Image Pickup Apparatus Bypass Wiring for Low Capacitance Signal Addition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image pickup apparatuses face challenges in achieving a high charge-to-voltage conversion factor due to increased capacitance when electric charges from multiple floating diffusion parts are combined, making it difficult to effectively convert electric charges into voltage.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a configuration where each floating diffusion part is connected to a bypass wiring via a switch, allowing for controlled electrical connections between FD parts, reducing capacitance and enabling efficient charge-to-voltage conversion by adding signals from multiple FD parts through a common bypass wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple FD parts are electrically connected via FD-part connection switches to add signals, then signal addition capability is improved, but capacitance of the charge-voltage conversion unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal addition path by introducing a bypass wiring that connects to multiple second nodes of switches. This allows different groups of pixels to be added through different bypass paths, enabling signal addition while maintaining lower capacitance per conversion unit compared to fully interconnected FD-part connection switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional approach by adding a bypass wiring dimension that runs parallel to the traditional FD-part connection path. This bypass wiring connects to second nodes of switches, creating an additional pathway for signal addition that reduces the capacitance burden on individual charge-voltage conversion units.
2Measurement precision
If capacitance of the charge-voltage conversion unit is reduced, then charge-to-voltage conversion factor is improved, but signal addition capability may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass wiring serves multiple functions: it enables signal addition for different pixel groups through different switch combinations, provides alternative signal paths, and maintains charge-to-voltage conversion capability with reduced capacitance. This multi-functional design allows the system to achieve both low capacitance and versatile signal addition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic signal routing where switches can be selectively activated to connect different pixel groups to the bypass wiring. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt the signal addition capability to different operational requirements while maintaining optimized capacitance levels for charge-to-voltage conversion.
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 configuration reduces the capacitance of the charge-voltage conversion unit, allowing for improved charge-to-voltage conversion and increased sensitivity in the image pickup process, enabling better light dynamic range and reduced noise.
Implementation Method 1
an electric charge generated in a photoelectric conversion unit is transferred
Data Source
AI summary
An image pickup apparatus includes a plurality of pixels each including a read-out node to which an electric charge generated in a photoelectric conversion unit is transferred, an output unit configured to convert the electric charge transferred to the read-out node into a voltage and output the resultant voltage to a signal line, and a switch including a first node electrically connected to the read-out node. Each switch includes a second node different from the first node, and a particular number of second nodes are electrically connected to a common bypass wiring.