Pixel Array Layout for Noise Charge Discharge in Photoelectric Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photoelectric conversion devices face challenges in effectively discharging noise charges, which can lead to reduced performance and accuracy in image acquisition and signal processing.
Innovation Solution
A photoelectric conversion device is designed with a pixel array comprising both effective pixels and charge discharging pixels, where the charge discharging pixels include a semiconductor region connected to a power source potential, allowing for efficient discharge of noise charges to a power source wiring, thereby reducing noise interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a noise charge absorption region with fixed potential is arranged inside a cell array, then noise charge influence is reduced, but noise charge discharge efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into two distinct types: effective pixels for image capture and charge discharging pixels for noise removal. This segmentation allows each pixel type to be optimized for its specific function, with charge discharging pixels dedicated solely to removing noise charges from the semiconductor region, thereby improving discharge efficiency while maintaining noise influence reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
Charge discharging pixels act as intermediary elements between the semiconductor region and the power source wiring. These intermediary pixels provide a dedicated pathway for noise charges to be discharged to the power source potential, improving discharge efficiency without interfering with the image capture function of effective pixels.
2Productivity
If charge discharging pixels are added to the pixel array, then noise charge discharge efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Both effective pixels and charge discharging pixels share the same basic semiconductor structure and are controlled by the same scanning circuit. The scanning circuit outputs control signals that can address both pixel types universally, reducing the need for separate control mechanisms and minimizing the increase in device complexity despite the addition of charge discharging pixels.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention manages complexity by controlling the proportion and distribution of charge discharging pixels within the array rather than uniformly replacing all pixels. By adjusting the parameter of pixel type distribution, the system achieves improved noise discharge efficiency while limiting the increase in overall device complexity to an acceptable level.
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
The solution enables improved noise charge discharge, enhancing the overall performance and accuracy of image acquisition and signal processing by reducing noise interference and improving signal quality.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric conversion unit including a first semiconductor region of a first conductivity type as a charge accumulation layer and photoelectrically converts incident light to output a signal in accordance with the incident light
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a photoelectric conversion device including a pixel array including a first pixel and a second pixel. The first pixel includes a photoelectric conversion unit including a first semiconductor region of a first conductivity type as a charge accumulation layer and photoelectrically converts incident light to generate a signal in accordance with the incident light, and the second pixel includes a second semiconductor region of the first conductivity type and a transistor including a first main electrode formed by a third semiconductor region connected to the second semiconductor region and a gate.