Solid-State Image Pickup Device Multi-Substrate Signal Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid-state image pickup devices require both substrates to read signals, limiting their compatibility with multiple signal reading modes and increasing complexity, as they cannot function with only one substrate for different reading modes.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state image pickup device with multiple substrates electrically coupled, where circuit elements on one substrate enable signal generation and reading through various modes, including global and rolling shutter operations, using a single substrate for specific modes by arranging necessary circuit elements for each mode on that substrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If both substrates are required to read signals in existing solid-state image pickup devices, then signal reading functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases and compatibility with multiple signal reading modes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the signal reading functionality into separate circuit sets (first circuit set for first reading mode, second circuit set for second reading mode) that can be independently configured on one or both substrates. This segmentation allows each substrate to be optimized for specific reading modes while maintaining overall system flexibility, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal substrate configuration where one substrate can support multiple reading modes through integrated circuit sets. The first substrate includes both photoelectric conversion elements and multiple circuit sets that enable it to function independently for different reading modes, making the system universally compatible without requiring both substrates for all operations.
2Ease of operation
If circuit elements are distributed across multiple substrates, then signal processing capability is enhanced, but operational flexibility for single-substrate modes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configurability where the system can adaptively select which substrate(s) to use based on the required reading mode. The control circuit dynamically switches between single-substrate and dual-substrate operations, allowing operational flexibility while managing complexity through intelligent resource allocation rather than fixed hardware constraints.
3Measurement precision
If analog memories with larger capacitance are used to reduce noise, then signal quality is improved, but device area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality optimization by providing analog memories with larger capacitance specifically in regions where noise reduction is most critical, rather than uniformly increasing capacitance across all memory elements. This localized approach improves signal quality in key areas while minimizing the overall area increase, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device area.
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
Enables compatibility with multiple signal reading modes using either one or both substrates, reducing complexity and improving operational flexibility while maintaining signal quality by using analog memories with larger capacitance to reduce noise.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric conversion element (1A) included in the pixel
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-state image pickup device includes: electrically coupled substrates on which circuit elements constituting a pixel are arranged; a photoelectric conversion element included in the pixel; a reading circuit that reads from the pixel, a signal based on a signal generated by the photoelectric conversion element; and first to n-th circuit sets each including a circuit element that reads a signal by a corresponding one of first to n-th reading modes. n is an integer such that n≧2. The circuit elements arranged on one of the substrates is used to complete operations from generation of the signal by the photoelectric conversion element to reading of the signal by at least one of the first to n-th reading modes. The photoelectric conversion element, the reading circuit, and at least one of the first to n-th circuit sets are arranged on the one of the substrates.