CMOS Image Sensor Timing Signal Generator Using ASISP
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional timing signal generators in CMOS image sensors are large, power-consuming, and inflexible, requiring significant hardware changes for function modifications or additions, limiting their extensibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A timing signal generator based on an Application Specific Instruction Set Processor (ASISP) that combines hardware and software to generate timing signals, utilizing a microprocessor and SRAM for software-based signal generation and control, reducing circuit size and power consumption while enabling flexible function modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a timing signal generator uses many registers, counters, and comparators to generate timing signals, then the timing signal generation capability is improved, but the circuit size and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional hardware-based timing signal generator (using registers, counters, and comparators) with a software-based implementation on a microprocessor. This substitution of mechanical/hardware system with a software-based system significantly reduces circuit size while maintaining timing signal generation capability. The microprocessor executes software programs to generate timing signals, eliminating the need for dedicated hardware components.
2Reliability
If a timing signal generator uses many registers, counters, and comparators to generate timing signals, then the timing signal generation capability is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional hardware-based timing signal generator with a software-based implementation on a microprocessor. This substitution significantly reduces power consumption because the microprocessor can enter low-power states between timing signal generation tasks, and the software can be optimized to minimize active circuit operations. The hardware-only approach requires continuous power to maintain the state of multiple registers, counters, and comparators.
3Reliability
If the timing signal generator has all functions implemented in hardware, then the timing signal generation is reliable, but the functional extensibility and flexibility are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic architecture where the timing signal generator's functionality is determined by software programs rather than fixed hardware. This allows the system to adapt and change its behavior through software updates without any hardware modifications. The microprocessor can execute different software routines to generate various timing signals for different processing blocks, providing high functional extensibility and flexibility while maintaining reliability through software-controlled precision.
4Reliability
If the timing signal generator has a large and complicated circuit structure to support testing functions, then the testing capability is improved, but the realization time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hardware-based testing functions with software-based testing capabilities on the microprocessor. This allows testing functions to be added or modified through software updates without increasing hardware complexity or realization time. The software can simulate various testing scenarios and control the timing signal generator's behavior for testing purposes, eliminating the need for additional hardware circuits dedicated to testing.
Data Source
AI summary
A CMOS image sensor includes a hardware-implemented timing signal generation module that generates a timing signal based on a timing pattern generated by a software-implemented timing pattern generation and control module.