Image Sensor Boosting Capacitor Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image sensors face challenges in achieving improved power efficiency and optical charge transmission rates, particularly as they are downsized for various applications.
Innovation Solution
The image sensor incorporates a pixel array with a photoelectric element and a boosting capacitor, controlled by a row driver and a read-out circuit. The controller adjusts the driving voltage of the pixel and manages the boosting control signal to enhance the optical charge transmission rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the image sensor is downsized, then the integration and portability are improved, but the power efficiency and optical charge transmission rate deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage control of the boosting capacitor through multiple control signals (first boosting control signal, second boosting control signal, third boosting control signal) that adjust the capacitor's voltage level based on operational requirements. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize power efficiency at different operating states, resolving the contradiction between miniaturization and power efficiency by enabling adaptive power management in the downsized sensor architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter of the boosting capacitor dynamically by applying different control signals at different times. The controller adjusts the voltage level of the boosting capacitor based on the operational phase (reset phase, charge transfer phase, readout phase), thereby optimizing power efficiency without increasing sensor size. This parameter change strategy allows the downsized sensor to maintain high power efficiency.
2Volume of moving object
If the image sensor is downsized, then the integration and portability are improved, but the optical charge transmission rate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic control of the boosting capacitor voltage to enhance charge transfer efficiency. By adjusting the voltage level of the boosting capacitor in response to control signals during different operational phases, the system maintains high optical charge transmission rates despite the downsized architecture. The dynamic voltage adjustment ensures optimal electric field conditions for charge transfer in the compact sensor design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a first boosting control signal before the reset signal is activated to pre-charge the boosting capacitor to a first voltage level. This preliminary action ensures that the capacitor is ready to provide the necessary voltage boost when charge transfer occurs, thereby maintaining high optical charge transmission rates in the downsized sensor without compromising reliability.
3Reliability
If the boosting capacitor voltage is increased, then the optical charge transmission rate is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic voltage adjustment of the boosting capacitor by applying different control signals at different operational phases. During reset phase, a first boosting control signal maintains a moderate voltage level. During charge transfer phase, a second boosting control signal increases the voltage to enhance charge transmission. During readout phase, a third boosting control signal adjusts the voltage again. This periodic action ensures high charge transmission rates only when needed, minimizing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the voltage parameter of the boosting capacitor based on operational requirements. The controller adjusts the voltage level from a first voltage level during reset to a second voltage level during charge transfer, and to a third voltage level during readout. This parameter change strategy ensures high optical charge transmission rate when needed while reducing power consumption during other phases, resolving the contradiction between transmission rate and power consumption.
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 allows for improved power efficiency and enhanced optical charge transmission rates, leading to better image sensing performance in reduced sizes.
Implementation Method 1
The image sensor generates an image of the object using a photovoltaic element that reacts according to the intensity of light reflected from the object
Implementation Method 2
a boosting capacitor with one electrode connected to a first node to which a charge generated from the photoelectric element is transmitted
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor includes: a pixel including a boosting capacitor with one electrode connected to a first node to which a charge generated from a photoelectric element is transmitted, and outputting a pixel voltage based on the first node; a row driver outputting a reset-signal that resets the first node, a boosting control-signal applied to the other electrode, and a transmission-signal transmitting the charge to the first node; a read-out-circuit receiving the pixel voltage as a first-signal before the transmission-signal is output to the pixel, and receiving the pixel voltage as a second-signal after the transmission-signal is output to the pixel. A controller controlling the row driver to change the boosting control-signal from a first-level to a second-level lower than the first-level after changing the reset-signal from an enable to a disable, and controlling the read-out-circuit to receive the first-signal and the second-signal during which the boosting control-signal is at the second-level.