Self-Powered IC with Photovoltaic Cell on Common Substrate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing integrated circuits and photovoltaic cells lack efficient integration, leading to inadequate self-powering capabilities for remote sensing applications, where conventional power sources like batteries are unreliable or impractical.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic cell is integrated with an integrated circuit on a common semiconductor substrate, with connections established through the epitaxial layer to enable self-powering, allowing the photovoltaic cell to provide power to the circuitry without obstructing the illuminated surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a photovoltaic cell is integrated with an integrated circuit on a common substrate, then self-powering capability is achieved, but the illuminated surface area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the photovoltaic cell and integrated circuit on the same substrate in a planar configuration, utilizing different layers and dimensions of the substrate to accommodate both components without significant overlap. This allows the photovoltaic cell to generate power while maintaining adequate illuminated surface area for light absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the photovoltaic cell and integrated circuit into a single integrated structure on a common substrate, establishing electrical connections between the two components. This merging enables the photovoltaic cell to directly power the integrated circuit, achieving self-powering capability while optimizing the use of available substrate area.
2Reliability
If connections are established between photovoltaic cell and circuitry through the epitaxial layer, then self-powering is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes electrical connections through the epitaxial layer during the semiconductor fabrication process, before final device assembly. By incorporating the connection formation into the preliminary manufacturing steps, the patent avoids additional complex assembly operations and reduces overall manufacturing complexity despite the integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The epitaxial layer serves as an intermediary structure that facilitates electrical connections between the photovoltaic cell and integrated circuit. This intermediate layer provides a convenient pathway for electrical interconnection that is already present in the substrate structure, avoiding the need for additional complex connection mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If photovoltaic cell is integrated on common substrate, then portable power source is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional integrated structure where the common substrate serves as both the mechanical support and the electrical interconnection medium between the photovoltaic cell and integrated circuit. This universal use of the substrate reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall device structure despite the multiple functions being integrated.
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 integration enables reliable self-powering of integrated circuitry using ambient light, enhancing the functionality of remote sensing devices by providing a dependable power source in situations where conventional power is unavailable or impractical.
Implementation Method 1
A photovoltaic cell is provided as a composite unit together with elements of an integrated circuit on a common substrate... enable self-powering of the circuitry portion by the photovoltaic cell portion
Data Source
AI summary
A photovoltaic cell is provided as a composite unit together with elements of an integrated circuit on a common substrate. In a described embodiment, connections are established between a photovoltaic cell portion and a circuitry portion of an integrated structure to enable self-powering of the circuitry portion by the photovoltaic cell portion.