Image Sensor ADC Latch Transfer With Resistance Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing analog-digital conversion systems in image pickup elements require complex configurations due to individual input/output control of latches, which can lead to data destruction and malfunction during output, complicating the overall design.
Innovation Solution
An analog-digital conversion device with a comparison unit, a holding unit, a bidirectional conveying unit, and a control unit that adjusts internal resistance differently for inputting and outputting digital signals, using a switching element or MOS transistors to simplify the configuration and prevent data loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual input/output control is used for latches, then data can be precisely controlled, but device complexity increases and data loss may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the input and output control functions into a single unified control mechanism. The bidirectional conveying unit uses one control signal to simultaneously manage both inputting data to the latch and outputting data from the latch, eliminating the need for separate control circuits and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable data control.
Solution Approach 2:
The bidirectional conveying unit is designed as a multi-functional component that can operate in both input and output modes. By making the conveying unit universal rather than having separate dedicated input and output units, the patent reduces the total number of components and simplifies the overall configuration while preserving precise data control capabilities.
2Device complexity
If common signal line is used for input/output, then configuration is simplified, but data destruction may occur during output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the bidirectional conveying unit by adjusting its internal resistance based on operational mode. During input operations, the internal resistance is set to one value, and during output operations, it is set to a different value. This dynamic adjustment prevents data destruction while using a common signal line, as the resistance change ensures proper voltage levels and signal integrity for each operation type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the internal resistance parameter of the bidirectional conveying unit depending on whether input or output operation is being performed. This parameter change allows the same physical component to safely perform both functions without causing data destruction, maintaining reliability while using a simplified common signal line configuration.
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
This solution allows for simple and reliable input/output operations of digital signals in the holding unit, reducing the complexity of the image pickup element configuration and preventing data malfunctions during output.
Implementation Method 1
a bidirectional conveying unit that inputs a digital signal into the holding unit, and reads the held digital signal; and a control unit that controls internal resistance of the bidirectional conveying unit to be set at a value that differs between when the holding unit is caused to hold the digital signal, and when the held digital signal is read from the holding unit
Data Source
AI summary
A analog-digital conversion device is provided with a comparison unit, a holding unit, a bidirectional conveying unit, and a control unit. The comparison unit compares an input signal with a reference signal. The holding unit holds a digital signal corresponding to the reference signal in the timing in which a result of the comparison has changed. The bidirectional conveying unit inputs a digital signal into the holding unit to cause the holding unit to hold the digital signal, and reads the held digital signal as a result of analog-digital conversion for the input signal. The control unit controls internal resistance of the bidirectional conveying unit to be set at a value that differs between when the holding unit is caused to hold the digital signal, and when the held digital signal is read from the holding unit.