Beam Steering Wiring Step Structure for Pixel Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beam steering apparatuses for LiDAR devices in advanced driving assistance systems face challenges in efficiently connecting driving pixels to light modulators due to differences in size and structure, which affects the precision and cost-effectiveness of light modulation and beam steering.
Innovation Solution
A beam steering apparatus with a wiring structure featuring a step configuration of conductive wires connecting driving pixels to light modulators, allowing for efficient electrical connection and independent voltage or current application to each pixel, utilizing materials like aluminum, copper, and tungsten, and including a light modulator with a distributed Bragg reflector, grating reflector, and refractive index conversion layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wiring structure connects driving pixels to light modulators, then electrical connection is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to size and structure differences between pixels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a step structure in the wiring layer that creates vertical dimensional variations to accommodate the size difference between driving pixels and light modulator pixels. The wiring layer includes a first wiring region at a first level and a second wiring region at a second level, forming a stepped configuration that bridges the size mismatch between the two pixel types, thereby simplifying the overall wiring structure while maintaining reliable electrical connections.
2Ease of manufacture
If pixel sizes are standardized, then manufacturing is simplified, but design flexibility and field of view are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pixel array into distinct segments: driving pixels and light modulator pixels, each with different size characteristics. This segmentation allows each pixel type to be optimized independently for its specific function while the step wiring structure provides a standardized connection method between them, thus maintaining both manufacturing simplicity and design flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different size specifications to different regions of the pixel array. Driving pixels have one size optimized for voltage supply, while light modulator pixels have another size optimized for light modulation performance. The step wiring structure locally adapts to these different size requirements, enabling optimal performance in each region without compromising overall manufacturability.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex wiring structures are used to connect different sized pixels, then connection precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The step wiring structure utilizes vertical layering to achieve precise alignment between driving pixels and light modulator pixels. By creating a stepped configuration with wiring layers at different levels, the patent achieves high connection precision without requiring complex lateral routing or additional alignment mechanisms, thereby controlling manufacturing costs.
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 configuration enhances the precision of light modulation, increases the degree of freedom in selecting pixel sizes, reduces manufacturing costs, and improves the field of view and reflectivity of the LiDAR system.
Implementation Method 1
a light modulator including a plurality of pixels corresponding to the plurality of driving pixels, each pixel of the plurality of pixels being configured to modulate incident light
Implementation Method 2
The light modulator may include a distributed Bragg reflector, a grating reflector, and a cavity provided between the distributed Bragg reflector and the grating reflector
Implementation Method 3
A refractive index of the grating reflector may change based on heat or a voltage applied to the grating reflector
Implementation Method 4
A refractive index of the grating reflector may change based on heat or a voltage applied to the grating reflector
Implementation Method 5
a wiring layer including a wiring structure configured to electrically connect the plurality of driving pixels to the plurality of pixels
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a beam steering apparatus including a driving pixel unit including a plurality of driving pixels that are respectively configured to supply a voltage or a current, a light modulator including a plurality of pixels corresponding to the plurality of driving pixels, each pixel of the plurality of pixels being configured to modulate incident light, and a wiring layer including a wiring structure configured to electrically connect the plurality of driving pixels to the plurality of pixels, wherein the wiring structure includes a first conductive wire connected to the plurality of driving pixels, a second conductive wire connected to the plurality of pixels, and at least one third conductive wire connected between the first conductive wire and the second conductive wire, and wherein the first conductive wire, the second conductive wire, and the at least one third conductive wire form a step structure.