Self-Powered Semiconductor Structure for Miniaturized Image Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
As image sensors miniaturize, power supply becomes a critical consideration due to reduced size, necessitating efficient integration of power sources within the semiconductor structure.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a solar cell with a sensing device, utilizing a photovoltaic effect to generate power, combined with energy storage components like MIM capacitors, and an inverter to stabilize voltage, allowing the semiconductor device to operate independently without external power devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If image sensors are miniaturized to fit into miniaturized applications, then the size of the image sensor is reduced, but the power supply becomes insufficient and external power devices are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensing device and solar cell into a single integrated semiconductor structure, merging the functions of light sensing and power generation into one device. This eliminates the need for separate external power devices while maintaining miniaturized size, directly resolving the contradiction between small size and sufficient power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The semiconductor structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: the sensing device detects light signals while the solar cell generates electrical power. This multi-functionality allows the miniaturized device to be both compact and self-powered, addressing the power supply limitation without increasing size.
2Quantity of substance
If energy storage components are added to the semiconductor structure, then the energy storage capacity is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage components are nested within the interconnecting structure of the semiconductor device, utilizing existing structural space rather than adding separate external components. This integration increases energy storage capacity while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage components are merged with the interconnecting structure that already exists in the semiconductor device, combining multiple functions (power distribution and energy storage) into a single integrated structure rather than adding separate components.
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
Enables a compact semiconductor structure capable of self-powering, enhancing energy storage capacity and reducing the need for external power sources, thus maintaining functionality in miniaturized applications.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a photovoltaic effect to generate power
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a semiconductor structure and a method of manufacturing the same. The semiconductor structure includes a sensing device, a solar cell, and an interconnecting structure. The solar cell is disposed above the sensing device and is electrically connected to the sensing device. The interconnecting structure is disposed between the sensing device and the solar cell and has a first surface facing the solar cell and a second surface facing the sensing devices. The interconnecting structure comprises a first energy storage component and a second energy storage component. The first energy storage component is disposed closer to the first surface of the interconnecting structure than the second energy storage component.