UV Sensing Circuit Using Oxide TFT Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultraviolet light sensing technologies face challenges in detecting and transmitting ultraviolet signals effectively, particularly in applications like early warning systems for forest fires or gas explosions, due to the complexity and high processing temperatures of wide band gap semiconductor devices, and the lack of mature schemes based on oxide TFTs.
Innovation Solution
An ultraviolet light sensing circuit and system that incorporates a modulation unit with a series-connected phase delay unit, utilizing zinc oxide thin film transistors and an output buffer to generate amplitude modulated waves for long-distance wireless transmission, addressing the limitations of existing technologies by simplifying the manufacturing process and enhancing detection capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wide band gap semiconductor devices (GaAs, GaN) are used for UV detection, then detection capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and processing temperature requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive wide band gap semiconductor devices with low-cost oxide TFTs that can be manufactured using simple processes. The oxide TFTs, while having shorter operational lifespan compared to GaAs/GaN, provide sufficient detection capability for UV light at a fraction of the cost and manufacturing complexity, aligning with the principle of using cheaper alternatives when full performance is not critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from wide band gap semiconductors (GaAs, GaN) to oxide semiconductors (IGZO), which have different electrical and optical properties. This parameter change allows the use of low-temperature processing and simple manufacturing techniques while maintaining UV detection functionality, thus resolving the contradiction between detection capability and manufacturing complexity.
2Reliability
If wide band gap semiconductor devices are used for UV detection, then detection capability is improved, but processing temperature requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes high-temperature processing materials (GaAs, GaN) with low-temperature processable oxide TFTs. The oxide TFTs can be manufactured at low temperatures using simple techniques, eliminating the need for high-temperature processing while maintaining sufficient UV detection capability for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material composition parameter from wide band gap semiconductors to oxide semiconductors, which fundamentally alters the processing temperature requirement. This parameter change enables low-temperature manufacturing while preserving the essential UV detection function, resolving the temperature contradiction.
3Ease of manufacture
If oxide TFTs are used for UV detection, then manufacturing simplicity and low processing temperature are improved, but mature sensing circuit schemes are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the UV detection system into distinct functional modules: oxide TFT-based sensing elements, modulation units for signal processing, and transmission units. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, with the sensing elements using simple oxide TFTs and the signal processing handled by dedicated circuit blocks, thus managing overall system complexity while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces modulation units as intermediary components between the oxide TFT sensors and the transmission system. These modulation units convert the raw sensor signals into suitable formats for transmission, bridging the gap between the simple sensor fabrication and the complex signal processing requirements, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and circuit scheme maturity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If UV detection is integrated into display panels, then system integration is improved, but detection precision and signal transmission reliability face challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the UV detection function with the display panel structure by integrating oxide TFT sensors directly into the display panel fabrication process. This merging achieves system integration while the dedicated modulation and transmission circuits ensure detection precision is maintained despite the integrated architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces modulation units as intermediary components between the integrated oxide TFT sensors and the output transmission system. These intermediaries process and condition the signals from the sensors, ensuring that detection precision is maintained even within the integrated display panel architecture, thus resolving the contradiction between integration and precision.
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
The proposed solution enables accurate and efficient detection of ultraviolet light, facilitating early warning systems with improved sensitivity and cost-effectiveness, suitable for large-area production and integration into display panels, while overcoming the limitations of traditional semiconductor devices.
Implementation Method 1
when IGZO and other oxides are exposed to ultraviolet light, the electrical characteristics of the oxide TFT may be changed significantly
Data Source
AI summary
An ultraviolet light sensing circuit and sensing system. The ultraviolet light sensing circuit comprises a modulation unit and a phase delay unit, wherein the modulation unit comprises a first stage of inverter which is used for sensing ultraviolet light and is used as a voltage feedback modulation stage; and the phase delay unit comprises N stages of inverters which are connected in sequence, where N is an even number which is greater than or equal to 2. The modulation unit is connected to the phase delay unit in sequence, and the output voltage of the phase delay unit is fed to the modulation unit; and the modulation unit is modulated by a control signal which is a pulse signal. The ultraviolet light sensing circuit and sensing system can be used for ultraviolet light information communications. The ultraviolet light sensing circuit can sense ultraviolet light signals and output amplitude modulation wave signals.