Image Sensor Voltage and Temperature Feedback for Stable CMOS Operation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CMOS image sensors rely on external power management, which can lead to inefficiencies in voltage regulation and temperature monitoring, affecting their performance and operational stability.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor chip with an internal voltage generator, temperature sensor, selection circuit, and digital code generation circuit that feeds back voltage and temperature information to an external voltage supply device, allowing for dynamic adjustment of voltages and temperature monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external power management is used for voltage regulation, then the image sensor can operate with external voltage supply, but voltage regulation efficiency deteriorates and operational stability is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor chip includes an internal voltage generator that autonomously generates internal voltages using the external voltage as input. This self-service mechanism eliminates dependence on external power management for voltage regulation, improving both voltage regulation efficiency and operational stability while maintaining the ability to receive external voltage supply.
2Productivity
If external power management is used, then the system structure remains simple, but temperature monitoring efficiency and performance optimization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor and voltage feedback circuits are integrated directly into the image sensor chip structure. This merging of functions allows real-time temperature monitoring and voltage feedback to occur within the sensor itself, enhancing performance optimization without requiring separate external monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback circuits that provide real-time information about internal voltages and temperature to external controllers. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic adjustment and optimization of sensor performance based on actual operating conditions, significantly improving productivity and performance optimization capabilities.
3Reliability
If real-time feedback of voltage and temperature is implemented, then operational stability and performance are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The internal voltage generator serves multiple functions: it generates internal operating voltages for the sensor circuits and simultaneously provides a source for feedback about voltage conditions. The temperature sensor similarly provides both monitoring capability and feedback information. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated feedback components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining improved operational stability.
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 solution enhances the performance and stability of CMOS image sensors by enabling real-time feedback and adjustment of voltages and temperature, optimizing their operation and improving image processing systems.
Implementation Method 1
an internal voltage generator for generating internal voltages using an external voltage received at a first terminal of the image sensor chip
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor for generating a temperature voltage
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor chip includes an internal voltage generator for generating internal voltages using an external voltage received at a first terminal of the image sensor chip, a temperature sensor for generating a temperature voltage, a selection circuit for outputting one of the external voltage, the internal voltages, and the temperature voltage, a digital code generation circuit for generating a digital code using an output voltage of the selection circuit, and a second terminal for outputting the digital code from the image sensor chip.