Avalanche Photodiode Voltage Control for Standby Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photoelectric conversion apparatuses do not adequately address the issue that occurs in a standby state where the charge unit and power source are disconnected, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A photoelectric conversion apparatus is designed with an avalanche photodiode, multiple power sources, a charge unit, and a voltage control unit. The voltage control unit is connected to the avalanche photodiode and controlled by a third power source, ensuring stable voltage levels and preventing excessive drop during photon incidence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the charge unit and power source are disconnected in standby state, then power consumption is reduced, but voltage stability deteriorates and the apparatus may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
A voltage control unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the power source and the avalanche photodiode. This voltage control unit includes a control transistor that actively regulates the voltage at the first terminal, preventing excessive voltage drops during standby state while maintaining proper voltage levels when photons are detected, thus resolving the contradiction between power saving and voltage stability
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage control unit implements a feedback mechanism where the voltage at the first terminal is continuously monitored and regulated. When the voltage drops below a threshold during standby state, the control transistor activates to restore the voltage, ensuring stable operation without continuous power consumption, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing energy loss
2Productivity
If the voltage at the first terminal drops excessively during high illumination, then the photoelectric conversion efficiency is improved, but the apparatus may be damaged due to voltage instability
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage control unit provides beforehand cushioning by pre-establishing voltage regulation capability before voltage instability can occur. The control transistor is positioned to immediately counteract excessive voltage drops at the first terminal during high illumination conditions, preventing damage while allowing sufficient voltage variation for photoelectric conversion to occur
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 apparatus effectively manages voltage fluctuations and prevents damage by maintaining stable cathode voltage levels, even during high illumination conditions, thereby enhancing the stability and performance of the photoelectric conversion apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
Avalanche multiplication caused by photocharges generated by photon incidence on the APD is utilized to execute single photon level photodetection in each pixel
Implementation Method 2
Avalanche multiplication caused by photocharges generated by photon incidence on the APD is utilized to execute single photon level photodetection in each pixel
Data Source
AI summary
A photoelectric conversion apparatus includes an avalanche photodiode having a first terminal and a second terminal, a first power source connected to the first terminal, a second power source connected to the second terminal, a charge unit configured to control a voltage of the first terminal, a voltage control unit connected to the first terminal and configured to control a voltage of the first terminal in accordance with a voltage of the first terminal, and a third power source connected with the voltage control unit.