Shared Control Lines for Image Sensor Pixel Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image sensors require a large number of control lines to operate effectively, which occupies valuable space and limits the size and sensitivity of pixels, especially for global shutter operations where each pixel needs individual control lines for charge transfer and storage.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves reducing the number of control lines by sharing them among multiple rows and columns of pixels, using additional column readout lines and specific readout methods, allowing adjacent rows to share control lines and operate in parallel, thereby reducing the space needed for control lines and increasing pixel size or sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual control lines are provided to each pixel for global shutter operations, then each pixel can be controlled independently for charge transfer and storage, but the number of control lines increases significantly, occupying valuable space and limiting pixel size and sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges control lines by making them shared among multiple rows of pixels. Specifically, control lines are extended to span multiple rows, allowing the same control line to control pixels in different rows simultaneously. This reduces the total number of control lines needed while maintaining independent control capability for global shutter operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control lines are designed to serve multiple functions and multiple rows of pixels simultaneously. A single control line can control charge transfer, storage, and readout operations across multiple rows, making the control line structure more universal and efficient.
2Area of stationary object
If the number of control lines is reduced by sharing them among multiple rows, then space is saved and pixel size can be increased, but the complexity of controlling multiple rows in parallel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control lines into distinct types (transfer control lines, storage control lines, readout control lines) that can be independently managed. This segmentation allows for systematic control of multiple rows without excessive complexity, as each control line type serves a specific function across the pixel array.
Solution Approach 2:
The control lines are designed with dynamic timing control to manage parallel row operations. By carefully coordinating the timing of control signals across different rows, the system manages the complexity of parallel control while maintaining efficient space utilization.
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 a more compact image sensor design with increased pixel sensitivity and size, enabling efficient global shutter operations while minimizing the number of control lines, thus optimizing space usage and performance.
Implementation Method 1
Each pixel 3 includes a light sensitive element, such as a photodiode, or the like, to sample light intensity of a corresponding portion of a scene being imaged
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor includes a pixel array with a plurality of pixels. Two or more rows of pixels in the pixel array share a control line in the pixel array, and pixels of the two or more rows of pixels that are in a same column of the pixel array are connected to provide output to different column readout lines. A method includes providing a control signal over a control line within a pixel array to pixels in two or more rows of the pixel array, and reading out signals from the pixels in the two or more rows at a same time over different column readout lines. An image sensor includes a pixel array with a plurality of pixels, and two or more columns of pixels in the pixel array may share a control line in the pixel array for receiving a control signal.