Image Sensor Noise Blocking Structure

Solution Overview

Problem

Image sensing devices face challenges in preventing noise generated by logic circuits from leaking and affecting other components, which degrades image quality, especially in high-speed operations.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a noise blocking structure within the image sensing device, comprising a semiconductor substrate with a logic circuit region and a noise blocking structure that includes line-shaped noise blocking films extending in straight lines without bending portions, both horizontally and vertically, to prevent noise leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a logic circuit block is embedded in the image sensing device to process signals, then signal processing capability is improved, but noise is generated that leaks outside and affects other blocks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal processing capabilityVSAvoidnoise leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The noise blocking structure is divided into multiple discrete portions arranged in a maze-like pattern rather than a continuous structure. This segmentation allows the noise blocking structure to effectively interrupt noise propagation paths while occupying less space and causing less interference to adjacent circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The noise blocking structure serves as an intermediary element positioned between the logic circuit block and other sensitive blocks. It acts as a barrier that interrupts the transmission of noise signals from the logic circuit to other parts of the image sensing device, thereby protecting sensitive areas from noise interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If a continuous noise blocking structure is used to surround the logic circuit, then noise isolation is improved, but the structure becomes complex with bending portions that are difficult to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise isolationVSAvoidstructure fabrication difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The noise blocking structure is divided into multiple discrete portions arranged in a maze-like pattern rather than a continuous structure. This segmentation allows the noise blocking structure to effectively interrupt noise propagation paths while occupying less space and causing less interference to adjacent circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of forming a continuous noise blocking structure that completely surrounds the logic circuit, the patent uses discrete portions arranged in a maze-like pattern. This inverted approach achieves effective noise blocking through strategic placement of segmented elements rather than a complete continuous barrier.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If the noise blocking structure includes bending portions to surround the logic circuit block, then noise blocking coverage is improved, but manufacturing precision is reduced due to difficulty in forming bends

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise blocking coverageVSAvoidstructure formation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The noise blocking structure is divided into multiple discrete portions arranged in a maze-like pattern rather than a continuous structure. This segmentation allows the noise blocking structure to effectively interrupt noise propagation paths while occupying less space and causing less interference to adjacent circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of forming a continuous noise blocking structure that completely surrounds the logic circuit, the patent uses discrete portions arranged in a maze-like pattern. This inverted approach achieves effective noise blocking through strategic placement of segmented elements rather than a complete continuous barrier.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS10804308B2Image sensing device including noise blocking structure

Publication Date: 2020.10.13 SK HYNIX INC

AI summary

An image sensing device including a noise blocking structure is disclosed. The image sensing device includes a semiconductor substrate structured to support a plurality of image pixels producing signals response to received incident light, a logic circuit configured to process the signals read out from the image pixels, and a noise blocking structure coupled to the logic circuit to reduce a noise generated by the logic circuit. The noise blocking structure formed to extend in a straight line without any bending portion in a first direction, and to pass through the semiconductor substrate in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction.