Stacked Pixel Output Wiring for Faster Solid-State Imaging
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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 solid-state imaging device incorporates a stacked photoelectric converter with multiple photoelectric conversion elements of different wavelength selectivity, featuring multiple data output lines equal to an integer multiple of the photoelectric conversion elements and shared drive wiring lines to reduce the number of drive wiring lines, thereby increasing data readout speed and aperture ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If one data output line is provided for each predetermined unit pixel column, then the device complexity is reduced, but the data readout speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into multiple predetermined unit pixel columns, with multiple data output lines provided for each unit pixel column. Each data output line is coupled to pixel circuits in a specific manner, enabling parallel data readout from multiple photoelectric conversion elements simultaneously, thus increasing data readout speed while maintaining manageable device complexity through structured segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single data output line per unit pixel column to multiple data output lines, adding a dimensional aspect to data readout. This allows simultaneous readout from multiple photoelectric conversion elements (e.g., first, second, and third photoelectric conversion elements) through different data output lines, effectively utilizing the vertical stacking dimension to enhance productivity.
2Reliability
If multiple drive wiring lines are provided for each photoelectric conversion element, then the control precision is improved, but the aperture ratio decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple photoelectric conversion elements (first, second, and third photoelectric conversion elements) share common drive wiring lines. The drive wiring lines are coupled to multiple pixel circuits in a structured manner, allowing simultaneous control of multiple photoelectric conversion elements through shared wiring, thereby reducing the number of drive wiring lines and increasing the aperture ratio while maintaining control precision through coordinated control signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive wiring lines serve multiple functions by being coupled to multiple pixel circuits and controlling multiple photoelectric conversion elements simultaneously. This multi-functional approach allows a single drive wiring line to control different photoelectric conversion elements at different times or simultaneously, reducing the overall number of wiring lines needed and increasing the 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 allows for higher-speed data readout and increased aperture ratio by optimizing the number of data output lines and drive wiring lines, improving the efficiency of data processing and light transmission in the 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.