Stacked Photoelectric Converter Readout for Faster Image Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to optimize the coupling between pixels and data output lines or drive wiring lines in solid-state imaging devices to enhance data readout speed and aperture ratio, as existing technologies face limitations in efficiently managing these components.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a solid-state imaging device with a stacked photoelectric converter for each pixel, featuring multiple data output lines equal to an integer multiple of photoelectric conversion elements and strategically coupled drive wiring lines, which allows for higher-speed data readout and increased aperture ratio by reducing the number of drive wiring lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If one data output line is provided for each predetermined unit pixel column, then device complexity is reduced, but data readout speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into multiple banks, with each bank containing multiple pixels that share common data output lines. This segmentation allows multiple pixels to be read out through fewer lines by time-multiplexing, thereby increasing data readout speed without proportionally increasing the number of data output lines.
Solution Approach 2:
Data from multiple pixels within the same bank are read out in a periodic manner through shared data output lines. The readout operation cycles through different pixels in sequence, allowing efficient utilization of fewer data output lines while maintaining high data readout throughput.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple drive wiring lines are provided for each photoelectric conversion element, then control precision is improved, but aperture ratio decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple photoelectric conversion elements share common drive wiring lines for control signals. By merging the control signal paths, the number of drive wiring lines is reduced, which increases the aperture ratio while still allowing individual control of each photoelectric conversion element through time-multiplexed signal routing.
Solution Approach 2:
Drive wiring lines are designed to serve multiple photoelectric conversion elements within the same bank. The same wiring line can control different pixels at different time periods, giving the wiring line multiple functions and reducing the total number of wiring lines needed, thereby increasing aperture ratio.
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 configuration enables faster data readout and higher aperture ratios by optimizing the number and arrangement of data output lines and drive wiring lines, improving the overall performance of the solid-state imaging device.
Implementation Method 1
Photoelectric conversion elements each including a material such as an organic semiconductor material having wavelength selectivity are each able to photoelectrically convert light in a specific wavelength band
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-state imaging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a stacked photoelectric converter for each of pixels. The stacked photoelectric converter has a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements stacked therein. The plurality of photoelectric conversion elements each has different wavelength selectivity. This solid-state imaging device further includes a plurality of data output lines from which pixel signals based on electric charges outputted from the photoelectric conversion elements are outputted. A plurality of data output lines is provided for each predetermined unit pixel column. The plurality of the data output lines is equal in number to an integer multiple of the photoelectric conversion elements stacked in the stacked photoelectric converter.