Solid-State Imaging Element Pixel Drive Wire Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In solid-state imaging elements with backside illumination type imaging chips, the number of pixel drive wires increases with the number of pixels, leading to inefficiencies in readout control and potential image distortion at unit pixel region boundaries.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a readout circuit for each unit pixel region that shares wires for controlling the readout of adjacent pixels with the same readout order, reducing the overall number of wires required and preventing image distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pixel drive wire is provided for each pixel in the unit pixel regions, then the readout control of each pixel can be precisely achieved, but the number of pixel drive wires increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the readout control function for multiple adjacent pixels into a single shared pixel drive wire. Specifically, one pixel drive wire is used to control the readout of multiple pixels that are adjacent in the vertical direction and have the same readout order, thereby reducing the total number of pixel drive wires while maintaining readout control precision
Solution Approach 2:
The pixel drive wire is designed to serve multiple functions by controlling readout for multiple different pixels across different unit pixel regions. A single pixel drive wire can sequentially control readout for pixels in different unit pixel regions, making the wire universal and multi-functional
2Measurement precision
If the number of pixels within the unit pixel region increases, then the imaging resolution is improved, but the number of pixel drive wires increases proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control function for multiple pixels into shared pixel drive wires, allowing high-resolution imaging with fewer wires. By grouping pixels that have the same readout order and sharing their control wire, the system achieves high imaging resolution without a proportional increase in the number of pixel drive wires
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of organization by arranging pixels in groups across multiple unit pixel regions and controlling them through shared wires. This spatial reorganization allows pixels to be controlled in a hierarchical manner, reducing the wire count while maintaining high resolution
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a solid-state imaging element and an electronic apparatus, in which the number of wires controlling readout can be reduced in a case where a pixel signal of each pixel is read out in a predetermined order for each unit pixel region. The unit pixel region is configured by a plurality of pixels arranged in an array. A readout circuit is provided for each unit pixel region and reads out, in a predetermined order, pixel signals of the plurality of pixels configuring the unit pixel regions. Pixel drive wires, which control readout of the pixels configuring the unit pixel regions adjacent in the vertical direction and having the same readout order, are shared. The present disclosure can be applied to, for example, a CMOS image sensor and the like.