Dynamic Bias Current Scaling in Image Sensor Analog Circuits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods fail to effectively reduce power consumption in analog and mixed signal circuits of portable devices, such as camera phones, which limits battery life and device attractiveness.

Innovation Solution

Dynamic bias current scaling for analog and mixed signal circuits in image sensor devices, adjusting current levels based on the device's mode of operation to optimize power usage without compromising performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high bias current is applied to analog circuits, then signal processing performance is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal processing performanceVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic bias current scaling that adjusts the bias current level according to the operational mode. During still image capture, higher bias current maintains optimal signal processing performance, while during video recording or lower-performance modes, the bias current is reduced to decrease power consumption while maintaining adequate performance for the application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different bias current levels to different operational modes and potentially different circuit blocks within the analog signal processing chain. This allows each circuit to operate with the minimum necessary current for its specific function and operating condition, optimizing the balance between performance and power consumption locally rather than uniformly across the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Use of energy by moving object

If bias current is reduced in analog circuits, then power consumption decreases, but signal processing capability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumption of analog circuitsVSAvoidsignal processing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic bias current scaling that responds to operational mode changes. The bias current is reduced only when the operating mode permits (such as during video recording or lower-resolution modes), while maintaining higher current levels during still image capture when maximum performance is required. This dynamic adaptation ensures power savings without permanently compromising signal processing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic or mode-based adjustment of bias current levels, switching between high and low current states according to the operational requirements. This allows the system to alternate between power-efficient operation and high-performance operation based on the current task, achieving overall power reduction while maintaining necessary capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS7755698B2Systems and methods for dynamic current scaling of analog functions in an imager
Publication Date: 2010.07.13 TRANSCHIP ISRAEL
  • US7755698B2 patent drawing
  • US7755698B2 patent drawing
  • US7755698B2 patent drawing

AI summary

According to the invention, a system for dynamically scaling bias current on an imaging system is disclosed. In the invention an image sensor capable of producing at least a two-dimensional image and capable of at least two modes of operation is equipped with a control unit. The control unit determines a digital output for each of the modes of operation of the imaging system and outputs the digital outputs to a converter. The converter converts the digital output from the control unit to a bias current and provides this output to an analog and or mixed signal circuit associated with the imaging system that has operating characteristics that may be varied by the application of different bias currents.