Stacked Photoelectric Conversion Layout for Stable Pixel Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing photoelectric conversion apparatuses face issues with power supply voltage fluctuations and heat generation due to the high power consumption of processing units, which can lead to erroneous operations and degradation in image quality.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a multilayer structure with two substrates, where the first substrate has a pixel area with a plurality of pixels, and the second substrate is superimposed and electrically connected, featuring separate power supply paths for the first and second processing units to reduce voltage fluctuations and heat generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If processing units with high power consumption are used to perform neural network calculations, then processing capability is improved, but power supply voltage fluctuations and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent paths: a first power supply path supplies power to the pixel array and first processing unit, while a second power supply path supplies power to the second processing unit. This segmentation isolates the high-power second processing unit from the sensitive pixel array, preventing voltage fluctuations from affecting image quality while still enabling high-capacity neural network calculations.
2Productivity
If processing units with high power consumption are used to perform neural network calculations, then processing capability is improved, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into two separate substrates: the first substrate contains the pixel array and first processing unit, while the second substrate contains the second processing unit. This spatial segmentation through substrate separation physically isolates the heat-generating second processing unit from the temperature-sensitive pixel array, allowing high-power neural network calculations without degrading image quality through thermal effects.
3Device complexity
If multiple processing units are integrated on the same substrate, then device complexity is reduced, but power supply interference and heat affect image quality
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of integrating all processing units on a single substrate plane, the invention transitions to a three-dimensional multilayer architecture where the first and second processing units are disposed on different substrates stacked in the vertical dimension. This dimensional separation allows high-power processing capabilities while maintaining isolation from the pixel array, preventing both electrical interference and thermal degradation of image quality.
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 effectively reduces power supply fluctuations and heat generation, thereby enhancing the stability and image quality of the photoelectric conversion apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a first substrate having a pixel area in which a plurality of pixels are arranged
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a first substrate having a pixel area and a second substrate superimposed on the first substrate, a first processing unit for processing signals output from a plurality of pixels, and a second processing unit for performing processing based on a calculation model. At least part of the first processing unit and at least part of the second processing unit are disposed on either the first substrate or the second substrate. A first power supply voltage to the first processing unit and a second power supply voltage to the second processing unit are supplied via different paths.