Stacked Image Sensor Signal Joint Layout for Smaller Circuit Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices face challenges in efficiently processing pixel signals from multiple pixel blocks due to limitations in signal joint configurations, leading to increased circuit area and reduced layout efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The proposed imaging element features a unique arrangement of signal joints between pixel blocks and signal processing blocks, where the interval between the first and second signal joints is smaller than between the second and third signal joints, allowing for a more compact and efficient layout by collecting signal lines in a narrower range, thereby decreasing the circuit area and improving layout efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If signal joints are arranged at regular intervals between pixel blocks, then the layout is simple and easy to manufacture, but the circuit area increases and layout efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by arranging signal joints at non-uniform intervals. Specifically, the interval between the first signal joint and second signal joint is set to be smaller than the interval between the second signal joint and third signal joint. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes the collection of signal lines in narrower ranges, reducing the overall circuit area while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the column direction (vertical dimension) to arrange signal joints and signal processing blocks. By collecting signal lines in the column direction and arranging joints at different positions along this dimension, the patent achieves more efficient space utilization and reduces the horizontal spread of the circuit, thereby decreasing overall circuit area.
2Area of stationary object
If signal processing blocks are arranged in the same order as pixel blocks, then the layout is straightforward, but the circuit area increases and noise interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by reversing the arrangement order of signal processing blocks relative to pixel blocks. While pixel blocks are arranged in a specific sequence (first, second, third pixel blocks), the corresponding signal processing blocks are arranged in a reversed or different sequence. This inversion allows for better separation of analog and digital signal lines, reduces noise interference, and improves layout efficiency by collecting signal lines in more compact configurations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If signal lines are not separated, then the circuit design is simpler, but noise interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by physically separating analog and digital signal lines into distinct pathways. The asymmetric arrangement of signal joints enables different signal lines to be routed through separate regions, with analog signals from certain pixel blocks separated from digital signals. This segmentation reduces electromagnetic interference and noise coupling between signal lines while maintaining a relatively simple overall circuit design.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging element includes: a first substrate including first, second, third pixel blocks respectively including first, second, and third pixels; a second substrate including first, second, and third signal processing blocks respectively including first, second, and third signal converters; a first signal joint configured to output the signal from the first pixel to the first signal converter and to join the first and second substrates; a second signal joint configured to output the signal from the second pixel to the second signal converter and to join the first and second substrates; and a third signal joint configured to output the signal from the third pixel to the third signal converter and to join the first and second substrates. The second pixel block is between the first and third pixel blocks. An interval between the first and second signal joints is smaller than one between the second and third signal joints.