Semiconductor Radiation Detector Read Circuit Charge Sharing Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing semiconductor radiation detection devices face challenges in accurately correcting for charge sharing phenomena, which leads to incorrect photon detection counts and energy levels, requiring complex processing by computers and potentially overwhelming them with simultaneous events.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating identical electronic correction circuits at the read circuit level to directly address charge sharing by determining coincidence of detections and assigning photon detection correctly, reducing the processing burden on the central module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If correction means are implemented in the computer to analyze signals from read circuits, then charge sharing correction can be performed, but the computer becomes overwhelmed with simultaneous events and complex processing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephoton detection accuracyVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The correction function is segmented from the central computer and distributed to individual read circuits. Each read circuit now contains local correction logic that independently processes charge sharing corrections for its associated electrode, dividing the complex central processing task into simpler distributed operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Charge sharing correction is performed preliminarily at the read circuit level before signals are transmitted to the computer. By correcting charge sharing events at the source, the system prepares data in advance, reducing the processing burden on the computer and preventing it from being overwhelmed by simultaneous events.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If correction steps are carried out at the read circuit level, then processing burden on the computer is reduced, but the read circuits become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidread circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The read circuits are designed with universal correction capabilities that handle multiple functions: signal amplification, charge sharing correction, and event detection. This multi-functionality allows the read circuits to perform correction locally without requiring fundamentally different circuit designs, managing complexity through functional integration.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Each read circuit serves itself by performing charge sharing correction locally on its own signals before transmission. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex centralized processing and allows parallel operation of multiple read circuits, improving overall processing efficiency while keeping individual circuit complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If identical electronic circuits are used for all read circuits, then manufacturing is simplified, but handling simultaneous charge sharing events becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit standardizationVSAvoidsimultaneous event handling
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the handling of simultaneous events by assigning each read circuit independent correction logic. When multiple charge sharing events occur simultaneously, each identical read circuit independently processes its own signals without interference, allowing standardized circuits to reliably handle concurrent events through distributed processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each identical read circuit incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor its own signal conditions and adjust correction parameters accordingly. This local feedback allows standardized circuits to adapt to simultaneous events dynamically, maintaining reliability while preserving manufacturing simplicity through circuit uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 approach allows for real-time, efficient correction of charge sharing events at the read circuit level, improving the accuracy of photon detection and reducing the computational load on the processing module, even in scenarios with numerous simultaneous events.

Implementation Method 1

the photons lead to the formation of charges in the semiconductor material which are collected by electrodes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2936208B1Semiconductor-detector-based method and device for detecting ionising radiation
Publication Date: 2016.09.07 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP2936208B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2936208B1 patent drawingFigure 2~5
  • EP2936208B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (50) for detecting ionising radiation (14) that results in charges forming in a sensor covered with a plurality of electrodes (34) that are each connected to an electronic circuit (22) adapted to deliver, to a processing module (24), a first signal (Hech) indicating when charge has been collected by the electrode connected to said circuit. Each central circuit is adapted, when the central electrode has collected charge, to determine a possible detection overlap with one of the adjacent electrodes; to determine a priority detection overlap with a adjacent priority circuit; to transmit or receive to/from the adjacent priority circuit a request to participate in a detection overlap and to receive or transmit from/to the adjacent priority circuit an indication of availability; and to transmit said first signal except in the case where an availability indication has been transmitted to the adjacent priority circuit.