Hybrid Matrix Image Sensor Detection Entity Resizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current matrix image sensors with square detection patterns are not adaptable for spectrophotometric and mixed spectrophotometric applications, as they require different row and column pitches for effective light flux collection, leading to increased costs and noise in read signals due to the need for complex electronic components and certification for space use.
Innovation Solution
A method to resize the detection entities of hybrid matrix image sensors by modifying electrical connections between the detection and read circuits, allowing for non-square effective surfaces without adding active components or modifying existing approvals, enabling flexible light flux collection and reduced noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the detection matrix is designed with different row and column pitches (rectangular pattern) to enable effective light flux collection for spectrophotometric applications, then the adaptability for spectrophotometric and mixed applications is improved, but the manufacturing cost and certification complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of the detection matrix by using switching elements (transistors) to selectively connect photosensitive elements to read cells. This allows the effective detection pattern to be dynamically changed between square and rectangular configurations through control signals, enabling the same physical sensor to adapt to different application requirements without physical redesign or recertification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the detection matrix by modifying the electrical connections between photosensitive elements and read cells. By controlling the switching elements, the effective row and column pitches can be changed from equal (square pattern) to different values (rectangular pattern), allowing the sensor to achieve spectrophotometric application adaptability while maintaining the same physical hardware configuration
2Adaptability or versatility
If read signals from multiple neighboring photosensitive elements are combined to achieve effective rectangular pattern, then the adaptability for spectrophotometric applications is improved, but the read noise increases due to combination of individual read noises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple photosensitive elements into a single detection entity by electrically connecting them through switching elements to a common read cell. This merging allows the effective detection area to form rectangular patterns while sharing a single read circuit, thereby combining the light collection capability of multiple elements without multiplying the read noise, since only one read operation is performed for the combined signal
3Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated electronic components are added to combine individual read signals, then the effective rectangular pattern is achieved, but the device complexity and additional certification costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the read cells universal by enabling them to read signals from multiple photosensitive elements through switching elements. The same read cell can serve multiple detection entities, and the switching elements can route signals from different combinations of photosensitive elements to appropriate read cells. This multi-functionality achieves rectangular effective patterns without requiring dedicated combining electronics for each configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by using the existing read cells to perform both individual element reading and combined entity reading through control of the switching elements. The read circuitry automatically adapts to the desired detection pattern through control signals, eliminating the need for separate dedicated combining electronics and reducing overall device 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
This approach allows for cost-effective production of hybrid matrix image sensors with non-square effective surfaces, reducing read noise and enabling characterization of fluctuations in photometric baselines without requiring new space application approvals.
Implementation Method 1
a detection circuit, itself comprising a matrix of photosensitive elements with a row pitch and a column pitch
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
A resizing of detection entities of a hybrid matrix image sensor (100) comprises modifying electrical connections that are carried by a detection circuit (10) and/or a reading circuit (20), and/or assembly elements (30). A plurality of photosensitive elements (111-115) can also be grouped to form a single reading cell (213), in order to obtain resized detection entities that are more suitable for certain image sensor applications. Reading circuit resources can be simultaneously reallocated from reading cells that are no longer used (211, 212, 214, 215) to those (213) that are connected to resized detection entities. Such modifications do not require long, risky or onerous developments, and do not call into question an approval for space use that was already obtained for the image sensor in its initial configuration.