Radiation Detector Pixel Concentration via Time-Division Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation detectors face limitations in achieving high pixel concentrations, which restrict their image resolution and quality.
Innovation Solution
The design involves a radiation detector with multiple detector portions, each comprising pixels connected to a switching device and a signal processing circuit, where only one pixel is connected to the circuit during a transfer period, allowing for efficient signal transfer and higher pixel density through a round-robin manner, utilizing solder balls and transistors for electrical switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of pixels is increased to improve image quality, then image resolution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into multiple detector portions (e.g., 4 portions with 4 pixels each), and each portion is sequentially connected to the signal processing circuit through the switching device. This segmentation allows high pixel concentration without proportionally increasing circuit complexity, as one circuit handles multiple pixel groups through time-division multiplexing.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching device operates periodically to connect different detector portions to the signal processing circuit in a round-robin manner. Each detector portion is activated in sequence during different time periods, allowing the system to process signals from multiple pixels using a single circuit, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high pixel count.
2Measurement precision
If pixel concentration is increased to improve image quality, then image resolution is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is divided into modular detector portions that can be manufactured and tested independently before assembly. This modular segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process by allowing standardized production of pixel groups, which are then integrated with the switching device and signal processing circuit in a systematic manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal processing circuit serves multiple detector portions sequentially through the switching device, making it a universal resource that handles signals from all pixels. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of circuits needed, simplifying manufacturing while supporting high pixel concentration.
3Speed
If multiple pixels are connected to the signal processing circuit simultaneously, then signal processing speed is improved, but signal processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching device connects different detector portions to the signal processing circuit in periodic time slots. During each time slot, one specific detector portion is connected while others are disconnected, creating a time-division multiplexed signal processing system. This periodic connection scheme maintains simple circuit architecture while achieving efficient processing of multiple pixel signals through sequential access.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a method of operating a radiation detector, comprising for i=1, . . . , N, during a transfer period (i), electrically connecting pixel (1,i) of pixels (1,j), j=1, . . . , N of the radiation detector to a first signal processing circuit while electrically disconnecting the other N−1 pixels of the pixels (1,j), j=1, . . . , N from the first signal processing circuit; and for i=1, . . . , N, during the transfer period (i), transferring electrical signals from the pixel (1,i) to the first signal processing circuit.