Amplifier Circuit Area Reduction via Feedback Transistor

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing photon-counting radiation detectors require a separate regulator circuit with an oscillation detector and ramp generator for each amplifier, leading to increased circuit area.

Innovation Solution

An amplifier configuration that includes an inverting amplification unit, a feedback transistor, and a pulse measurement unit capable of supplying an output signal to the feedback transistor, allowing for regulation of the gate voltage to prevent oscillation without the need for a separate regulator circuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate regulator circuit including oscillation detector and ramp generator is provided for each amplifier, then the gate voltage can be regulated to prevent oscillation, but the circuit area of the amplifier is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoscillation preventionVSAvoidcircuit area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the regulator circuit functions with the amplifier by having the pulse measurement unit supply its output signal to the feedback transistor. This integration eliminates the need for separate regulator circuits while maintaining oscillation prevention capability through shared circuit elements and signal paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pulse measurement unit is designed to serve dual purposes: generating pulse signals for radiation detection and simultaneously providing feedback signals for oscillation regulation. This multi-functionality allows a single circuit component to perform multiple roles, reducing overall circuit area while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If transistor other than MOSFET (e.g., TFT) is used in the amplifier, then the amplifier can be configured with different transistor types, but a regulator circuit is necessary which increases circuit area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransistor type flexibilityVSAvoidcircuit area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the regulator functionality into the amplifier structure by utilizing the feedback transistor connection. This allows different transistor types (MOSFET, TFT, etc.) to be used in the amplifier while maintaining regulation capability through the integrated feedback mechanism, eliminating the need for separate regulator circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The amplifier circuit regulates its own gate voltage through the feedback mechanism where the pulse measurement unit supplies output signals to the feedback transistor. This self-regulation capability eliminates the need for external regulator circuits, allowing versatile transistor type selection without increasing circuit area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11146222B2Amplifier, radiation detector, and radiation detector control method

Publication Date: 2021.10.12 SHARP KK

AI summary

The circuit area of an amplifier provided in a photon-counting radiation detector is decreased compared with the related art. A pulse amplification measurement circuit includes: an inverting amplification circuit that inverts and amplifies an input signal to generate an inverted amplified output; a feedback transistor that connects an input unit and an output unit of the inverting amplification circuit to each other; and a pulse measurement circuit that generates an output signal corresponding to the number of pulses of the inverted amplified output. The pulse measurement circuit is capable of supplying the output signal toward the feedback transistor.