Charge Multiplying Solid-State Imaging Device Feed-Forward Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solid-state imaging devices, such as EM-CCDs, face challenges in accurately controlling the multiplication factor of their multiplication register units to match the dynamic range with the intensity distribution of incident light, particularly in applications like spectrometers, due to reliance on feedback control based on previous read-out positions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing feed-forward control of the multiplication factor in real-time using a detection unit and control unit to adjust the charge transfer, allowing for appropriate control of the multiplication factor at the present read-out position, potentially with the aid of a delay register unit to manage charge transfer timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If feedback control is used to control the multiplication factor based on previous read-out position output, then the device can operate with existing control mechanisms, but the multiplication factor cannot be appropriately controlled for present read-out position light intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the charge amount at the present read-out position in advance (before multiplication) and using this information to control the multiplication factor. The detection unit measures the incident light intensity currently, and this detection result is fed forward to control the multiplication register unit, ensuring the multiplication factor is set appropriately before the actual multiplication occurs, thus eliminating the timing delay inherent in feedback control.
2Device complexity
If feedback control is implemented, then the system can maintain operational simplicity, but the dynamic range cannot be appropriately matched to the intensity distribution of incident light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by detecting the charge amount at the present read-out position before multiplication and using this advance information to control the multiplication factor. This feed-forward approach allows the system to adapt the multiplication factor to the actual incident light intensity distribution, properly matching the dynamic range without requiring complex feedback control mechanisms.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the multiplication factor is controlled based on previous timing output, then the existing feedback control structure can be maintained, but appropriate control for present timing light intensity cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the charge amount at the present read-out position in advance and using this detection result to control the multiplication factor before multiplication occurs. This eliminates the timing mismatch between light intensity measurement and multiplication factor application, achieving precise control without destabilizing the overall control structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feed-forward control by detecting the charge amount at the present read-out position and using this information to control the multiplication factor in advance. This approach provides accurate real-time control of the multiplication factor based on actual incident light intensity, improving measurement precision while maintaining control structure stability through a deterministic control flow.
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 approach enables precise matching of the dynamic range of the solid-state imaging device to the intensity distribution of incident light, improving the device's ability to handle varying light intensities effectively.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging area that includes a plurality of photodiodes or the like and generates charges according to the amount of incident light
Implementation Method 2
a multiplication register unit that multiplies the read-out charges, and enables taking an image of weak light by using a charge multiplication effect of the multiplication register unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3
AI summary
A solid-state imaging device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is a charge multiplying solid-state imaging device, and includes an imaging area 10 that generates a charge according to the amount of incident light, an output register unit 20 that receives the charge from the imaging area 10, and a multiplication register unit 28 that multiplies the charge from the output register 20, and performs feed-forward control of the multiplication factor of the multiplication register unit 28 according to the charge amount from the imaging area 10.