Solid-State Imaging Device Connector Area Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solid-state imaging devices face challenges in optimizing pixel occupancy on the chip footprint due to the arrangement and size of connectors, which affect signal transmission efficiency and transistor control.

Innovation Solution

A solid-state imaging device design featuring a first substrate with pixels arranged in a matrix, laminated with a second substrate, utilizing first and second connectors that vary in size and shape to efficiently transmit control signals and pixel signals, with the first connectors having a smaller area than second connectors, allowing for reduced connector area and increased pixel occupancy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If connectors are arranged to electrically connect the first substrate and the second substrate, then signal transmission is enabled, but the connector area increases and reduces pixel occupancy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmissionVSAvoidpixel occupancy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating the areas of first and second connectors based on their specific functions. First connectors transmitting control signals have smaller areas, while second connectors transmitting pixel signals have larger areas. This localized optimization allows each connector to have the minimum necessary area for its function, thereby maximizing pixel occupancy while ensuring reliable signal transmission for each connector type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Area of stationary object

If the area of first connectors is reduced to increase pixel occupancy, then pixel occupancy improves, but contact resistance variations may affect control signal transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepixel occupancyVSAvoidcontrol signal transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the area parameter of first connectors to a specific range that balances two competing requirements: small enough to maximize pixel occupancy but large enough to maintain acceptable contact resistance characteristics for control signal transmission. This parameter optimization enables the system to achieve high pixel occupancy while preserving control signal integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If different area sizes are assigned to first and second connectors, then pixel occupancy is maximized, but connector design complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepixel occupancyVSAvoidconnector design
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different area specifications to different connector types based on their functional requirements. First connectors have smaller areas optimized for control signals, while second connectors have larger areas optimized for pixel signals. This functional differentiation simplifies the overall design logic compared to using uniform connector sizes, as each connector type can be independently optimized for its specific purpose.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10304892B2Solid-state imaging device and imaging apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.05.28 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)
  • US10304892B2 patent drawing
  • US10304892B2 patent drawing
  • US10304892B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A solid-state imaging device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a plurality of first connectors, and a plurality of second connectors. The plurality of first connectors are configured to transmit a first signal. The plurality of second connectors are configured to transmit a second signal. The first signal has at least two levels, and the levels of the first signal discretely vary between the at least two levels. The second signal is a continuous time signal. A first area of a first region is smaller than a second area of a second region. The first region is a projection region of each of the plurality of first connectors in a principal surface of the first substrate. The second region is a projection region of each of the plurality of second connectors in the principal surface.