Radiation Detector Array Signal Routing via Interleaved Pixel Grouping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation sensors face challenges in efficiently routing signals from detector arrays to readout circuits, leading to limitations in spatial resolution, increased cost, and design complexity, particularly for two-dimensional arrays with high pixel densities, which affects image quality and detector performance in applications like stereotactic radiotherapy.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves grouping pixels into multiple intermixed groups and using a routing circuit with distinct readout connectors, allowing for interchangeable readout modules to be plugged in, enabling flexible spatial resolution configuration and reducing the number of required readout channels by routing signals from each group to separate connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If all pixels are connected to readout circuits through a single PCB with integrated routing, then signal routing is simplified, but the number of required readout channels increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detector array into multiple groups (e.g., first group and second group of pixels) and assigns each group to separate readout connectors. This segmentation reduces the number of channels required per readout circuit while maintaining complete pixel coverage, directly resolving the contradiction between routing simplicity and channel quantity.
2Length of moving object
If readout circuits are located in immediate vicinity to corresponding detectors within each pixel's geometric area, then signal routing distance is minimized, but radiation resistance decreases due to exposure to high radiation dose
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary PCB structure that separates the pixel array from the readout circuits. The PCB acts as a mediator that allows signal transmission while physically isolating the readout circuits from the high radiation environment, resolving the contradiction between minimal routing distance and radiation resistance.
3Measurement precision
If the detector array uses a large number of pixels for high spatial resolution, then image quality improves, but the cost of readout electronics increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pixels into groups that share common readout connectors. By merging the readout requirements of multiple pixels through shared connectors, the system achieves high spatial resolution with reduced readout electronics cost, directly addressing the contradiction between measurement precision and manufacturing cost.
Data Source
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AI summary
A radiation sensor (1) comprises a radiation detector array (21) comprising a plurality of pixels (33, 34); at least two readout connectors (11, 12) having a plurality of contacts, each of said readout connectors being configured for receiving a readout module; a routing circuit (10) having conductors configured for routing electrical signals from each of said plurality of pixels (33,34) to a corresponding contact of one of said readout connector (11,12). The plurality of pixels is grouped in two or more groups of pixels (33, 34), at least two pixels of a first group of pixels (33) being separated by at least one pixel from another group of pixels (34) in the radiation detector array (21). The routing circuit is configured for leading pixels of said first group of pixels (33) to a first readout connector (11), and pixels from said other group of pixels (34) to a second readout connector (12). A corresponding method associated thereto is also disclosed.