Image Sensor Data Transfer Circuit for High-Speed Bit Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solid-state imaging devices face challenges in efficiently transferring data at high speeds due to smaller column pitches, which can lead to signal integrity issues and potential short circuits during data transfer.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a data transfer circuit with serially connected multiplexers and counters, controlled by specific logic states of control signals, allows for selective output of digital signals, minimizing the risk of short circuits and enabling high-speed data transfer in image sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data transfer is performed in parallel units, then transfer speed is improved, but risk of short circuit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The data transfer circuit is segmented into multiple serially connected multiplexers, each handling individual bit transfer. This segmentation allows controlled sequential access to data bits, maintaining high transfer speed while preventing short circuits through isolated transfer paths for each bit position.
Solution Approach 2:
Serially connected multiplexers act as intermediary components between the data source and destination. Each multiplexer selectively transfers individual bits in sequence, mediating the data flow to achieve high-speed transfer while maintaining signal integrity and preventing short circuits through controlled switching.
2Quantity of substance
If column pitch is reduced, then pixel density is improved, but signal integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The data transfer path is segmented into multiple serial multiplexer stages, creating isolated transfer channels for each bit. This segmentation maintains signal integrity by preventing interference between adjacent signal lines, enabling reliable operation in compact designs with reduced column pitch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from parallel data transfer to serial transfer through multiple stages, effectively changing the dimensional approach to data movement. This allows compact spatial arrangement with reduced column pitch while maintaining signal integrity through sequential bit-by-bit transfer.
3Reliability
If serial connection of multiplexers is used, then short circuit risk is reduced, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each multiplexer in the serial chain is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple bit positions through selective switching. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated circuits for each bit, thereby limiting overall circuit complexity while maintaining reliable serial transfer and short circuit prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit utilizes parameter changes in control signals to selectively activate specific multiplexer paths for each bit position. By dynamically changing control parameters rather than using fixed dedicated paths, the design achieves reliable serial transfer with minimized circuit complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor is provided. The image sensor includes a converter configured to convert a photoelectric converted analog signal in a unit pixel into a digital signal including a plurality of bits, a data transfer unit configured to selectively output the converted digital signal output from the converter in units of bits in response to a control signal, and including a plurality of switching circuits which are serially connected; and a memory configured to store data output from the data transfer unit.