Stacked Photoelectric Pixel Readout Layout for Faster 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.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state imaging device with a stacked photoelectric converter that includes multiple photoelectric conversion elements with different wavelength selectivity, multiple data output lines, and shared drive wiring lines to reduce the number of wiring lines and increase aperture ratio.
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 independent blocks, where each block contains multiple pixels that share common drive wiring lines. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple pixel groups simultaneously, achieving high-speed data readout without requiring a separate data output line for every single pixel column.
2Manufacturing precision
If drive wiring lines are provided for each photoelectric conversion element, then control precision is improved, but aperture ratio decreases due to light blocking
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple photoelectric conversion elements are grouped together to share common drive wiring lines. Specifically, pixels within the same block share the same drive wiring lines, reducing the total number of wiring lines required. This merging approach maintains sufficient control precision for grouped operations while significantly increasing the aperture ratio by reducing light-blocking wiring.
3Productivity
If multiple data output lines are provided for each unit pixel column, then data readout speed increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a block-based organizational dimension, grouping pixels into blocks that are then processed collectively. This dimensional reorganization allows multiple pixels within a block to be read out in parallel through shared data output lines, achieving high-speed readout without proportionally increasing the number of data output lines.
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 high-speed data readout and increased aperture ratio by reducing the number of drive wiring lines and enabling simultaneous readout from multiple photoelectric conversion elements without blocking light.
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
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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.