Charge Multiplication Amplifier with Static Biasing for Linear Signal Gain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art charge multiplication devices in semiconductor amplifiers require high-frequency clock sources and lack linear amplification due to modulation by accumulated charge, leading to instability and noise in CCD image sensors.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a charge-biasing facility with static electric potentials (DC1 and DC2) between clock electrodes, along with pulsed control electrodes, to control and stabilize the electric field strength in the impact ionization region, separating amplification from gating and storage aspects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high-frequency clock sources are used to control voltages in the multiplication stage, then charge multiplication and amplification can be achieved, but device complexity and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional sections: an image sensor section for charge generation, a multiplication section with impact ionization facilities for charge amplification, and a readout section for signal detection. This segmentation allows each section to operate independently with optimized control, eliminating the need for complex high-frequency clock sources to coordinate multiple stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiplication function is extracted into a dedicated impact ionization facility separate from the clocked register structure. By positioning the impact ionization facility between clock electrodes and providing it with static electric potentials, the multiplication process is decoupled from the clocking mechanism, reducing the complexity of voltage control while maintaining amplification capability.
2Power
If dynamic voltages are used for charge multiplication in the output register, then charge amplification occurs, but linear amplification is compromised due to modulation by accumulated charge
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the device employ different voltage regimes: the impact ionization facility uses static electric potentials (DC1, DC2) to create a stable multiplication region, while the clock electrodes use dynamic voltages for charge transport. This local differentiation ensures that the multiplication process occurs in a stable, linear regime不受modulation by accumulated charge.
Solution Approach 2:
The impact ionization facility is maintained at static electric potentials during the multiplication process, creating an equipotential environment that prevents modulation by accumulated charge. This static potential regime ensures consistent electric field strength and linear amplification, independent of the charge packet being amplified.
3Stability of the object's composition
If static electric potentials are used to control the impact ionization facility, then amplification stability and linearity improve, but device complexity increases due to additional electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The clock electrodes serve dual functions: they provide the dynamic voltages necessary for charge transport through the register while also serving as the structure upon which static potentials are applied to the impact ionization facility. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate electrode structures needed, offsetting the complexity of adding static potential control.
4Manufacturing precision
If the impact ionization facility is positioned between clock electrodes with static potentials, then modulation effects are reduced, but the electric field control becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The static potentials DC1 and DC2 applied to the impact ionization facility act as intermediary control elements that mediate between the dynamic clock electrode voltages and the charge multiplication process. These static potentials create a stable electric field environment that is relatively insensitive to variations in the dynamic clock voltages, simplifying the overall electric field control while maintaining amplification linearity.
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 provides stable and linear charge amplification, reducing the need for high-frequency clock sources and minimizing noise, allowing for precise control of the electric field strength and improved operational stability in semiconductor charge multiplication amplifiers.
Implementation Method 1
an impact ionization facility for by means of applying an electric field strength multiplying the charge carriers during their transport from the image section to the output section
Data Source
AI summary
A charge multiplication amplifier device comprises a series arrangement of a first separation barrier facility, a temporary storage well for charge carriers, a second charge transfer barrier facility, an impact ionization facility that is operative through electric field strength effective on mobile charge carriers, and a charge collection well for receiving charge carriers so multiplied.Advantageously, the device comprises a charge collection and transfer facility (32) that is geometrically disposed next to the impact ionization facility (31) whereas impact ionization facility is controlled at a substantially static electric potential (DC1, DC2) for controlling the electric field strength.Advantageously, another embodiment of this device comprises charge collection and transfer facilities (41, 42) implemented as two (or more) independently clocked signals Φ1, Φ2 that require nearly two times less swing to achieve same effect.