Image Sensor Power Layout Using DCDC Stepdown on Flexible PCB
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increase in current flowing through flexible circuit boards in image capturing apparatuses due to higher reading speeds and pixel counts leads to image quality deterioration and magnetic radiation issues, which existing power supply methods fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing apparatus with a first circuit board, a second circuit board connected to the first and supplied by a main circuit board, and a flexible circuit board using a DCDC converter with an inductor to step down voltage from the main circuit board to the image sensor, reducing current flow and magnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the reading speed of the image sensor and the number of pixels are increased, then the image quality is improved, but the current flowing through the flexible circuit board increases causing magnetic radiation and heat generation that deteriorate image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two independent circuits: a first power supply circuit that supplies power directly to the image sensor, and a second power supply circuit that supplies power to other components. This segmentation allows the flexible circuit board to carry only the current necessary for the image sensor, reducing total current flow and associated magnetic radiation while maintaining high reading speeds and pixel counts for image quality
Solution Approach 2:
A second power supply circuit is introduced as an intermediary to supply power to components other than the image sensor. This intermediary power supply path prevents the need to route all power through the flexible circuit board, thereby reducing the current burden on this critical connection and minimizing magnetic radiation and heat generation that would otherwise deteriorate image quality
2Productivity
If the current flowing through the flexible circuit board is increased to support higher reading speeds and pixel counts, then the image sensor performance is improved, but the wiring width must be increased and thickness reduced which complicates the flexible circuit board design
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply load is segmented between two circuits, with the flexible circuit board carrying only the image sensor's power requirements. This segmentation allows the flexible circuit board to maintain narrow wiring width and thin thickness while still supporting high reading speeds and pixel counts, as the total current burden is distributed across multiple power supply paths rather than concentrated in a single board
3Ease of operation
If the flexible circuit board is made thinner and wiring width is narrowed to allow movement, then the flexibility for camera shake correction is improved, but the current carrying capacity is reduced which limits the power supply to high-performance image sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is divided into two circuits, allowing the flexible circuit board to be optimized for flexibility (thin and narrow) while the second power supply circuit handles additional power requirements. This segmentation enables the thin flexible board to move freely for camera shake correction without compromising the current carrying capacity needed for high-performance image sensors with high reading speeds and pixel counts
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 reduces current flow through the flexible circuit board, minimizing magnetic radiation and heat generation, thereby enhancing image quality and flexibility for camera shake correction mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the stepdown circuit is a DCDC converter including an inductor
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing apparatus includes a first circuit board mounted with an image sensor, a second circuit board that is fixedly connected to the first circuit board and supplies power to the first circuit board, a main circuit board that supplies power to the second circuit board, a flexible circuit board connecting the main circuit board and the second circuit board, wherein the main circuit board supplies a first voltage higher than a voltage at which the image sensor operates to the second circuit board via the flexible circuit board, and the second circuit board includes a stepdown circuit that converts the first voltage into a second voltage lower than the first voltage and outputs the second voltage to the image sensor, and the stepdown circuit is a DCDC converter including an inductor.