Pixel Readout Circuit Global Timing for Laser Pulse Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pixel readout circuits for focal plane arrays struggle to accurately and rapidly detect laser light pulses across multiple pixels, which limits the timing precision and efficiency in imaging and detection applications.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a pixel readout integrated circuit (ROIC) with a global timing circuitry that detects electrical fluctuations across shared connections between multiple pixel circuits, allowing for simultaneous timestamping of laser light pulses and enhanced detection accuracy by monitoring surges in voltage or current, thereby improving the timing precision and speed of laser pulse detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If sequential reading of individual pixels is used, then device complexity is reduced, but detection speed and timing precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection functions of multiple pixels into a single shared detection circuit. Instead of each pixel having its own independent readout circuit, multiple pixels share common detection circuitry that can rapidly detect laser pulses across the entire array simultaneously, thereby increasing detection speed without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared detection circuit serves multiple functions: it detects laser pulses from any pixel in the array, provides timing information for multiple pixels simultaneously, and can operate in both imaging mode and event detection mode. This multi-functionality allows rapid detection across all pixels without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each pixel.
2Measurement precision
If shared electrical connections are used between multiple pixel circuits, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pixel circuits share common electrical connections including power supply lines, reference voltage lines, and detection circuitry. This merging of connections allows the system to detect timing information for multiple pixels simultaneously with high precision, as the shared connections capture electrical fluctuations from all connected pixels without requiring separate dedicated lines for each pixel.
3Measurement precision
If individual pixel reading is performed, then detection accuracy for each pixel is maintained, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shared detection circuit continuously monitors electrical fluctuations across all connected pixels simultaneously, rather than sequentially reading each pixel. This continuous parallel monitoring maintains detection accuracy for each pixel while eliminating the time loss associated with sequential reading, as all pixels are detected at the same time through the shared circuitry.
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 enables more accurate and rapid detection of laser light pulses across multiple pixels, enhancing the precision of timing information and improving the efficiency of imaging and detection processes by reducing the need for sequential reading of individual pixels, thus providing better imaging and range determination capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an optical detector pixel array configured to provide a plurality of optical measurement signals
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system including: an optical detector pixel array configured to provide a plurality of optical measurement signals of a field of view (FOV); a pixel circuitry array (PCA) comprising a plurality of pixel circuits, each pixel circuit associated with a pixel of said optical detector pixel array and configured to receive an optical measurement signal of said plurality of optical measurement signals; at least one electrical connection to and shared by at least two pixel circuits of said plurality of pixel circuits, said at least two pixel circuits associated with at least two detector pixels of said detector pixel array respectively; and a detection circuitry configured to detect electrical fluctuation associated with receipt at said optical detector pixel array of a pulse of laser light.