Avalanche Photodiode Counting Control to Cut Excess Detection Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Photon-count type photoelectric conversion devices face issues with high power consumption and unstable circuit operations due to excessive photon detection operations and limited photon counting capabilities, leading to unnecessary power consumption and potential voltage drops.
Innovation Solution
A photoelectric conversion device incorporating an avalanche multiplying photodiode with a control unit that manages the applied voltage to stop avalanche current generation when a predetermined count value is reached, reducing power consumption and stabilizing circuit operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the photoelectric conversion device continues to detect photons until the end of the exposure period even when the upper count limit value is reached, then the counting function is maintained, but unnecessary power consumption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The counter provides feedback to the control unit when the count value reaches the upper count limit value. The control unit then controls the signal generation unit to stop generating avalanche current, creating a feedback loop that prevents unnecessary power consumption while maintaining counting accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is configured to stop the generation of avalanche current in advance when the count value reaches the upper count limit value, before the exposure period ends. This preliminary action prevents unnecessary power consumption during the remaining exposure time.
2Productivity
If the frequency of photon detection operations is increased, then the photon counting capability is improved, but the power supply voltage drops due to increased current and interconnection resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives feedback from the counter about the count value and adjusts the avalanche current generation accordingly. This feedback mechanism prevents excessive current draw that would cause voltage drops, maintaining circuit operation stability while maximizing photon counting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the avalanche current generation based on the real-time count value. When the upper count limit is reached, the system transitions from active photon detection to a low-power state, optimizing both productivity and reliability under varying 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 effectively reduces power consumption and improves circuit stability by controlling avalanche current generation based on count value thresholds, minimizing unnecessary operations and voltage drops.
Implementation Method 1
an avalanche multiplying photodiode that generates an avalanche current when a photon enters
Data Source
AI summary
A photoelectric conversion device includes an avalanche multiplying photodiode, a signal generation unit that includes a control unit configured to control an applied voltage to the photodiode and generates a photon detection pulse based on an output generated by incidence of a photon to the photodiode, and a counter that counts the photon detection pulse output from the signal generation unit, and the counter outputs a setting value detection signal when a count value of the photon detection pulse reaches a predetermined setting value, and in response to receiving the setting value detection signal, the control unit controls the applied voltage to the photodiode so as to stop generation of an avalanche current in the photodiode.