Solid-state imaging device phase difference pixel shielding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing difficulty of phase difference pixels in solid-state imaging devices increases due to the need for larger on-chip lenses and different driving methods compared to normal pixels, especially when sharing photoelectric conversion elements.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state imaging device with a pixel array unit where neighboring pixels of the same color are regularly arrayed, and light-shielded pixel groups are shielded in a specific direction, allowing for phase difference detection without altering the on-chip lens size or driving method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple photoelectric conversion elements are provided for one on-chip lens in shared pixels, then phase difference detection capability is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into distinct regions: normal pixels for general imaging and light-shielded pixels for phase difference detection. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized independently, with light-shielded pixels using a single photoelectric conversion element per on-chip lens, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining phase difference detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different structural qualities are applied to different regions of the pixel array. Normal pixels have a standard structure with one photodiode per lens, while light-shielded pixels have a modified structure with light shielding portions and reduced photoelectric conversion elements. This local differentiation enables phase difference detection without requiring all pixels to have complex multi-element structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the size of on-chip lens is increased to accommodate multiple photoelectric conversion elements, then phase difference detection is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into normal pixels and light-shielded pixels with different functions. Light-shielded pixels use a single photodiode with light shielding portions to block specific light paths, enabling phase difference detection without requiring larger on-chip lenses or multiple photoelectric conversion elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of changing the size of on-chip lenses, the patent changes the light transmission parameters by introducing light shielding portions that block specific directions of light. This parameter change approach enables phase difference detection while maintaining uniform on-chip lens dimensions across all pixels.
3Adaptability or versatility
If driving method is changed for phase difference pixels, then phase difference detection is achieved, but manufacturing and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into normal pixels and light-shielded pixels with distinct functions. Light-shielded pixels use a simplified driving method where light shielding portions physically block light paths, eliminating the need for complex temporal switching or multiple readout channels required in traditional phase difference detection schemes.
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 approach reduces the manufacturing complexity of phase difference pixels by maintaining the same on-chip lens size and driving method as normal pixels, enabling efficient phase difference detection.
Implementation Method 1
one photodiode 112 is provided for one on-chip lens 111
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a solid-state imaging device and an electronic device that can be provided with phase difference pixels with a lower degree of difficulty in manufacturing.Provided is a solid-state imaging device including a pixel array unit in which a plurality of pixels is two-dimensionally arrayed, in which the pixel array unit has an array pattern in which a plurality of pixel groups each including neighboring pixels of an identical color is regularly arrayed, and among the plurality of pixel groups arrayed in the array pattern, pixels configuring a light-shielded pixel group are shielded in an identical direction side from light, the light-shielded pixel group being a pixel group including pixels each being shielded in a part of a light incident side from the light. The present technology can be applied to, for example, a CMOS image sensor including pixels for phase difference detection.