Data Processing Circuit Latch Segmentation for Solid-State Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data processing circuits in solid-state imaging devices face inefficiencies in generating digital signals from multi-phase clock signals, requiring numerous latch circuits and readout switch signals, which increases circuit complexity and processing time.
Innovation Solution
A data processing circuit with a latch portion comprising multiple latch unit groups that selectively hold and output clock signal states, a data selection unit to choose relevant latch unit groups, and a digital generation unit to generate digital signals based on these outputs, potentially incorporating edge detection and delay units to optimize signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional latch circuits and readout switch signals are used to generate digital signals from multi-phase clock signals, then the digital signal generation function is achieved, but the circuit complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latch portion is divided into multiple latch unit groups, where each group contains a specific number of latch units. This segmentation allows the circuit to process multi-phase clock signals in an organized manner, reducing the overall circuit complexity while maintaining the required functionality for digital signal generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The data selection unit dynamically selects which latch unit groups to activate based on the input multi-phase clock signal characteristics. This dynamic selection mechanism enables the circuit to adapt to different signal conditions, reducing processing time by only activating necessary latch units rather than processing all phases uniformly.
2Reliability
If multiple latch circuits are used to hold states of all multi-phase clock signals, then complete signal states are captured, but the number of components and circuit complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the necessary signal state information from the multi-phase clock signals by selectively activating specific latch unit groups. Instead of capturing all possible phase states simultaneously, the data selection unit identifies and extracts only the relevant phases needed for the current conversion operation, thereby reducing the number of latch circuits required while maintaining capture accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit performs partial action by activating only the necessary portion of latch unit groups required for the current conversion task. Rather than fully activating all latch circuits to ensure complete coverage, the data selection unit determines the minimum necessary activation, reducing component usage while maintaining sufficient signal state capture for accurate digital signal generation.
3Measurement precision
If all latch unit groups are activated to process multi-phase clock signals, then comprehensive signal processing is achieved, but the processing time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The data selection unit implements dynamic activation of latch unit groups based on the specific characteristics of the input multi-phase clock signal. This dynamic approach allows the circuit to maintain high measurement precision by activating only the necessary latch units for the current conversion operation, thereby reducing data processing time and energy consumption compared to static full-activation approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the latch portion by selectively controlling which latch unit groups are activated. By adjusting the activation state of different latch unit groups based on the conversion requirements, the circuit achieves optimal balance between digital signal accuracy and processing speed, avoiding the time penalty of always activating all units while maintaining precision when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A data processing circuit that holds a state of a clock signal of each phase of an input multi-phase clock at a timing of an input latch clock, the multi-phase clock including clock signals of a plurality of phases sequentially shifted at certain intervals determined in advance, and generates a digital signal obtained by digitizing the states of the phases of the multi-phase clock at a timing at which the latch clock is input, the data processing circuit including: a latch portion including n latch unit groups (n is an integer of a power of 2) including the same number and a plurality of latch units, each latch unit holding the state of the clock signal of the corresponding phase of the multi-phase clock and outputting an output signal indicating the held state of the clock signal.