Photoelectric Conversion With Periodic APD Pixel Recharging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photoelectric conversion apparatuses with avalanche photodiodes (APDs) face issues with power consumption and potential damage to circuit elements due to uncontrolled voltage drops in inactive pixels, which can lead to excessive current flow and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a control unit that periodically recharges the voltage between the anode and cathode of inactive pixels, using different clock and reset signals to manage voltage levels and prevent excessive drops, thereby reducing power consumption and protecting circuit elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voltage is continuously applied to inactive pixels, then photon detection capability is maintained, but power consumption increases and circuit elements may be damaged due to uncontrolled voltage drops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing a control unit that periodically recharges the voltage of inactive pixels rather than continuously maintaining it. The control unit selectively applies recharge voltages to inactive pixels at specific intervals, which reduces power consumption while preventing uncontrolled voltage drops that could damage circuit elements. This periodic recharge mechanism balances energy efficiency with circuit protection.
2Stability of the object's composition
If voltage recharge is performed frequently, then voltage level stability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by monitoring the voltage levels of inactive pixels and selectively recharging only those pixels that require voltage restoration. The control unit determines which inactive pixels need recharging based on their individual voltage states, applying recharge voltages only when necessary. This feedback mechanism ensures voltage stability while minimizing unnecessary power consumption from frequent universal recharging.
3Reliability
If all pixels are kept active for voltage maintenance, then circuit protection is ensured, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing differentiated control strategies for different pixel types. Active pixels that perform photon detection maintain their normal operational voltage, while inactive pixels receive selective periodic recharging. The control unit identifies and applies appropriate voltage maintenance strategies to each pixel based on its functional state, ensuring circuit protection without unnecessarily complicating the control mechanism or increasing power consumption across all pixels.
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 effectively manages voltage levels in inactive pixels, reducing power consumption and preventing damage to circuit elements by controlling current flow, ensuring stable operation of the photoelectric conversion apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
Each pixel can detect light in a single photon level using a phenomenon in which photocharge due to incidence of a photon on the APD causes avalanche multiplication.
Data Source
AI summary
A photoelectric conversion apparatus includes a plurality of pixels each including a respective avalanche photodiode, wherein the plurality of pixels includes an active pixel that outputs a photon detection signal according to detection of a photon and an inactive pixel that does not output the photon detection signal, and wherein the photoelectric conversion apparatus further includes a control unit that recharges a voltage to be applied between an anode and a cathode of the avalanche photodiode of the inactive pixel.