of four pixels, including pixels (not shown) placed to the right of each of the unit pixels (PX4, PX8). Tab (T8) may be shared by a pair of unit pixels (PX12, PX16). Here, Tab (T8) may be shared by a total of four pixels, including pixels (not shown) placed to the right of each of the unit pixels (PX12, PX16).

[0050] Four unit pixels (PX6, PX7, PX10, PX11) placed in the center of the pixel array (30) may be included in the effective pixel area (EPX). Multiple tabs (T9~T12) may be placed on the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the unit pixels (PX6, PX7, PX10, PX11).

[0051] A tab (T9) can be shared by four unit pixels (PX2, PX3, PX6, PX7). A tab (T10) can be shared by four unit pixels (PX10, PX11, PX14, PX15). A tab (T11) can be shared by four unit pixels (PX5, PX6, PX9, PX10). A tab (T12) can be shared by four unit pixels (PX7, PX8, PX11, PX12).

[0052] For example, the control unit (32) in a tap (T1) may be shared by two unit pixels (PX1, PX2). However, the detection nodes (33a~33b) in a single tap (T1) may be separated and placed on each of the two unit pixels (PX1, PX2). According to an embodiment, the control unit (32) of the tap (T1) may be shared by a total of four pixels, including pixels (not shown) placed on each of the unit pixels (PX1, PX2).

[0053] And, in the tap (T9), the control unit (36) can be shared by four unit pixels (PX2, PX3, PX6, PX7). However, in one tap (T9), the detection nodes (37a~37d) can be separated and placed on each of the four unit pixels (PX2, PX3, PX6, PX7). Accordingly, in one tap (T9), the signal carrier corresponding to each unit pixel (PX2, PX3, PX6, PX7) can be detected individually.

[0054] That is, among the plurality of detection nodes (37a to 37d) in tap (T9), detection node (37a) can detect a signal carrier corresponding to a unit pixel (PX2). Among the plurality of detection nodes (37a to 37d) in tap (T9), detection node (37b) can detect a signal carrier corresponding to a unit pixel (PX3). Among the plurality of detection nodes (37a to 37d) in tap (T9), detection node (37c) can detect a signal carrier corresponding to a unit pixel (PX6). Among the plurality of detection nodes (37a to 37d) in tap (T9), detection node (37d) can detect a signal carrier corresponding to a unit pixel (PX7).

[0055] FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5 are drawings for explaining the operation of the pixel array (30) of FIGS. 3.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the pixel array (30) can be divided into a tab group (TG1) and a tab group (TG2) in response to control signals (A, B). Here, the tab group (TG1) may include a plurality of tabs (T5~T10) arranged in the same row direction (horizontal direction) and column direction (vertical direction) in the pixel array (30). That is, the same control signal (A) can be applied to the tabs (T5~T10) in the tab group (TG1). And, the tab group (TG2) may include a plurality of tabs (T1~T4, T11, T12) arranged in the same row direction (horizontal direction) and column direction (vertical direction) in the pixel array (30). That is, the same control signal (B) can be applied to the tabs (T1~T4, T11, T12) in the tab group (TG2). The tab group (TG1) and the tab group (TG2) can be placed on different row and column lines. The photocharge capture operation of the pixel array (30) can be performed over sequential time intervals, such as interval P1 and interval P2.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 4, an embodiment is shown for the case where a hole current flows from tap group (TG1) to tap group (TG2). For example, in section P1, a control signal (A) may be applied to tap (T9) at a high level, and a control signal (B) may be applied to tap (T11) at a low level. Here, the control signals (A, B) may be applied from a control circuit (41). The potential difference between the control signals (A, B) generates an electric field (or hole current) that controls the flow of signal carriers generated within a substrate (not shown) by incident light. That is, due to the voltage difference between the control signal (A) and the control signal (B), an electric field is generated from tap (T9) to tap (T11), allowing photocharge to be detected at tap (T9).

[0058] In other words, a tap (T9) included in the effective pixel area (EPX) can transmit Hall current to the taps (T1, T2, T11, T12) placed in the adjacent four unit pixels (PX2, PX3, PX6, PX7). And, a tap (T11) included in the effective pixel area (EPX) can receive Hall current from the taps (T5, T6, T9, T10) placed in the adjacent four unit pixels (PX5, PX6, PX9, PX10).

[0059] Referring to FIG. 5, an embodiment is shown for the case where a hole current flows from tap group (TG2) to tap group (TG1). For example, in the P2 section after the P1 section, a control signal (A) may be applied to tap (T9) at a low level and a control signal (B) may be applied to tap (T11) at a high level. Then, due to the voltage difference between the control signal (A) and the control signal (B), an electric field is generated from tap (T11) to tap (T9), and photocharge can be detected at tap (T11).

[0060] In other words, a tap (T11) included in the effective pixel area (EPX) can transmit Hall current to the taps (T5, T6, T9, T10) placed in the adjacent four unit pixels (PX5, PX6, PX9, PX10). And, a tap (T9) included in the effective pixel area (EPX) can receive Hall current from the taps (T1, T2, T11, T12) placed in the adjacent four unit pixels (PX2, PX3, PX6, PX7).

[0061] Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains should understand that the embodiments described above are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive, as the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without altering its technical concept or essential features. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims set forth below rather than by the detailed description, and all modifications or variations derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalent concepts thereof should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claim 1 A first tap for capturing and accumulating a signal carrier; and a second tap spaced apart from the first tap at a certain distance, wherein the first tap and the second tap are arranged diagonally separated by the longest distance within the same unit pixel, and the first tap generates a Hall current for moving the signal carrier in response to a first control signal having a first phase, and a first control unit spaced over the first vertex area of ​​the unit pixel; and a first detection unit for detecting the signal carrier and including a plurality of first detection nodes that surround the first control unit and are physically separated from each other at a certain distance, wherein the second tap generates a Hall current for moving the signal carrier in response to a second control signal having a second phase different from the first phase, and a second control unit spaced over the second vertex area of ​​the unit pixel. An image sensor comprising a second detection unit that detects the signal carrier and includes a plurality of second detection nodes that surround the four sides of the second control unit and are spaced apart at regular intervals and physically separated from each other. Claim 2 In claim 1, the first control signal and the second control signal are image sensors having a constant potential difference. Claim 3 An image sensor according to claim 1, wherein the first tab is positioned in the upper-left corner region within the unit pixel and the second tab is positioned in the lower-right corner region within the unit pixel. Claim 4 In claim 1, the first tab and the second tab are image sensors arranged along a diagonal having a predetermined angle with respect to one side within the unit pixel. Claim 5 delete Claim 6 An image sensor according to claim 1, wherein the first control unit is positioned in the first vertex area within the unit pixel and has a circular shape, and the second control unit is positioned in the second vertex area within the unit pixel and has a circular shape. Claim 7 delete Claim 8 delete Claim 9 An image sensor according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of first detection nodes surround the first control unit in a square shape, with the connection of the first vertex portion open, and the plurality of second detection nodes surround the second control unit in a square shape, with the connection of the second vertex portion open. Claim 10 In claim 1, each of the plurality of first detection nodes and the plurality of second detection nodes is an image sensor that extends in a long line shape. Claim 11 In claim 10, the extended width of each of the plurality of first detection nodes is the same as the width of the first control unit, and the extended width of each of the plurality of second detection nodes is the same as the width of the second control unit, in an image sensor. Claim 12 An image sensor according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of first detection nodes have the same length and the plurality of second detection nodes have the same length. Claim 13 In claim 1, each of the plurality of first detection nodes and the plurality of second detection nodes is an image sensor arranged obliquely so that a pair of detection nodes can face each other. Claim 14 An image sensor according to claim 13, wherein the extension direction of each of the plurality of first detection nodes and the plurality of second detection nodes is rotated by a predetermined angle with respect to one side of the unit pixel. Claim 15 A pixel array comprising a plurality of adjacent unit pixels arranged in a matrix form; and a plurality of tabs arranged diagonally in the pixel array, wherein the plurality of tabs include a first tab and a second tab, wherein the first tab and the second tab are arranged diagonally separated from each other by the longest distance within the same unit pixel, and the first tab generates a Hall current for moving a signal carrier in response to a first control signal having a first phase, and is arranged in overlap with a first vertex region of the unit pixel; and a first detection unit comprising a plurality of first detection nodes that detect the signal carrier and surround the first control unit on all sides and are physically separated from each other by being spaced apart at a certain interval, wherein the second tab generates a Hall current for moving the signal carrier in response to a second control signal having a second phase different from the first phase, and is arranged in overlap with a second vertex region of the unit pixel; An image sensor comprising a second detection unit that detects the signal carrier and includes a plurality of second detection nodes that surround the four sides of the second control unit and are spaced apart at regular intervals and physically separated from each other. Claim 16 In claim 15, the plurality of tabs are an image sensor symmetrically arranged based on the boundary of each unit pixel. Claim 17 In claim 15, the tabs among the plurality of tabs that are positioned on the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the pixel array are an image sensor shared by adjacent unit pixel pairs. Claim 18 In claim 15, the tabs among the plurality of tabs placed in the effective pixel area are an image sensor shared by four adjacent unit pixels. Claim 19 delete Claim 20 An image sensor according to claim 15, wherein each of the first control unit and the second control unit is shared by adjacent unit pixels, and each of the plurality of first detection nodes and the plurality of second detection nodes is separated and disposed on the adjacent unit pixels.

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