Imaging Chip Clock Segmentation for Lower Power and Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-performance image sensor arrays require large silicon structures and consume excessive power due to the continuous use of a digital square wave clock signal, leading to transients and inefficiencies in imaging systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a provisional clock signal, such as an analog sinusoidal clock signal or a digital square wave with reduced amplitude, that is only applied to the subset of imaging elements actively in use, thereby reducing power consumption and transient effects by eliminating the need for a square wave throughout the entire system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a digital square wave clock signal is constantly applied to all imaging elements, then reliable data transfer is ensured, but power consumption increases and transients are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging elements into multiple subsets (e.g., first subset and second subset) and applies the clock signal selectively to only the active subset during each operational phase. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliable data transfer for the active subset while avoiding unnecessary power consumption in inactive subsets, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic switching between different subsets of imaging elements, where the clock signal is applied in alternating phases to different subsets. This periodic action ensures that data transfer reliability is maintained during each active phase while reducing overall power consumption by keeping inactive subsets in a low-power state, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliable operation and energy efficiency.
2Productivity
If a digital square wave clock signal is used, then data transfer is synchronized, but transients and noise are generated at voltage transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage amplitude parameter of the clock signal, applying a reduced amplitude (e.g., 3.3V or 5V) only to the active subset of imaging elements during each phase. This parameter change reduces the severity of voltage transitions and associated transients while maintaining sufficient signal integrity for reliable data transfer, thereby resolving the contradiction between productivity and harmful factors.
3Area of stationary object
If all imaging elements are activated simultaneously, then complete image coverage is achieved, but power consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging elements into multiple subsets that are activated in alternating phases. During any given phase, only one subset is active while others remain inactive, reducing overall power consumption and heat generation. The segmentation strategy ensures that the complete image coverage area is still achieved over time by systematically activating different subsets, thereby resolving the contradiction between area coverage and temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic activation of different imaging element subsets, where each subset is activated in alternating time phases. This periodic action reduces instantaneous power consumption and heat generation compared to simultaneous activation of all elements, while still achieving complete image coverage through the systematic rotation of active subsets, thus resolving the contradiction between area coverage and temperature management.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating an imaging system, the imaging system including a plurality of subsets of imaging elements, such as photosensors, light emitters, or ink-jet ejectors. The imaging elements use a regular clock signal for operation. A provisional clock signal, such as an analog sinusoidal signal, is generated. A subset of imaging elements is selected for operation at a particular time. The provisional clock signal is converted to a regular clock signal for use by the selected subset of imaging elements, incidental to an operational period of the selected subset of imaging elements.