Image Sensor Assist Signal Line for Parasitic Capacitance Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image sensors face challenges in reducing the adverse effects of parasitic capacitance, which hinder the shortening of Vertical Signal Line (VSL) voltage setting time, thereby limiting the speed of the image sensor.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor configuration that includes an assist signal line adjacent to the VSL, capacitively coupled to it, and a signal control unit that causes a similar signal to flow through the assist signal line, mimicking the VSL signal, to mitigate the effects of parasitic capacitance without feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a replica circuit with feedback is used to reduce parasitic capacitance effects, then the setting time of VSL voltage is shortened, but the circuit design becomes more complex and convergence problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an assist signal line as an intermediary element that is capacitively coupled to the VSL. This assist signal line carries a similar signal that mediates the effect of parasitic capacitance without requiring complex feedback circuits. The capacitive coupling allows the assist signal to influence the VSL voltage setting process, effectively reducing the setting time while avoiding the convergence problems associated with feedback-based replica circuits.
2Reliability
If the VSL length is increased to improve signal transmission, then the signal quality improves, but the parasitic capacitance effect increases and setting time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the VSL signal by generating a similar signal that flows through the assist signal line. This copied signal is capacitively coupled to the VSL and helps drive the VSL voltage to its target level more quickly. By having this additional capacitive drive from the assist signal line, the setting time is reduced without needing to change the physical VSL length, thus maintaining signal transmission quality while improving speed.
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 effectively reduces the adverse effects of parasitic capacitance, allowing for faster VSL voltage setting times and improved image sensor speed.
Implementation Method 1
an assist signal line that is adjacent to the VSL and placed along the VSL
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology relates to an image sensor, an electronic apparatus, a signal transmission system, and a control method that are capable of easily reducing adverse effects of a parasitic capacitance. An assist signal line is adjacent to a VSL and placed along the VSL, a signal output from a pixel flowing through the VSL, and a signal control unit causes a similar signal to flow through the assist signal line, the similar signal having a similarity to a signal that flows through the VSL. The present technology is applicable to, for example, an image sensor including a VSL through which a signal output from a pixel flows, and a signal transmission system including a transmission path through which a signal flows.