Pixel Readout Circuit With Predetermined Digital Inspection Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current semiconductor devices can only output digital signals based on incident light, limiting their ability to provide information other than light reception frequency, and face challenges in inspection processes due to varying light sensitivity and signal complexity.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device is designed with a combination of first and second signal generation units arranged in rows and columns, allowing for the output of digital signals based on both light reception and predetermined values, enabling inspection modes independent of light sensitivity and simplifying the inspection process by using predetermined digital signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a semiconductor device uses only photoelectric conversion elements to output digital signals, then the device can provide light reception frequency information, but the device cannot output other types of information and inspection processes become complex due to varying light sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The semiconductor device is segmented into two distinct functional regions: a photoelectric conversion element region for detecting incident light and generating first digital signals, and a signal generation unit region for generating second digital signals with predetermined values. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specialized function independently, enabling the device to output both light-based information and other types of information while simplifying inspection processes since the signal generation units provide stable, predictable signals independent of light conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the semiconductor device outputs only signals based on incident light, then the output is limited to light reception frequency information, but adding other signal types increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The semiconductor device achieves multi-functionality by integrating both photoelectric conversion elements and signal generation units within a single device structure. The photoelectric conversion elements respond to incident light to generate first digital signals, while the signal generation units generate second digital signals with predetermined values independent of light conditions. This universal design allows the device to perform multiple functions: light detection, information output in various formats, and self-inspection, without requiring separate independent devices for each function.
3Reliability
If inspection processes use varying light sensitivity, then light-based signals can be generated, but inspection accuracy decreases and processes become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The signal generation units create copies of digital signals with predetermined values that mimic the output format of photoelectric conversion elements but are independent of light conditions. These second digital signals serve as reliable reference copies for inspection purposes, allowing verification of device functionality without dependence on variable light sensitivity. The readout unit can selectively output these stable signal copies during inspection modes, ensuring consistent and accurate inspection results.
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 device can output both pixel signals and inspection signals in parallel, simplifying inspection processes and reducing complexity by using predetermined digital signals independent of light conditions, improving inspection efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of pixels configured to output a signal in response to incidence of light
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a semiconductor device including: first signal generation units arranged so as to form rows and columns and corresponding to pixels configured to output a signal in response to incidence of light, each of the first signal generation units being configured to output a first digital signal in response to an output from a corresponding pixel; second signal generation units arranged corresponding to at least a part of the rows and the columns, each of the second signal generation units being configured to output a second digital signal having a predetermined digital value; and a readout unit configured to output a signal based on at least one of the first digital signal and the second digital signal that is output from a selected part of the first signal generation units and the second signal generation units.