Image Sensor Pixel Array With Segmented ADC Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image sensing systems face challenges in miniaturization and power consumption due to inefficient signal transfer between the image sensor, memory, and image signal processor, leading to increased area and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The proposed image sensing system optimizes signal transfer by using a pixel array with a specific arrangement of pixels, an analog-to-digital converter circuit, and a data buffer to convert and store image signals efficiently, allowing for reduced power consumption and area usage through optimized data transfer paths and alignment of image data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If signal transfer is optimized between image sensor, memory, and image signal processor, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into multiple regions with different output timing characteristics. Some pixels output signals during the first sensing time while other pixels output during the second sensing time, allowing the analog-to-digital converter circuit to process multiple signals simultaneously and reduce overall power consumption through efficient resource utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic sensing operations with alternating sensing times. The pixel array operates in cycles where different pixel groups are activated sequentially, enabling the analog-to-digital converter to maintain lower power states between conversions while still processing all pixel data efficiently over time
2Area of stationary object
If signal transfer is optimized between image sensor, memory, and image signal processor, then system area is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory structure is merged with the pixel array through shared circuitry and integrated data paths. The data buffer is positioned to directly interface with both the analog-to-digital converter and memory, eliminating separate intermediate components and reducing overall system area while maintaining efficient data flow
Solution Approach 2:
The analog-to-digital converter circuit serves multiple functions by converting signals from different pixel groups during different sensing times. The same converter infrastructure handles both first and second image signals, eliminating the need for separate converter circuits and reducing system area
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensing system includes a pixel array, an analog-to-digital converter circuit, and a memory. The pixel array includes a first pixel, a second pixel, and a third pixel interposed between the first pixel and the second pixel. During a first sensing time, the analog-to-digital converter circuit converts a first image signal received from the first pixel to first image data and converts a second image signal received from the second pixel to second image data. During a second sensing time, the analog-to-digital converter circuit converts a third image signal received from the third pixel to third image data. The first image data and the second image data are written in the memory during a first write time, and the third image data are written in the memory during a second write time.