Semiconductor Signal Storage for Stable CMOS Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices, such as CMOS image sensors, face challenges in stable signal processing due to signal loss, excessive amplification, interference, and distortion during signal transmission and amplification, especially when processing electrical signals generated in response to light.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device configuration that includes an electrical signal generation unit, signal transmission units, signal storage units, a reset unit, an amplification unit, and an output unit, with transistors connected to allow controlled signal transmission and storage, minimizing signal distortion by enabling sequential and stable processing of signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical signals are processed sequentially through multiple stages (generation, transmission, storage, amplification), then signal distortion and interference are reduced, but processing time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the signal processing path into distinct functional segments: signal generation unit, first signal transmission unit, first signal storage unit, second signal transmission unit, second signal storage unit, reset unit, amplification unit, selection unit, and output unit. Each segment performs a specific function and can be independently controlled, allowing signals to be processed sequentially without interference while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
2Measurement precision
If signal storage units are introduced to prevent distortion, then signal accuracy is improved, but device area and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested signal storage structure where the first signal storage unit and second signal storage unit are positioned along the signal transmission path between the generation unit and output unit. This nested arrangement allows signals to be stored at intermediate points without requiring additional external storage components, thereby improving signal accuracy while minimizing the increase in device area.
3Reliability
If multiple transistors and storage units are added to enable controlled signal transmission, then signal processing stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the transistor structures to serve multiple functions: transistors in the signal transmission units control signal flow, transistors in the storage units manage charge storage and release, and transistors in the amplification unit provide signal amplification. This multi-functional design allows a single transistor implementation to achieve multiple objectives, improving signal processing stability without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device having a unit capable of temporarily storing electrical signals, may include an electrical signal generation unit, a first signal transmission unit electrically connected to the electrical signal generation unit, a first signal storage unit electrically connected to the first signal transmission unit, a second signal transmission unit electrically connected to the first signal storage unit, a second signal storage unit electrically connected to the second signal transmission unit, a reset unit electrically connected to the second signal storage unit, an amplification unit electrically connected to the second signal storage unit, a selection unit electrically connected to the amplification unit, and an output unit electrically connected to the selection unit, for stable signal processing.