Direct ToF Photodetector Sampling With Alternating Clock Phases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Photodetectors using the direct ToF method face high peak power during sampling operations due to high-speed data acquisition, which complicates power supply and timing design.
Innovation Solution
A photodetector with multiple pixels and a sampling circuit that samples light reception data using multiple clock signals with different phases synchronized with a trigger signal, reducing peak power by alternating clock signal phases with each trigger input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light reception data is sampled in parallel with multiple clock phases to achieve high-speed data acquisition, then measurement precision is improved, but peak power increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sampling operation into sequential phases rather than parallel processing. Multiple sampling circuits are configured to sample data at different time intervals (first sampling timing, second sampling timing, etc.), segmenting the overall sampling process to avoid simultaneous high-power consumption while maintaining comprehensive data acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic sampling operations where different sampling circuits operate at different periods. The sampling circuits are controlled by clock signals with different phases, creating a periodic sampling pattern that distributes power consumption over time rather than concentrating it at a single moment, thereby reducing peak power while maintaining measurement precision.
2Productivity
If high-speed sampling operation is performed to maintain productivity, then data acquisition efficiency is improved, but power supply design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling operation is segmented across multiple time intervals with different sampling circuits active at different times. This segmentation allows the power supply to be designed for lower peak current requirements while still achieving high data acquisition throughput, simplifying the power supply design compared to supporting simultaneous high-speed parallel sampling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary clock signal phase shifting to control the timing of sampling operations. By pre-establishing different clock phases for different sampling circuits, the system can efficiently manage power consumption patterns, allowing the power supply to be designed with more predictable and lower peak requirements, thus reducing design complexity.
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
Reduces peak power during sampling operations, simplifying power supply and timing design while maintaining efficient data acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
uses an element that generates a signal in response to reception of a photon as a light receiving element
Data Source
AI summary
A photodetector of the present disclosure includes multiple pixels including a light receiving element, and a sampling circuit that is provided corresponding to the multiple pixels, and samples light reception data output from the pixel on the basis of multiple clock signals having different phases, in synchronization with input of a trigger signal. The sampling circuit switches the phase of the clock signal every time a trigger signal is input. Additionally, a distance measuring device of the present disclosure includes a light source that irradiates an object to be measured with light and a photodetector that detects light reflected by the object to be measured. As the photodetector, a photodetector having the above configuration is used.