Imaging System Differential Signal De-emphasis Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems face challenges in maintaining signal quality and reducing power consumption while using differential-signal transmission lines, particularly in endoscope applications where noise and error rates can affect data transmission.
Innovation Solution
The proposed imaging system incorporates a camera unit with a solid-state imaging device and an output driver that generates differential signals, and an information-processing unit with a de-emphasis circuit and voltage generator, which adjusts the reference voltage based on error rates and medium voltage measurements to control signal amplitude and manage communication modes, thereby reducing power consumption and enhancing signal quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a differential-signal transmission line is used for communication between the camera unit and information-processing unit, then data transmission capability is improved, but power consumption increases and signal quality deteriorates due to noise and errors
Solution Approach 1:
The de-emphasis circuit dynamically adjusts the amplitude of the differential signal based on transmission conditions and error rates. The circuit modifies signal characteristics in real-time to optimize power consumption while maintaining reliable data transmission, rather than using a fixed amplitude approach
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the amplitude parameter of the differential signal through the de-emphasis circuit. By adjusting the amplitude parameter according to transmission quality and error rates, the system achieves efficient power usage while maintaining data integrity in the differential-signal transmission line
2Productivity
If a differential-signal transmission line is used for communication, then data transmission capability is improved, but signal quality deteriorates due to noise and error rates
Solution Approach 1:
The error determination circuit provides feedback about transmission errors and quality metrics to the de-emphasis circuit. This feedback loop allows the system to adjust signal amplitude and characteristics to compensate for noise and maintain reliable data transmission through the differential-signal transmission line
Solution Approach 2:
The de-emphasis circuit converts potential signal degradation from long transmission distances into an opportunity for optimized signal conditioning. By deliberately shaping the signal amplitude profile through de-emphasis, the system compensates for transmission losses and noise accumulation, turning a disadvantage into a quality improvement
3Reliability
If the reference voltage is increased to improve signal amplitude, then signal quality is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference voltage is dynamically adjusted by the de-emphasis circuit based on actual transmission conditions, error rates, and signal quality requirements. Rather than maintaining a constantly high reference voltage, the system adapts the voltage level in real-time, achieving good signal quality only when necessary and reducing power consumption when conditions allow
Solution Approach 2:
The reference voltage parameter is changed adaptively by the de-emphasis circuit according to transmission quality metrics and error rates. The circuit modifies this critical voltage parameter to optimize the balance between signal quality and power consumption, using higher voltages only when transmission conditions require them
Data Source
AI summary
In an imaging system according to an embodiment, a camera unit and an information-processing unit are connected to each other by differential-signal transmission lines. The camera unit includes a solid-state imaging device and an output driver. The solid-state imaging device is configured to operate on the basis of a power source voltage higher than a substrate voltage and generate imaging data. The output driver is configured to output a differential signal of the imaging data to the differential-signal transmission lines. The information-processing unit includes a voltage generator and a de-emphasis circuit. The voltage generator is configured to generate a reference voltage higher than the substrate voltage and lower than the power source voltage. The de-emphasis circuit is configured to control an amplitude of the differential signal by using the substrate voltage and the reference voltage.