Image Sensor Output Circuit Parallel Multi-Bit Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CMOS image sensors face challenges in maintaining high-speed and high-resolution performance while preventing degradation of dark shading or black shading characteristics due to noise and inefficient data transmission processes.
Innovation Solution
The image sensor design includes a pixel array, an analog-to-digital conversion block, and an output block, where each output circuit is connected to multiple output lines to simultaneously output multiple bits of digital signals, reducing data transmission time and preventing overlap with analog operations, thereby enhancing dark shading characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional CMOS image sensors use traditional single-bit sequential output methods, then device complexity is reduced, but data transmission time increases and dark shading characteristics degrade
Solution Approach 1:
The output circuit is segmented into multiple independent output units, each capable of outputting multiple bits simultaneously through separate output lines. This segmentation allows parallel data transmission without requiring a completely complex redesign of the entire output system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from sequential single-bit output to parallel multi-bit output by adding a dimensional aspect of simultaneous output capability. Each output circuit can now operate in multiple dimensions (time and parallel channels) to reduce total transmission time while managing complexity through structured design.
2Speed
If multiple output lines are used for simultaneous multi-bit output, then data transmission speed increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The output circuit is divided into multiple independent output units, each handling specific bits through dedicated output lines. This segmentation enables high-speed parallel transmission while keeping each individual output unit relatively simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
Each output circuit unit is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple bits simultaneously, reducing the need for separate dedicated circuits for each bit. This universal design approach increases speed while controlling overall complexity through functional integration.
3Productivity
If data transmission overlaps with analog operations, then productivity increases, but dark shading characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The output circuit dynamically controls its operation timing to prevent overlap with analog operations. By making the output process adaptable and time-managed, the system achieves high productivity through efficient parallel transmission while maintaining reliability by preventing harmful overlaps that would degrade dark shading characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates timing control mechanisms that provide feedback to ensure data transmission does not interfere with analog operations. This feedback-based timing management allows the system to maximize productivity through parallel processing while preserving the reliability of dark shading performance by preventing harmful temporal overlaps.
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor includes a pixel array, an analog-to-digital conversion block, and an output block. The pixel array includes a plurality of unit pixels and generates a plurality of analog pixel signals in response to incident light. The analog-to-digital conversion block includes a plurality of analog-to-digital converters that are connected to a plurality of columns of the pixel array and convert the plurality of analog pixel signals into a plurality of digital signals. The output block includes a plurality of output circuits that are connected to the plurality of analog-to-digital converters and control output timings of the plurality of digital signals. Each of the plurality of output circuits is connected to two or more output lines to simultaneously output two or more bits of a digital signal among the plurality of digital signals.