Color Matching Image Sensor Circuit for Low-Drop ADC Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image sensors experience signal loss and accuracy issues due to voltage drops caused by switch resistance during color matching operations, which affect the linearity of analog signals converted to digital signals.
Innovation Solution
A color matching circuit that dynamically controls switch states based on pixel color to separate current and voltage components of analog signals, routing them through distinct paths to minimize voltage drop influence on the voltage component, ensuring accurate digital conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If switches are used in the color matching circuit to route analog pixel signals, then color matching operation can be performed, but voltage drop occurs due to switch resistance causing signal loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the color matching circuit into multiple independent switch sets (first switch set and second switch set) that operate separately for different color components. Each switch set handles specific color channels, allowing selective routing that minimizes the number of switches in the signal path and reduces cumulative resistance effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a path controller as an intermediary that dynamically manages switch states based on the color information of incoming pixel signals. The path controller determines optimal routing paths through the switch sets, ensuring that signals pass through minimal resistance paths while still achieving the required color matching function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If switches are used to perform color matching operations on analog signals, then color-specific routing is achieved, but linearity of analog signals deteriorates due to voltage drop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic switch control where the path controller continuously adjusts switch states based on the color content of incoming pixel signals. This dynamic adaptation allows the circuit to optimize its routing configuration in real-time, minimizing voltage drop effects while maintaining color-specific routing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the switch sets by controlling their on-off states dynamically. The path controller modifies which switches are conductive based on the color information, effectively changing the electrical path parameters to minimize resistance and maintain signal linearity for different color components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches are used in the color matching circuit, then comprehensive color control is achieved, but resistance loss increases affecting conversion accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the color control function into separate switch sets for different color components (e.g., one switch set for green channel, another for other colors). This segmentation allows each switch set to handle fewer switches in series, reducing total resistance while maintaining comprehensive color control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different switch configurations to different color channels based on their specific requirements. The path controller determines which switch sets to activate based on the local color information, optimizing the resistance path for each color component individually rather than using a uniform switch configuration for all colors.
Data Source
AI summary
A color matching circuit of an image sensor includes a receiving end configured to receive an analog pixel signal. The color matching circuit also includes a path controller including a first switch set configured to control current paths between a common node coupled to the receiving end and power sources and a second switch set configured to control signal paths between the common node and analog-to-digital converters, the path controller being configured to determine on-off states of switches included in the first switch set and the second switch set based on a color corresponding to the analog pixel signal. The path controller transfers the analog pixel signal to a target analog-to-digital converter determined depending on the on-off states of the switches, among the analog-to-digital converters.