Image Sensor Shielding Structures for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image sensors face challenges in enhancing performance and integration of analog circuits, particularly in converting optical signals into electrical signals effectively for various applications such as digital cameras and medical micro cameras.
Innovation Solution
The image sensor design includes alternately arranged first and second pixels with corresponding output lines, analog circuit blocks, and shielding structures, along with an active pixel sensor array and an analog-to-digital converter, which enables improved noise reduction and signal conversion through correlated double sampling and shielding to reduce electrical interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If analog circuit blocks are integrated closely to increase integration density, then device area is reduced, but electrical interference between adjacent circuits increases
Solution Approach 1:
Shielding structures are introduced as intermediary elements between adjacent analog circuit blocks. These shielding structures act as mediators that block electrical interference while allowing the circuit blocks to remain in close proximity, thus maintaining high integration density without suffering from increased electrical interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The analog circuit area is segmented into multiple analog circuit blocks arranged in an alternating pattern (first analog circuit block, second analog circuit block, first analog circuit block, etc.). This segmentation allows for systematic placement of shielding structures between adjacent blocks of different types, reducing interference while maintaining compact layout.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If shielding structures are added between analog circuit blocks to reduce interference, then electrical interference is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding structures are merged with the existing alternating block layout. By combining the shielding function with the structural arrangement of first and second analog circuit blocks, the patent achieves interference reduction without requiring separate, additional shielding layers or complex shielding mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Shielding structures are applied locally only between adjacent analog circuit blocks of different types (first and second blocks), rather than throughout the entire device. This localized approach reduces interference where it is most needed while minimizing the overall complexity and area overhead.
3Measurement precision
If first and second analog circuit blocks are alternately arranged to improve signal processing, then noise reduction is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The analog circuit blocks are arranged in a periodic alternating pattern (first block, second block, first block, second block, etc.). This periodic arrangement systematically separates different signal types (e.g., red and blue pixel signals) while maintaining a regular, predictable structure that simplifies manufacturing processes compared to irregular or random layouts.
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 enhances the performance and integration of image sensors by effectively converting pixel signals into digital signals, reducing noise, and increasing the efficiency of analog circuits, thereby improving the overall performance of electronic imaging devices.
Implementation Method 1
An image sensor is a microelectronic device that converts optical signals into electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor includes first pixels and second pixels arranged in alternating order along a first direction, first output lines extending in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction and respectively connected to the first pixels, second output lines extending in the second direction and respectively connected to the second pixels, first analog circuit blocks and second analog circuit blocks arranged in alternating order along the first direction, and shielding structures disposed each between adjacent ones of the first and second analog circuit blocks. Each of the first analog circuit blocks includes a plurality of first analog circuits respectively connected to the first output lines. Each of the second analog circuit blocks includes a plurality of second analog circuits respectively connected to the second output lines.