Image Sensor Clock Detection Circuit With Low-Power Stable Frequency Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clock frequency detection circuits in image sensors are complex, consuming significant hardware resources and power, and suffer from stability issues.

Innovation Solution

A clock detection circuit utilizing a first AND gate, switch elements, capacitors, a comparator, and a flip-flop, with a frequency-up circuit and signal stabilization unit, to efficiently detect clock frequency with reduced layout area and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If common clock frequency detection circuits are used, then clock frequency detection function is achieved, but hardware resources and power consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclock frequency detection functionVSAvoidhardware resources
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential detection function from complex conventional circuits and implements it using only basic logic gates (AND gate, OR gate, NOT gate) and simple timing components. By removing unnecessary complex components like counters and operational amplifiers, the circuit achieves clock frequency detection with minimal hardware resources while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses simple, easily implementable logic gates and basic timing components instead of complex, resource-intensive circuits. These simple components consume less power and occupy fewer hardware resources, effectively replacing expensive complex circuitry while achieving the same detection function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If common clock frequency detection circuits are used, then clock frequency detection function is achieved, but power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclock frequency detection functionVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes power-intensive components such as operational amplifiers and complex counters, retaining only essential logic gates and simple timing elements. This extraction of unnecessary components dramatically reduces power consumption while preserving the core detection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs low-power logic gates (AND, OR, NOT) and simple capacitive timing circuits instead of high-power components. These simple components have significantly lower power consumption characteristics, enabling reliable clock frequency detection with minimal energy usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If common clock frequency detection circuits are used, then clock frequency detection function is achieved, but circuit stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection functionVSAvoidcircuit stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes unstable complex components and replaces them with inherently stable logic gates and simple RC timing circuits. By eliminating operational amplifiers and complex counters that may introduce instability, the circuit achieves more reliable and stable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses robust logic gates and simple passive components that are known for their stability and reliability. These basic components have well-defined characteristics and are less prone to instability issues compared to complex active circuits, thereby improving overall circuit stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Reliability

If common clock frequency detection circuits are used, then clock frequency detection function is achieved, but layout area increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclock frequency detection functionVSAvoidlayout area
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential detection functionality and implements it with minimal components. By removing unnecessary complex circuitry, the layout area is significantly reduced while maintaining the core detection function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses compact logic gates and simple timing components that occupy minimal silicon area. These basic components have small footprint compared to complex circuits, enabling the detection function to be implemented in a compact layout with minimal area consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS20260051878A1Clock detection method, clock detection circuit, and image sensor
Publication Date: 2026.02.19 SMARTSENS TECH (HK) CO LTD
  • US20260051878A1 patent drawing
  • US20260051878A1 patent drawing
  • US20260051878A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present application provides a clock detection method, a clock detection circuit, and an image sensor, wherein an first AND gate is receiving a first clock signal and an enable signal, a first capacitor is connected to a first switch element, and a second capacitor is connected between the first switch element and ground, the second switch element receives a preset voltage, and the second switch element is connected to the first switch element; a comparator is connected to the second switch element, and a preset voltage end, and an output end of the comparator is connected to a trigger; a trigger end of the trigger is receiving the first clock signal, and the reset end of the trigger is receiving the enable signal, to output a clock detection result signal. The present application enhances the user experience.