Adaptive SPAD Activation for Wide Dynamic Range Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SPAD-based radiation sensors face limitations in dynamic range due to noise, circuitry capacity, and device size, which compromise signal-to-noise ratio and require additional components, especially in applications like Point of Care testing and Electronic-Nose applications.
Innovation Solution
A radiation-sensitive device with varying numbers of SPADs and associated counters, where the number of SPADs used to determine radiation intensity varies inversely proportional to the intensity, optimizing the dynamic range without increasing device size or compromising signal-to-noise ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large amount of SPADs is used to improve signal-to-noise ratio at low radiation levels, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and circuitry capacity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of active SPADs based on incident radiation intensity. At low radiation levels, more SPADs are activated to improve signal-to-noise ratio. At high radiation levels, fewer SPADs are sufficient, reducing circuitry load and power consumption while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of SPAD activation based on radiation intensity conditions. By varying the number of active SPADs according to incident radiation levels, the system optimizes the balance between measurement precision and device complexity across different operating conditions.
2Measurement precision
If a large amount of SPADs is used to improve signal-to-noise ratio, then measurement precision is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of active SPADs based on incident radiation intensity. At low radiation levels, more SPADs are activated to improve signal-to-noise ratio. At high radiation levels, fewer SPADs are sufficient, reducing circuitry load and power consumption while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of SPAD activation based on radiation intensity conditions. By varying the number of active SPADs according to incident radiation levels, the system optimizes the balance between measurement precision and device complexity across different operating conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different SPAD areas with pinholes are used to adjust radiation intensity, then dynamic range is extended, but device size and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of active SPADs based on incident radiation intensity. At low radiation levels, more SPADs are activated to improve signal-to-noise ratio. At high radiation levels, fewer SPADs are sufficient, reducing circuitry load and power consumption while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of SPAD activation based on radiation intensity conditions. By varying the number of active SPADs according to incident radiation levels, the system optimizes the balance between measurement precision and device complexity across different operating conditions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If all available SPADs are used for both low and high intensity radiation, then dynamic range is maximized, but circuitry capacity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of active SPADs based on incident radiation intensity. At low radiation levels, more SPADs are activated to improve signal-to-noise ratio. At high radiation levels, fewer SPADs are sufficient, reducing circuitry load and power consumption while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of SPAD activation based on radiation intensity conditions. By varying the number of active SPADs according to incident radiation levels, the system optimizes the balance between measurement precision and device complexity across different operating conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution achieves a large dynamic range with maintained signal-to-noise ratio by adaptively using fewer SPADs at higher radiation levels, minimizing circuitry and power consumption, and allowing for efficient detection across varying radiation intensities.
Implementation Method 1
Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) based photon counters offer the ability to detect very low levels of radiation by counting individual photons
Implementation Method 2
Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) based photon counters offer the ability to detect very low levels of radiation by counting individual photons
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation-sensitive device is disclosed. The radiation-sensitive device includes: a plurality of single photon avalanche diodes (SPADs), and processing circuitry configured to determine an intensity of incident radiation using at least one of the plurality SPADs. An amount of the SPADs used to determine the intensity of the incident radiation varies in relation to the intensity of the incident radiation. Also disclosed in an associated method of determining an intensity of radiation incident upon such a radiation-sensitive device, and uses of the radiation-sensitive device in an electronic-nose or point-of-care apparatus, or for ambient light sensing.