Radiation Detector Comparator Layout for Stable Digital Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
The accuracy of digital signals outputted by radiation detectors deteriorates over time due to sensor deterioration caused by radiation, which affects the relative positional relationship between pixels and vertical signal lines, leading to fluctuations in analog signals.
Innovation Solution
The radiation detector includes a matrix of pixels with different distances from conversion portions to vertical signal lines, using different reference signals for comparators to adjust the gain of A/D conversion based on pixel layout, thereby reducing signal fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If pixels are arranged in a matrix with uniform layout, then manufacturing is simplified, but signal accuracy deteriorates due to radiation-induced sensor deterioration affecting different pixels differently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different reference signals to different pixels based on their specific distances to vertical signal lines. Each pixel receives a customized reference signal that compensates for its individual characteristics, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity while improving signal accuracy for each specific pixel location
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of reference signals by adjusting their characteristics (amplitude, frequency, or other parameters) according to the distance between each pixel and its corresponding vertical signal line. This parameter adjustment compensates for radiation-induced deterioration effects that vary across different pixel locations
2Device complexity
If all pixels use the same reference signal, then device complexity is reduced, but signal quality deteriorates due to variations in distance to vertical signal lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by providing each pixel with a reference signal tailored to its specific geometric relationship with vertical signal lines. This localized approach improves analog signal quality for each pixel without requiring complete system redesign, only targeted adjustments to reference signal distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the reference signal configuration into multiple groups or individual signals corresponding to different pixel locations. This segmentation allows each pixel group to receive appropriately adjusted reference signals, improving overall signal quality while managing complexity through organized signal distribution
3Manufacturing precision
If the distance from conversion portion to vertical signal line is uniform, then manufacturing precision is easier to control, but digital signal accuracy deteriorates due to radiation effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for the uniform distance design by changing the parameters of reference signals assigned to different pixels. Even though the physical distance parameter remains uniform (easy manufacturing), the electrical signal parameters are adjusted to account for radiation-induced variations, thereby maintaining both manufacturing ease and signal accuracy
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 configuration enhances the accuracy of digital signals by compensating for pixel layout-induced signal variations, maintaining signal quality over time.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of pixels including a conversion portion configured to directly convert radiation to electric charge
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation detector includes a first pixel and a second pixel disposed in a same column, a first comparator connected with the first pixel via a first vertical signal line, and a second comparator connected with the second pixel via a second vertical signal line. A first distance from a conversion portion of the first pixel to the first vertical signal line is different from a second distance from a conversion portion of the second pixel to the second vertical signal line. The first comparator is configured to receive a first reference signal and compare the first reference signal with an output signal sent from the first pixel. The second comparator is configured to receive a second reference signal and compare the second reference signal with an output signal sent from the second pixel. The second reference signal is different from the first reference signal.