Imaging Sensor Transfer Layout for Shorter Charge Paths
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In solid state imaging devices, the increasing length of transfer sections in the charge transfer direction leads to longer distances between pixel regions and transfer sections, resulting in reduced charge transfer efficiency due to potential inhibition by the first transfer section.
Innovation Solution
The device is designed with first and second transfer sections, where the second transfer sections have varying lengths and impurity regions to create an electrical potential gradient, reducing charge transfer distance and inhibiting effects, and output sections are positioned to minimize charge bending.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the length of the first transfer section in the second direction is gradually increased in the charge transfer direction, then the amplifier can be disposed in the space between second transfer sections, but the charge transfer distance becomes long and charge transfer efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The first transfer section is divided into multiple first transfer column regions distributed in the first direction, with each region having a specific length in the second direction. This segmentation allows the charge transfer path to be optimized while creating space for amplifiers between second transfer sections, resolving the contradiction between amplifier placement and charge transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the first transfer section are designed with different lengths in the second direction. The first transfer column regions have controlled lengths to maintain efficient charge transfer, while the overall structure provides space for amplifiers. This local variation in dimensions optimizes both charge transfer efficiency and amplifier placement.
2Ease of operation
If the second transfer section extends along a direction intersecting the first and second directions, then amplifiers can be disposed between sections, but charges hit the boundary with the first transfer section and transfer efficiency is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The second transfer section is designed with an asymmetric configuration where it extends along a direction intersecting the first and second directions, but the first transfer section is divided into column regions with specific orientations. This asymmetric design allows amplifiers to be disposed between sections while minimizing boundary interference with charge transfer paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The problem is solved by utilizing the first direction dimension to distribute multiple first transfer column regions, rather than only extending in the second direction. This dimensional approach allows charges to transfer efficiently through vertically stacked column regions while amplifiers are placed in the horizontal space between second transfer sections.
3Area of stationary object
If the distance from pixel region to second transfer section is gradually increased, then amplifier space is secured, but charge transfer distance becomes long and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The first transfer section is segmented into multiple first transfer column regions distributed in the first direction. Each column region has a controlled length in the second direction, allowing the total structure to provide amplifier space while maintaining short charge transfer distances within each column region.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing distance in the second direction, the solution distributes first transfer column regions in the first direction. This dimensional shift allows amplifier space to be created horizontally between second transfer sections while keeping vertical charge transfer distances short within each column region.
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 configuration improves charge transfer efficiency by shortening transfer distances and maintaining efficient charge transfer even when charges approach boundaries, facilitating a more compact and efficient imaging device design.
Implementation Method 1
Lengths in the second direction of the plurality of second transfer column regions are longer than the length of the first transfer column region, and increase as the second transfer column region is positioned downstream in the charge transfer direction
Data Source
AI summary
A first region includes a plurality of first transfer column regions distributed in a first direction. A second region includes a plurality of second transfer column regions distributed in the first direction. The second region is positioned downstream of the first region in a charge transfer direction in the second transfer section. Lengths in a second direction of the plurality of first transfer column regions are equal. Lengths in the second direction of the plurality of second transfer column regions are longer than the length of the first transfer column region, and increase as the second transfer column region is positioned downstream in the charge transfer direction. A third region is disposed to correspond to the first region and extends along the first direction. A fourth region is disposed to correspond to the second region and extends such that an interval between the fourth region and a pixel region in the second direction increases in the charge transfer direction in response to a change in the lengths of the plurality of second transfer column regions.