Row Addressing Device for Ionizing Radiation Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing row addressing systems for active detection matrices in imaging devices require complex production processes, are prone to defects, and lack flexibility in addressing specific rows, necessitating consecutive addressing without pauses, which is detrimental for ionizing radiation imaging applications.

Innovation Solution

A compact and robust row addressing device using single type N or P TFT transistors, allowing two-stage addressing with a time window between rows and enabling selective line addressing, increasing efficiency and speed by incorporating input and output stages with reset switches and compensation capacitors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If integrated control circuits are used on flexible layers, then the addressing function is achieved, but the production process becomes complex and defect-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing complexityVSAvoiddefect rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control circuit functions directly into the matrix substrate by fabricating TFT transistors and capacitors in the same layer structure as the detection matrix. This integration eliminates separate flexible layer circuits, simplifying the production process to a single fabrication sequence and reducing interfacial defects between separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The TFT transistors serve dual functions: they act as switching devices for pixel control and simultaneously form the addressing circuitry. The capacitors similarly serve both as memory elements for pixel charge storage and as part of the addressing signal generation structure, reducing the need for separate dedicated addressing components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If consecutive row addressing is performed without pauses, then the addressing sequence is maintained, but charge integration time is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaddressing speedVSAvoidcharge integration time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic row addressing where the addressing sequence can be paused or extended between rows based on detection requirements. The capacitive coupling mechanism allows the addressing signal to be held or extended without disrupting the sequential nature, enabling flexible timing that adapts to integration needs rather than forcing fixed consecutive addressing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The addressing system uses periodic clock signals to control the sequential row selection, but allows the period duration to be extended or paused between rows. This periodic structure maintains the sequential addressing logic while providing flexibility in the actual timing intervals, enabling longer integration times when detection sensitivity requires it.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the entire matrix is addressed, then complete coverage is achieved, but time is wasted on unnecessary rows

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaddressing flexibilityVSAvoidaddressing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables selective addressing of specific row regions rather than requiring uniform addressing of the entire matrix. The TFT-based addressing circuitry can be activated locally in specific row segments, allowing the system to concentrate addressing resources on regions of interest while skipping or reducing addressing in other areas, thereby reducing total addressing time for partial-field applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of manufacture

If simple TFT structures are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but addressing control precision is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefabrication simplicityVSAvoidaddressing control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested structure where simple TFT switching devices are combined with capacitive coupling elements and signal conditioning structures within the same integrated pixel and addressing unit. This nested arrangement allows basic TFT fabrication to provide the core switching function while embedded capacitive structures enhance the precision of voltage control and signal timing without requiring complex separate fabrication processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP2708023B1Device for addressing lines of a control circuit for an active detection matrix
Publication Date: 2019.06.26 TRIXELL S
  • EP2708023B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2708023B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2708023B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for addressing the lines of an active detection matrix for ionizing-radiation imaging, said matrix comprising a plurality N of lines n of pixels. The addressing device is made on a substrate on which the matrix is also made and essentially comprises thin film transistors (TFT) of solely N or P type. The line addressing device can comprise a plurality of stages which can deliver, at their respective outputs, signals (Sn) for switching the high and low levels of a signal applied to switching devices as output on a corresponding line of the matrix. The line addressing device is characterized in that each stage comprises an input stage (50) and an output stage (51), the input stage (50) delivering an activation signal (SAn) for the output stage (51) and, in the event of activation, the output stage (51) delivering the switching signal (Sn) for the corresponding line n.