Ultrasonic Pixel Circuitry for Faster Readout Speeds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic sensor systems face inefficiencies in pixel circuitry, including increased device count, parasitic capacitance, and complex control lines, which hinder faster readout speeds and cleaner voltage sampling in ultrasonic sensing applications.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of pixel circuitry with a switch and transistors configured to control sampling and resetting, reducing the number of devices and control lines by integrating the switch and transistors, and using row-level bias addressing to omit diodes and bias lines, thereby simplifying the circuitry and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional pixel circuitry is used with multiple devices and control lines, then the circuit can perform basic ultrasonic sensing, but parasitic capacitance increases and readout speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple circuit functions into a single integrated pixel circuit configuration. The switch transistor serves dual purposes for both resetting and sampling operations, while the first and second transistors handle both signal amplification and readout control. This merging of functions reduces the number of discrete devices and control lines, thereby reducing parasitic capacitance and improving readout speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The pixel circuit employs multi-functional transistors that perform multiple roles. The switch transistor acts as both a reset switch and a sampling switch depending on the control signals applied. The first transistor serves as both an amplification device and a control element for the readout process. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device count while maintaining full sensing capability.
2Measurement precision
If conventional pixel circuitry with more devices is used, then circuit functionality is maintained, but parasitic capacitance increases affecting signal quality
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the reset and sampling functions into a single switch transistor controlled by different signal phases, the patent eliminates the need for separate reset switches and sampling switches. This reduction in device count directly lowers parasitic capacitance, resulting in cleaner voltage sampling and improved measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary diodes and bias lines from the conventional pixel circuit design. By removing these non-essential components while retaining core functionality through the optimized transistor configuration, parasitic capacitance is reduced, leading to improved signal quality and measurement precision.
3Area of stationary object
If conventional circuit configuration is used, then basic sensing is achieved, but chip real estate is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple circuit elements into a compact integrated configuration where transistors serve multiple functions. This consolidation reduces the total area required for each pixel circuit, thereby decreasing chip real estate while maintaining or improving sensing efficiency through optimized signal paths and reduced parasitic effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a novel circuit topology that reorganizes the spatial arrangement of transistors and signal paths. By changing the dimensional organization of the circuit elements and utilizing efficient layout strategies, the design achieves higher density packing, reducing the area occupied by each pixel circuit without compromising sensing performance.
4Ease of operation
If more control lines are used in pixel circuitry, then circuit control is more detailed, but device complexity and parasitic capacitance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functional control signals that perform multiple operations. The row line signal serves both as a reset control and a sampling control depending on its timing and phase. This universal control approach maintains detailed circuit control capability while reducing the number of separate control lines required.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging multiple control functions into fewer control lines, the patent reduces the overall complexity of the control network. The integrated pixel circuit responds to combined control signals that trigger different operations based on timing, eliminating the need for separate dedicated control lines for each function.
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 reduces parasitic capacitance, enhances pixel efficiency, and enables faster readout speeds with cleaner voltage sampling, resulting in improved ultrasonic sensing performance and reduced chip real estate.
Implementation Method 1
The pixel electrode is configured to receive an acoustic signal reflected from an object responsive to transmission of an ultrasonic signal
Implementation Method 2
a portion of the ultrasonic pulse may be reflected
Implementation Method 3
Such transducers can incorporate a piezoelectric material as a receiver for detecting ultrasonic signals
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides some examples of systems, apparatus, circuitry, methods and computer readable media associated with transmission of an ultrasonic signal using an ultrasonic transducer having a pixel electrode configured to receive a reflected acoustic signal having a first phase. A switch is controlled to: switch from off to on at a time of resetting a sampling node, be on for a delay period, and switch from on to off at a time of sampling the received signal to cause a sampled signal having a second phase different from the first phase to be detected. A first transistor, having a gate coupled with the sampling node, an input configured to receive a power signal, and an output coupled with a data line, is controlled to enable an output current to flow from the input to the output at a time of reading the sampled signal.