Pixel Transfer Rate Boosting via Periodic Pull-Down
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image sensors face limitations in pixel transfer rate due to high source follower current, which increases dynamic range distortion and power consumption, making it difficult to maintain high speed without jerky or skipped cursor movements, especially in applications like video gaming.
Innovation Solution
A pixel transfer rate boosting device that includes an image sensing array, signal buffer circuit, switch circuit, capacitor, and pull-down unit, where the pull-down unit reduces the pixel output signal to half its range using a short pulse, allowing the same source follower current to achieve higher transfer rates with improved power consumption and dynamic range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If source follower current is increased to achieve higher pixel transfer rate, then transfer speed is improved, but dynamic range drops and distortion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a pulsed pull-down signal instead of continuous high current. The pull-down unit activates periodically during the transfer cycle to reset the pixel output signal, enabling high transfer rates without sustained high source follower current, thus avoiding distortion while maintaining speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of source follower current from continuously high to dynamically modulated. By controlling the pull-down unit to activate only during specific phases of the transfer cycle, the effective transfer rate increases without maintaining high current throughout, preserving dynamic range and reducing distortion
2Speed
If source follower current is increased to achieve higher pixel transfer rate, then transfer speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pull-down unit operates periodically rather than continuously, consuming power only during brief activation pulses. This enables high pixel transfer rates to be achieved without the sustained high power consumption that would result from continuously high source follower current
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous useful action through the signal buffer circuit while using intermittent pull-down assistance. The source follower current operates continuously at a moderate level, and the pull-down unit supplements this periodically, achieving high transfer rates with lower overall power consumption than continuous high current would require
Data Source
AI summary
A device, for pixel transfer rate boosting, is provided and includes an image sensing array having a plurality of pixel units, in which each of the plurality of pixel units is configured to generate a pixel signal when receiving an electromagnetic energy, a signal buffer circuit, electrically coupled with the image sensing array to receive the pixel signals, a switch circuit electrically coupled with the signal buffer circuit, a capacitor having a first terminal and a second terminal, in which the first terminal electrically couples with the switch circuit and the second terminal connects to a ground, a comparator, electrically coupled with the switch circuit, and a pull-down unit, electrically coupled with the first terminal of the capacitor and the switch circuit. After the switch circuit is turned on, the pull-down unit pulls the plurality of pixel output signals down.