WO2022249731A1 - 撮像装置及び電子機器 - Google Patents
撮像装置及び電子機器 Download PDFInfo
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- WO2022249731A1 WO2022249731A1 PCT/JP2022/015276 JP2022015276W WO2022249731A1 WO 2022249731 A1 WO2022249731 A1 WO 2022249731A1 JP 2022015276 W JP2022015276 W JP 2022015276W WO 2022249731 A1 WO2022249731 A1 WO 2022249731A1
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Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to imaging devices and electronic devices.
- a conventional image sensor performs analog-to-digital conversion (hereinafter referred to as AD conversion) on an imaging signal photoelectrically converted by a photoelectric conversion unit of each pixel column by column. Therefore, there is a problem that it takes time to read out all the pixels in the pixel array section.
- AD conversion analog-to-digital conversion
- the pixel AD method imaging device has an AD conversion unit for each pixel, the number of wiring lines increases and the power consumption also increases, making it difficult to manufacture a high-resolution imaging device.
- an imaging device has been put into practical use in which a substrate on which the photoelectric conversion unit is arranged and a substrate on which the AD conversion unit is arranged are separately provided and these substrates are stacked.
- Various signals are transmitted and received between the two stacked substrates through bumps, vias, and the like.
- the wiring area provided on each substrate becomes large, which may reduce the area ratio of the photoelectric conversion portions and reduce the aperture ratio.
- the present disclosure provides an imaging device and an electronic device capable of reducing the number of signals transmitted and received between a plurality of laminated substrates and a plurality of layers.
- a plurality of pixels each having a photoelectric conversion unit; an analog-to-digital conversion unit provided for each area pixel composed of two or more of the pixels in the plurality of pixels and converting a signal corresponding to the charge photoelectrically converted by the two or more pixels into a digital signal; a floating diffusion that outputs charges photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit in the pixel; a plurality of stacked regions in which the plurality of photoelectric conversion units, the plurality of the analog-to-digital conversion units, and the plurality of the floating diffusions in the plurality of pixels are arranged; a signal transmission unit that transmits and receives signals between the plurality of areas, Among the plurality of regions, the region where the plurality of photoelectric conversion units are arranged is provided separately from the region where the analog-digital conversion unit is arranged, A region in which the plurality of photoelectric conversion units are arranged and a region in which the analog-to-digital conversion unit is arranged in the area
- the photoelectric conversion unit may have a silicon semiconductor layer or may have a semiconductor layer other than silicon.
- the semiconductor layer other than silicon may be a semiconductor layer containing an organic semiconductor material.
- a storage unit that is provided for each of the pixels and stores charges photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit; a first transfer transistor that is provided for each of the pixels and performs switching control of whether or not to store the charge photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit in the storage unit; A second transfer transistor may be provided for each of the pixels and controls whether or not to transfer the charge accumulated in the storage unit to the floating diffusion.
- the storage section may be arranged in a region where the photoelectric conversion section is arranged among the plurality of regions.
- the storage section may be arranged in the same layer as the photoelectric conversion section, or may be arranged in a layer stacked on the layer in which the photoelectric conversion section is arranged.
- the storage unit may be arranged in a region different from the region where the analog-digital conversion unit is arranged, among the plurality of regions.
- the different region has a wiring layer electrically connected to the floating diffusion,
- the storage section may be arranged in the same layer as the wiring layer.
- the analog-to-digital converter is a comparator that compares the analog signal corresponding to the charge with a reference signal; a comparison output processing unit that outputs a comparison result of the comparator; a waveform shaping unit that shapes the waveform of the output signal of the comparison output processing unit;
- the comparator, the comparison output processing section, and the waveform shaping section may be arranged in the same area among the plurality of areas.
- the analog-to-digital converter is a comparator that compares the analog signal corresponding to the charge with a reference signal; a comparison output processing unit that outputs a comparison result of the comparator; a waveform shaping unit that shapes the waveform of the output signal of the comparison output processing unit;
- the comparator, the comparison output processing section, and the waveform shaping section may be arranged in mutually different regions among the plurality of regions.
- the analog-to-digital converter is a comparator that compares the analog signal corresponding to the charge with a reference signal; a comparison output processing unit that outputs a comparison result of the comparator; a waveform shaping unit that shapes the waveform of the output signal of the comparison output processing unit;
- the comparator, the comparison output processing section, and the waveform shaping section may be arranged in mutually different regions among the plurality of regions.
- the signal transmission section may transmit and receive electric charges of the floating diffusion between the first region and the second region.
- the photoelectric conversion unit is a first photoelectric conversion unit; and a second photoelectric conversion unit
- the floating diffusion is a first floating diffusion that accumulates charges photoelectrically converted by the first photoelectric conversion unit; a second floating diffusion for accumulating charges photoelectrically converted by the second photoelectric conversion unit;
- the plurality of regions are a first region in which the first photoelectric conversion unit is arranged; a second region in which the second photoelectric conversion unit is arranged; a third region in which at least part of the analog-to-digital conversion unit is arranged;
- the signal transmission unit is a first signal transmission unit that transmits and receives the charge of the first floating diffusion between the first region and the third region; and a second signal transmission section that transmits and receives the charge of the second floating diffusion between the second region and the third region.
- One of the first photoelectric conversion unit and the second photoelectric conversion unit may have a silicon semiconductor layer, and the other of the first photoelectric conversion unit and the second photoelectric conversion unit may have a semiconductor layer other than silicon. good.
- a first storage unit provided for each pixel for accumulating charges photoelectrically converted by the first photoelectric conversion unit; a second storage unit that is provided for each of the pixels and stores charges photoelectrically converted by the second photoelectric conversion unit;
- the first storage unit is arranged in the first area,
- the second storage unit is arranged in the second area,
- the first floating diffusion accumulates charges corresponding to the charges stored in the first storage unit,
- the second floating diffusion may accumulate charges corresponding to the charges stored in the second storage section.
- a storage unit that is provided for each pixel and stores charges photoelectrically converted by either the first photoelectric conversion unit or the second photoelectric conversion unit;
- the storage unit is arranged in the second area, Either one of the first floating diffusion and the second floating diffusion accumulates charges corresponding to the charges stored in the storage section, and the other of the first floating diffusion and the second floating diffusion stores the charge stored in the storage section.
- the charge photoelectrically converted by the first photoelectric conversion unit or the second photoelectric conversion unit may be accumulated without being stored in the unit.
- Both the first photoelectric conversion unit and the second photoelectric conversion unit may have a silicon semiconductor layer, or may have a semiconductor layer other than silicon.
- a first storage unit provided for each pixel for accumulating charges photoelectrically converted by the first photoelectric conversion unit;
- a second storage unit provided for each of the pixels and storing charges photoelectrically converted by the second photoelectric conversion unit may be provided.
- At least one of the first storage section and the second storage section may be provided across the first area and the second area.
- an imaging device that outputs a photoelectrically converted digital signal for each pixel;
- a signal processing unit that performs signal processing on the digital signal,
- the imaging device is a plurality of pixels each having a photoelectric conversion unit; an analog-to-digital conversion unit provided for each area pixel composed of two or more of the pixels among the plurality of pixels and converting a signal corresponding to the charge photoelectrically converted by the two or more pixels into the digital signal; a floating diffusion that outputs charges photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit in the pixel; a plurality of stacked regions in which the plurality of pixels, the plurality of analog-to-digital converters, and the plurality of floating diffusions are arranged; a signal transmission unit that transmits and receives signals between the plurality of areas, Among the plurality of regions, the region in which the photoelectric conversion unit is arranged is provided separately from the region in which the analog-digital conversion unit is arranged,
- the electronic device is provided, wherein the signal transmission section transmits and receives the charge
- FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present technology
- FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a vertical driving unit according to an embodiment of the present technology
- FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a horizontal control unit according to an embodiment of the present technology
- FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of area pixels according to an embodiment of the present technology
- FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an area pixel compatible with the global shutter method
- FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a photoelectric conversion unit according to an embodiment of the present technology
- FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of a photoelectric conversion unit in a global shutter system; The figure which shows the structural example of the comparison part in one Embodiment of this technique. The figure which shows the structural example of the comparison output process part in one Embodiment of this technique. The figure which shows the structural example of the conversion result holding
- FIG. 4 is a timing diagram of one frame period of the imaging device according to the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of an area pixel according to the first example; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an area pixel according to the first example; FIG.
- FIG. 13 is a plan view taken along line AA of FIG. 12;
- FIG. 13 is a plan view taken along line BB in FIG. 12;
- FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of an area pixel according to a second example; Sectional drawing of the area pixel which concerns on a 2nd example.
- FIG. 15 is a plan view taken along line AA of FIG. 15;
- FIG. 16 is a plan view taken along the line BB in FIG. 15;
- FIG. 15 is a plan view taken along line CC of FIG. 15;
- FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram of an area pixel according to a third example; Sectional drawing of the area pixel which concerns on a 3rd example.
- FIG. 19 is a plan view taken along line AA of FIG. 18;
- FIG. 19 is a plan view taken along line AA of FIG. 18;
- FIG. 19 is a plan view taken along line AA of FIG. 18;
- FIG. 19 is a plan view taken along line AA of
- FIG. 19 is a plan view taken along line BB in FIG. 18;
- FIG. 19 is a plan view taken along line CC of FIG. 18;
- FIG. 3 is a diagram summarizing features of area pixels according to the first to third examples;
- FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram of an area pixel according to a fourth example; Sectional drawing of the area pixel which concerns on a 4th example.
- FIG. 23 is a plan view taken along line AA of FIG. 22;
- FIG. 23 is a plan view taken along line BB in FIG. 22;
- FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram of an area pixel according to the fifth example; Sectional drawing of the area pixel which concerns on a 5th example.
- FIG. 25 is a plan view taken along line AA of FIG. 25;
- FIG. 25 is a plan view taken along line AA of FIG. 25;
- FIG. 25 is a plan view taken along line AA of FIG. 25; FIG.
- FIG. 25 is a plan view taken along the line BB in FIG. 25;
- FIG. 25 is a plan view taken along line CC of FIG. 25;
- FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram of an area pixel according to the sixth example; Sectional drawing of the area pixel which concerns on a 6th example.
- FIG. 28 is a plan view taken along line AA of FIG. 28;
- FIG. 29 is a plan view taken along line BB in FIG. 28;
- FIG. 29 is a plan view taken along line CC of FIG. 28;
- FIG. 11 is a diagram summarizing features of area pixels according to fourth to sixth examples;
- FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram of an area pixel according to the seventh example; Sectional drawing of the area pixel which concerns on a 7th example.
- FIG. 33 is a plan view taken along line AA of FIG. 32;
- FIG. 33 is a plan view taken along line BB in FIG. 32;
- FIG. 33 is a plan view taken along line CC of FIG. 32;
- FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an area pixel according to an eighth example;
- FIG. 35 is a plan view taken along line AA of FIG. 35;
- FIG. 35 is a plan view taken along the line BB in FIG. 35;
- FIG. 35 is a plan view taken along line CC of FIG. 35;
- FIG. 11 is a diagram summarizing features of area pixels according to the seventh example and the eighth example;
- FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an area pixel according to the ninth example;
- FIG. 39 is a plan view taken along line AA of FIG. 39;
- FIG. 39 is a plan view taken along the line BB in FIG. 39;
- FIG. 39 is a plan view taken along line CC of FIG. 39;
- FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of an area pixel according to the tenth example;
- FIG. 43 is a plan view taken along line AA in FIG. 42;
- FIG. 43 is a plan view taken along line BB in FIG. 42;
- FIG. 43 is a plan view taken along line CC of FIG. 42;
- FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of an area pixel according to the tenth example;
- FIG. 43 is a plan view taken along line AA in FIG. 42;
- FIG. 43
- FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of an area pixel according to the eleventh example;
- FIG. 45 is a plan view taken along line AA of FIG. 45;
- FIG. 45 is a plan view taken along the line BB in FIG. 45;
- FIG. 45 is a plan view taken along line CC of FIG. 45;
- FIG. 45 is a plan view taken along line DD in FIG. 45;
- FIG. 11 is a diagram summarizing features of area pixels according to the ninth to eleventh examples;
- FIG. 20 is a circuit diagram of an area pixel according to the twelfth example;
- FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of an area pixel according to the twelfth example;
- FIG. 49 is a plan view taken along line AA of FIG. 49;
- FIG. 49 is a plan view taken along the line BB in FIG. 49;
- FIG. 20 is a circuit diagram of an area pixel according to the thirteenth example;
- FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of an area pixel according to the thirteenth example;
- FIG. 53 is a plan view taken along the line AA in FIG. 52;
- FIG. 53 is a plan view taken along the line BB in FIG. 52;
- FIG. 53 is a plan view taken along line CC of FIG. 52;
- FIG. 20 is a circuit diagram of an area pixel according to the fourteenth example;
- FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of an area pixel according to the fourteenth example;
- FIG. 55 is a plan view taken along line AA of FIG. 55;
- FIG. 55 is a plan view taken along line AA of FIG. 55;
- FIG. 55 is a plan view taken along the line BB in FIG. 55;
- FIG. 55 is a plan view taken along line CC of FIG. 55;
- FIG. 11 is a diagram summarizing features of area pixels according to the 12th to 14th examples;
- FIG. 20 is a circuit diagram of an area pixel according to the fifteenth example;
- FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of an area pixel according to the fifteenth example;
- FIG. 59 is a plan view taken along line AA of FIG. 59;
- FIG. 59 is a plan view taken along line BB in FIG. 59;
- FIG. 59 is a plan view taken along line CC of FIG. 59;
- FIG. 20 is a circuit diagram of an area pixel according to the sixteenth example;
- FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of an area pixel according to the sixteenth example;
- FIG. 63 is a plan view taken along line AA in FIG. 62;
- FIG. 63 is a plan view taken along line BB in FIG. 62;
- FIG. 63 is a plan view taken along line CC of FIG. 62;
- FIG. 63 is a plan view taken along line DD in FIG. 62;
- FIG. 20 is a circuit diagram of an area pixel according to the seventeenth example;
- FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of an area pixel according to the seventeenth example;
- FIG. 65 is a plan view taken along line AA of FIG. 65;
- FIG. 65 is a plan view taken along the line BB in FIG. 65;
- FIG. 65 is a plan view taken along the line BB in FIG. 65;
- FIG. 65 is a plan view taken along line CC of FIG. 65;
- FIG. 66 is a plan view taken along line DD in FIG. 65;
- FIG. 11 is a diagram summarizing features of area pixels according to fifteenth to seventeenth examples;
- FIG. 20 is a circuit diagram of an area pixel according to the eighteenth example;
- FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of an area pixel according to the eighteenth example;
- FIG. 70 is a plan view taken along line AA in FIG. 69;
- FIG. 70 is a plan view taken along line BB in FIG. 69;
- FIG. 20 is a circuit diagram of an area pixel according to the nineteenth example;
- FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of an area pixel according to the nineteenth example;
- FIG. 73 is a plan view taken along the line AA in FIG. 72;
- FIG. 73 is a plan view taken along line BB in FIG. 72;
- FIG. 73 is a plan view along line CC of FIG. 72;
- FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram of an area pixel according to the twentieth example;
- FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an area pixel according to the twentieth example;
- FIG. 75 is a plan view taken along the line AA in FIG. 75;
- FIG. 75 is a plan view taken along line BB in FIG. 75;
- FIG. 75 is a plan view taken along line CC of FIG. 75;
- FIG. 11 is a diagram summarizing features of area pixels according to eighteenth to twentieth examples;
- FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram of an area pixel according to the twenty-first example;
- FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an area pixel according to the twenty-first example;
- FIG. 79 is a plan view taken along the line AA in FIG. 79;
- FIG. 79 is a plan view taken along line BB in FIG. 79;
- FIG. 79 is a plan view taken along line CC of FIG. 79;
- FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram of an area pixel according to the twenty-second example;
- FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of an area pixel according to the twenty-second example;
- FIG. 83 is a plan view taken along line AA in FIG. 82;
- FIG. 83 is a plan view taken along line BB in FIG. 82;
- FIG. 83 is a plan view along line CC of FIG. 82;
- FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram of an area pixel according to the twenty-third example;
- FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of an area pixel according to the twenty-third example;
- FIG. 85 is a plan view taken along line AA of FIG. 85;
- FIG. 85 is a plan view taken along the line BB in FIG. 85;
- FIG. 85 is a plan view along line CC of FIG. 85;
- FIG. 11 is a diagram summarizing features of area pixels according to the 21st to 23rd examples;
- FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram of an area pixel according to the twenty-fourth example;
- FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an area pixel according to the twenty-fourth example;
- FIG. 89 is a plan view taken along line AA of FIG. 89;
- FIG. 89 is a plan view taken along the line BB in FIG. 89;
- FIG. 89 is a plan view along line CC of FIG. 89;
- FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram of an area pixel according to the twenty-fifth example;
- FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an area pixel according to the twenty-fifth example;
- FIG. 93 is a plan view taken along line AA of FIG. 92;
- FIG. 93 is a plan view taken along line BB in FIG. 92;
- FIG. 93 is a plan view taken along line CC of FIG. 92;
- FIG. 11 is a diagram summarizing features of area pixels according to the twenty-fourth and twenty-fifth examples;
- FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram of an area pixel according to the twenty-third example;
- FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of an area pixel according to the twenty-third example;
- FIG. 97 is a plan view taken along the line AA in FIG. 96;
- FIG. 97 is a plan view taken along line BB in FIG. 96;
- FIG. 97 is a plan view along line CC of FIG. 96;
- FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram of an area pixel according to the twenty-seventh example;
- FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of an area pixel according to the twenty-seventh example;
- FIG. 99 is a plan view taken along line AA of FIG. 99;
- FIG. 99 is a plan view taken along the line BB in FIG. 99;
- FIG. 99 is a plan view along line CC of FIG. 99;
- FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram of an area pixel according to the twenty-eighth example;
- FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an area pixel according to the twenty-eighth example;
- FIG. 99 is a plan view taken along line AA of FIG. 99;
- FIG. 99 is a plan view taken along the line BB in FIG. 99;
- FIG. 99 is a plan view along line CC of FIG. 99;
- FIG. 103 is a plan view taken along line DD of FIG. 102;
- FIG. 11 is a diagram summarizing features of area pixels according to the 26th to 28th examples;
- FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a comparison result output signal in the AD converter;
- 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a vehicle control system;
- FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of installation positions of an information detection unit outside the vehicle and an imaging unit;
- an imaging device and an electronic device will be described below with reference to the drawings.
- the main components of the imaging device and the electronic device will be mainly described below, the imaging device and the electronic device may have components and functions that are not illustrated or described. The following description does not exclude components or features not shown or described.
- FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an imaging device 1 according to an embodiment of the present technology.
- This imaging device 1 includes a pixel array section 10 , a time code generation section 20 , a reference signal generation section 30 , a vertical drive section 40 and a horizontal control section 50 .
- the pixel array section 10 includes a plurality of area pixels 100, and the pixel signal is analog-digital converted (hereinafter referred to as AD conversion) for each area pixel 100.
- Area pixel 100 has a plurality of pixels. Each pixel has a photoelectric converter. As will be described later, the area pixel 100 has one analog-digital converter (hereinafter referred to as AD converter).
- the AD converter sequentially AD-converts analog pixel signals captured by each pixel in the area pixel 100 and outputs corresponding digital signals.
- the area pixel 100 can also be called a pixel, and each photoelectric conversion unit in the pixel can also be called a sub-pixel or a color pixel.
- the pixel array section 10 includes area pixels 100 arranged in a two-dimensional matrix to generate pixel signals, and a plurality of time code transfer sections 200 arranged between the plurality of area pixels 100 arranged in the column direction. ing.
- the area pixel 100 outputs a time code that is the result of AD-converting the analog pixel signal of each pixel.
- the time code transfer unit 200 sequentially transfers the time code in the column direction.
- the transferred time code is input to the horizontal control section 50 .
- a signal line 101 is a signal line that connects the area pixels 100 and the time code transfer section 200 . Details of the configurations of the area pixels 100 and the time code transfer section 200 will be described later.
- the time code generation unit 20 generates a time code and outputs it to the time code transfer unit 200.
- the time code is a code indicating the elapsed time from the start of AD conversion in the area pixel 100 .
- This time code has a size equal to the number of bits of the digital pixel signal after conversion, and can use, for example, a Gray code.
- the time code is output to the time code transfer section 200 via the signal line 21 .
- the reference signal generator 30 generates a reference signal and outputs it to the area pixels 100 .
- This reference signal is a reference signal for AD conversion in the area pixel 100, and for example, a signal (ramp signal) whose voltage linearly decreases with time can be used.
- This reference signal is output via the signal line 31 .
- the generation and output of the time code by the time code generator 20 are executed in synchronization with the generation and output of the reference signal by the reference signal generator 30 .
- the time code and the reference signal output from the time code generating section 20 and the reference signal generating section 30 correspond one-to-one, and the voltage of the reference signal can be obtained from the time code.
- a time code decoding unit 52 which will be described later, performs decoding by acquiring the voltage of the reference signal from the time code.
- the vertical drive unit 40 generates and outputs control signals and the like for the area pixels 100 .
- This control signal is output to the area pixels 100 via the signal line 41 .
- the details of the configuration of the vertical driving section 40 will be described later.
- the horizontal control unit 50 processes the time code transferred by the time code transfer unit 200.
- the time code is input to the horizontal control section 50 via the signal line 11 . Details of the configuration of the horizontal control unit 50 will be described later. Note that the horizontal control unit 50 is an example of the processing circuit described in the claims.
- FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the vertical driving section 40 according to an embodiment of the present technology.
- the vertical drive section 40 includes a control signal generation section 42 and a power supply section 43 .
- the control signal generation unit 42 generates and outputs control signals for the area pixels 100 .
- the power supply unit 43 supplies power necessary for the operation of the area pixels 100 .
- These control signals and power are transmitted by signal lines 41 .
- the signal line 41 is composed of a plurality of signal lines (OFG, OFD, TX, SEL1, SEL2, SEL3, SEL4, Vb, INI, WORD) and a plurality of power supply lines (VDDH, VBIAS). be done.
- the signal lines (OFG, OFD, TX, SEL1, SEL2, SEL3, SEL4, Vb, INI, WORD) are connected to the control signal generator 42 and transmit control signals for the area pixels 100 .
- the power lines (VDDH, VBIAS) are connected to the power supply unit 43 and used for power supply. Details of these signal lines will be described later.
- FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the horizontal control unit 50 in one embodiment of the present technology.
- the horizontal controller 50 includes a time code decoder 52 , a column signal processor 53 and a clock signal generator 54 .
- the time code decoding unit 52 decodes the time code. This decoding produces a digital pixel signal that is the result of AD conversion.
- a plurality of time code decoding units 52 are arranged in the horizontal control unit 50 and correspond to the time code transfer units 200 arranged in the pixel array unit 10 on a one-to-one basis. Time codes are simultaneously input to these time code decoding units 52 from the corresponding time code transfer units 200 . Decoding of the input time code is performed concurrently by these time code decoding units 52 . After that, the plurality of decoded digital pixel signals are input to the column signal processing section 53 .
- the column signal processing unit 53 processes digital pixel signals output by the time code decoding unit 52 . As this processing, correlated double sampling (CDS), which will be described later, can be performed. Also, the column signal processing unit 53 performs horizontal transfer on the processed digital pixel signals. This sequentially transfers and outputs processed pixel signals corresponding to a plurality of digital pixel signals simultaneously input by a plurality of time code decoding units 52 .
- the pixel signal output from the column signal processing unit 53 is an output signal of the imaging device 1 and corresponds to a digital pixel signal.
- FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a configuration example of an area pixel 100 according to an embodiment of the present technology.
- the area pixel 100 includes four photoelectric conversion units 110 (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) corresponding to four pixels and an AD conversion unit 190.
- Each floating diffusion FD that is the output of the four photoelectric conversion units 110 is connected to a common input node of the AD conversion unit 190 .
- the number of signal transmission units 91 for four photoelectric conversion units 110 and AD conversion units 190 can be reduced.
- the photoelectric conversion unit 110 performs photoelectric conversion for each pixel to generate and hold an analog pixel signal corresponding to incident light. Further, the photoelectric conversion unit 110 is controlled by the vertical driving unit 40 and holds the held analog pixel signal in the floating diffusion FD in the state of charge. This electric charge is supplied to the comparison section 150 of the AD conversion section 190 via the signal transmission section 91 . Details of the configuration of the photoelectric conversion unit 110 and the like will be described later.
- the floating diffusions FD of the four photoelectric conversion units 110 are gathered in one place and charge is transmitted/received to/from the AD conversion unit 190, so that the number of signal transmission units 91 can be reduced.
- the AD conversion unit 190 AD-converts analog pixel signals generated by the photoelectric conversion unit 110 and the like.
- the AD conversion section 190 includes a comparison section 150 , a comparison output processing section 160 and a conversion result holding section 170 .
- the comparison unit 150 compares the reference signal generated by the reference signal generation unit 30 and the analog pixel signal output by the photoelectric conversion unit 110 or the like. A comparison result is output to the comparison output processing unit 160 via the signal line 106 .
- the comparison unit 150 compares one of a plurality of analog pixel signals output from the photoelectric conversion unit 110 and the like with a reference signal. That is, the voltage of the analog pixel signal transmitted through one of the signal lines 102 to 105 is compared with the voltage of the reference signal. The comparison result is output as an electrical signal.
- the comparison output processing unit 160 processes the comparison result output by the comparison unit 150 and outputs the processed comparison result to the conversion result holding unit 170 .
- the processed comparison result is output to the conversion result holding unit 170 via the signal line 107 .
- this processing for example, level conversion and waveform shaping can be performed.
- the conversion result holding unit 170 holds the time code output from the time code transfer unit 200 based on the processed comparison result output from the comparison output processing unit 160 as the AD conversion result.
- the conversion result holding unit 170 holds the time code output from the time code transfer unit 200 when the comparison result changes from "1" to "0", for example.
- the time code at this time is the time code generated by the time code generation unit 20 and transferred to the area pixels 100 by the time code transfer unit 200 .
- the conversion result holding section 170 outputs the held time code to the time code transfer section 200 under the control of the vertical driving section 40 .
- the time code transfer section 200 transfers the output time code to the time code decoding section 52 of the horizontal control section 50 .
- a signal that ramps from a high voltage to a low voltage is used as the reference signal, and the time code when the voltage of this reference signal transitions from a higher state to a lower state than the voltage of the analog pixel signal is determined. It can be held in the conversion result holding unit 170 . That is, the conversion result holding unit 170 holds the time code when the analog pixel signal and the reference signal are approximately equal. The held time code is converted by the time code decoder 52 into a digital signal representing the voltage of the reference signal at the corresponding time. Thereby, AD conversion of the analog pixel signal generated by the photoelectric conversion unit 110 can be performed.
- FIG. 4A corresponds to the rolling shutter method, but the global shutter method is adopted in which the pixel signals of all the pixels are stored in the storage unit 113 and then sequentially transferred to the AD conversion unit 190 for AD conversion.
- FIG. 4B is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an area pixel 100 compatible with the global shutter method.
- the area pixel 100 in FIG. 4B differs from the area pixel 100 in FIG. 4A in the internal configuration of the photoelectric conversion unit 110 .
- 4B includes charge generation units 111 (111a, 111b, 111c, 111d), storage units 113 (113a, 113b, 113c, 113d), and transfer transistors 504 (504a, 504b, 504c, 504d).
- the pixel signals photoelectrically converted by the four photoelectric conversion units 110 in the area pixel 100 are stored in the storage unit 113 simultaneously for all pixels. After that, the transfer transistor 504 of each pixel is sequentially turned on, and the charge corresponding to the pixel signal stored in the storage section 113 is input to the AD conversion section 190 via the floating diffusion FD and the signal transmission section 91 .
- the internal configuration of the AD converter 190 is the same as in FIG. 4A.
- FIG. 5A is a diagram showing a configuration example of the photoelectric conversion unit 110 according to an embodiment of the present technology.
- This photoelectric conversion section 110 has a charge generation section 111 .
- the charge generator 111 includes MOS transistors 502 and 504 and a photodiode 501 .
- MOS transistors 502 and 504 can be N-channel MOS transistors.
- a plurality of signal lines (OFD, OFG, TX) are connected to the photoelectric conversion unit 110 .
- An overflow drain signal line OFD is a signal line that supplies a reset voltage VOFG for the photodiode 501 .
- Overflow gate signal line OFG (Overflow Gate) is a signal line for transmitting a control signal to MOS transistor 502 .
- Transfer signal line TX is a signal line for transmitting a control signal to MOS transistor 504 .
- the overflow gate signal line OFG and transfer signal line TX are connected to the gates of MOS transistors 502 and 504, respectively.
- ON signal a voltage equal to or higher than the threshold voltage between the gate and source
- the drain and gate of the MOS transistor 502 are connected to the overflow drain signal line OFD and overflow gate signal line OFG, respectively.
- the source of MOS transistor 502 is connected to the cathode of photodiode 501 and the source of MOS transistor 503 .
- the anode of photodiode 501 is grounded.
- the MOS transistor 504 has a gate connected to the transfer signal line TX and a drain connected to the cathode of the photodiode 501 and the floating diffusion FD.
- the photodiode 501 generates charges according to the amount of light irradiated and holds the generated charges.
- the MOS transistor 502 discharges excess charges generated in the photodiode 501 .
- the MOS transistor 502 further discharges the charge accumulated in the photodiode 501 by conducting between the photodiode 501 and the overflow drain signal line OFD. That is, the photodiode 501 is further reset.
- MOS transistor 504 transfers the charge generated by photodiode 501 to floating diffusion FD.
- the configurations of the photoelectric conversion units 110b, 110c, and 110d are the same as the configuration of the photoelectric conversion unit 110a, so description thereof will be omitted. Charges corresponding to analog pixel signals generated by the photoelectric conversion units 110 (110a to 110d) are supplied to the floating diffusion FD common to four pixels.
- FIG. 5B is a circuit diagram of the photoelectric conversion section 110 in the global shutter method.
- the photoelectric conversion unit 110 in FIG. 5B has a transistor (first transfer transistor) 503 and a storage unit 113 in addition to the circuit configuration in FIG. 5A.
- the transistor 503 is provided inside the charge generation portion 111 .
- a transistor (second transfer transistor) 504 is connected between the floating diffusion FD and the transistor 503 .
- a pixel signal photoelectrically converted by the photodiode 501 of each pixel is stored in the storage unit 113 through the transistor 503 simultaneously for all pixels. After that, the charges stored in the storage unit 113 are sequentially sent to the AD conversion unit 190 via the transistor 504 and the floating diffusion FD for each pixel.
- FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the comparison unit 150 according to an embodiment of the present technology.
- the comparator 150 includes a signal input transistor 12 , a reference input transistor 157 and MOS transistors 13 , 151 and 152 .
- MOS transistors 151 and 152 can be P-channel MOS transistors.
- MOS transistors 12 and 157 can be N-channel MOS transistors.
- a plurality of signal lines (Vb, REF) and a power supply line VDDH are connected to the comparison unit 150 .
- a bias signal line Vb (Bias) is a signal line that supplies a bias voltage to the MOS transistor 158 .
- a reference signal line REF (Reference) is a signal line that transmits a reference signal to the reference input transistor 157 .
- a power line VDDH is a power line that supplies power to the comparison unit 150 .
- the sources of the MOS transistors 151 and 152 are commonly connected to the power supply line VDDH.
- the gate of MOS transistor 151 is connected to the gate and drain of MOS transistor 152 and the drain of reference input transistor 157 .
- the drain of MOS transistor 151 is connected to the drain of signal input transistor 12 and signal line 106 .
- the source of signal input transistor 12 and the source of reference input transistor 157 are commonly connected to the drain of MOS transistor 158 .
- MOS transistor 158 has a gate connected to bias signal line Vb and a source grounded.
- the gate of MOS transistor 12 is connected to signal line 102 .
- the MOS transistor 13 short-circuits the gate and drain of the MOS transistor 12 when the reset signal RST is at high level.
- a gate of the reference input transistor 157 is connected to the reference signal line REF.
- the signal input transistor 12 is a MOS transistor in which an input signal is input to the gate, which is the control terminal. An analog pixel signal is input as an input signal to the signal input transistor 12 in FIG.
- the reference input transistor 157 is a MOS transistor to which the reference signal is input to the gate, which is the control terminal.
- This reference input transistor 157 forms a differential pair with the signal input transistor 12 .
- This differential pair provides a comparison of the input signal and the reference signal. Specifically, when the input signal is smaller than the reference signal, the current flowing through the reference input transistor 157 is larger than the current flowing through the signal input transistor 12 . Conversely, when the input signal is greater than the reference signal, the current flowing through the reference input transistor 157 is smaller than the current flowing through the signal input transistor 12 . Thus, a current corresponding to the difference between the input signal and the reference signal flows through the signal input transistor 12 and the reference input transistor 157 forming a differential pair.
- the MOS transistor 151 converts this current change into a voltage change.
- the MOS transistor 152 converts changes in current flowing through the reference input transistor 157 into changes in voltage.
- These MOS transistors 151 and 152 form a current mirror circuit. This current mirror circuit operates so that a current equal to the current flowing through the reference input transistor 157 flows through the signal input transistor 12 . Thereby, the input signal and the reference signal can be compared at high speed.
- the MOS transistor 158 controls the current flowing through the signal input transistor 12 and the reference input transistor 157 that form a differential pair. A predetermined bias voltage is supplied to the gate of the MOS transistor 158 through a bias signal line Vb. Thereby, MOS transistor 158 operates as a constant current power supply.
- the comparison section 150 in FIG. 1 can perform a comparison operation between the pixel signal input to the gate of the signal input transistor 12 and the reference signal input to the gate of the reference input transistor 157 .
- the voltage of the reference signal line REF is set to 0V. This renders the reference input transistor 157 non-conductive. Then, the voltage at the drain of the signal input transistor 12 becomes near 0V due to the action of the differential amplifier circuit composed of the signal input transistor 12, the reference input transistor 157 and the MOS transistor 158.
- the reset signal RST is set to high level to turn on the MOS transistor 13 . As a result, a feedback circuit is formed, and the drain of the signal input transistor 12 has a voltage of approximately 0V. Then, the floating diffusion FD of the photoelectric conversion unit connected to the signal line 102 is discharged, and the voltage of the signal line 102 becomes 0V.
- a current mirror circuit consisting of MOS transistors 151 and 152 can further enhance the effect of setting the drain of signal input transistor 12 to 0V. That is, when the voltage of the reference signal line REF is set to 0V, the current flowing through the MOS transistor 152 becomes approximately 0A. Since the MOS transistor 151 forms a current mirror circuit together with the MOS transistor 152, the current flowing through the MOS transistor 151 is also approximately 0A. Therefore, the drain voltage of the signal input transistor 12 can be more accurately set to 0V.
- the MOS transistor 13 further has a function of resetting the floating diffusion FD.
- This reset can be done as follows. First, a voltage corresponding to the reset voltage of the floating diffusion FD is applied to the reference signal line REF. This causes the reference input transistor 157 to become conductive. Due to the action of the differential amplifier circuit and the current mirror circuit described above, the drain voltage of the MOS transistor 13 also becomes a value substantially equal to the reset voltage. Next, the reset signal RST is set to a high level to render the MOS transistor 13 conductive. As a result, a reset voltage is applied to the floating diffusion FD of the photoelectric conversion unit, and resetting can be performed.
- the MOS transistor 13 resets the floating diffusion FD.
- the configuration of the AD conversion section 190 can be simplified.
- the gain in the differential amplifier circuit can be improved, and the floating diffusion FD can be reset more accurately.
- the configuration of the comparison unit 150 is not limited to this example.
- a resistive load or constant current power supply can be used instead of the MOS transistors 151 and 152 forming the current mirror circuit.
- a resistive load or the like can be connected to either one or both of the signal input transistor 12 and the reference input transistor 157 of the differential pair.
- FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the comparison output processing unit 160 according to an embodiment of the present technology.
- the comparison output processing section 160 has MOS transistors 511 to 517 .
- MOS transistors 511, 513 and 515 can be constructed of P-channel MOS transistors.
- MOS transistors 512, 514, 516 and 517 can be formed of N-channel MOS transistors.
- the MOS transistor 511 constitutes the preamplifier section 161 .
- MOS transistor 512 forms level conversion unit 162 .
- MOS transistors 513 to 517 constitute a waveform shaping section 163 .
- Initialization signal line INI is a signal line for transmitting a control signal to MOS transistors 513 and 516 .
- Power supply lines VDDH and VBIAS are power supply lines for supplying power to the comparison output processing section 160 .
- the source and gate of the MOS transistor 511 are connected to the power supply line VDDH and the signal line 106, respectively.
- the drain of MOS transistor 511 is connected to the drain of MOS transistor 512 .
- MOS transistor 512 has a gate connected to power supply line VBIAS and a source connected to the drains of MOS transistors 514 and 516 and the gates of MOS transistors 515 and 517 .
- the gates of MOS transistors 513 and 516 are commonly connected to initialization signal line INI.
- the source and drain of MOS transistor 513 are connected to power supply line VBIAS and the source of MOS transistor 514, respectively.
- the source of MOS transistor 516 is grounded.
- the gate of MOS transistor 514 is connected to the drains of MOS transistors 515 and 517 and signal line 107 .
- the source of MOS transistor 515 is connected to power supply line VBIAS, and the source of MOS transistor 517 is grounded.
- the pre-amplification section 161 amplifies the signal corresponding to the comparison result output by the comparison section 150 .
- the preamplifier 161 outputs the amplified signal to the level converter 162 . This amplification is performed by the MOS transistor 511 .
- the level conversion section 162 converts the level of the signal output from the pre-amplification section 161 .
- a power supply line VDDH is connected to the comparing section 150 and the pre-amplifying section 161 described with reference to FIG.
- the power supplied by power supply line VDDH must have a relatively high voltage.
- the conversion result holding unit 170 and the like in the subsequent stage handle digital signals, they can be supplied with relatively low-voltage power. This relatively low power supply is provided by power supply line VBIAS. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption in the conversion result holding unit 170 and the like and to use a low-voltage transistor for the conversion result holding unit 170 and the like.
- the level converter 162 is arranged in order to transmit signals between circuits to which power supplies of different voltages are supplied. As a result, the level-converted signal is output to the waveform shaping section 163 .
- the level converter 162 in FIG. 1 can limit the signal level to a voltage obtained by subtracting the threshold voltage of the MOS transistor 512 from the power supply voltage supplied by the power supply line VBIAS.
- the waveform shaping section 163 shapes the signal output by the level converting section 162 into a sharply changing signal.
- the operation of this waveform shaping section 163 will be described.
- the output of level converter 162 is a value "0".
- a signal of value "1" is input from initialization signal line INI, and MOS transistor 516 is rendered conductive.
- MOS transistor 517 is rendered non-conductive
- MOS transistor 515 is rendered conductive
- a value “1” is output to signal line 107 .
- MOS transistors 513 and 514 are rendered non-conductive.
- a signal of value "0" is input to the initialization signal line INI.
- MOS transistor 513 is rendered conductive and MOS transistor 516 is rendered non-conductive. Since MOS transistor 514 is non-conductive and the output signal of level conversion unit 162 is "0", the states of MOS transistors 515 and 517 do not change.
- FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the conversion result holding unit 170 according to an embodiment of the present technology.
- the conversion result holding unit 170 includes a storage control unit 171 and storage units 172 to 179 .
- 8-bit size data is assumed as a digital pixel signal after AD conversion. Therefore, the size of the time code is also 8 bits.
- the size of the converted digital pixel signal and time code can be changed according to the requirements of the system. For example, the size can be 15 bits.
- a plurality of signal lines (WORD, CODE 1 to 8) are connected to the conversion result holding unit 170 .
- a word signal line WORD (Word) is a signal line for transmitting control signals for the storage units 172 to 179 .
- Code signal lines CODE (Code) 1 to 8 are signal lines for bi-directionally transmitting the time code.
- the plurality of code signal lines CODE1 to CODE8 constitute a signal line 101.
- the storage units 172 to 179 store the time code input from the time code transfer unit 200.
- the storage units 172 to 179 each store a 1-bit time code.
- the configuration of the storage units 172 to 179 will be described by taking the storage unit 172 as an example.
- This storage unit 172 includes a bit storage unit 522 and a bidirectional switch 523 .
- the bidirectional switch 523 is connected between the signal line 526 and the code signal line CODE1, and transmits data bidirectionally.
- the bidirectional switch 523 also has a control input terminal.
- a signal line 524 is connected to this control input terminal.
- the bidirectional switch 523 When a value of "1" is input to the control input terminal through the signal line 524, the bidirectional switch 523 is brought into a conductive state, and data is transmitted bidirectionally between the signal line 526 and the code signal line CODE1. be able to.
- the bidirectional switch 523 becomes non-conducting.
- the bit storage unit 522 is a storage device that stores 1-bit data.
- the bit storage unit 522 has an input/output terminal and a control input terminal to which signal lines 526 and 107 are connected respectively.
- the bit storage unit 522 stores the 1-bit time code which is the signal transmitted from the bidirectional switch 523 via the signal line 526. memorize At that time, when the 1-bit time code changes, the data stored in the bit storage unit 522 is rewritten. After that, when the signal input to the control input terminal changes from "1" to "0", the data stored in the bit storage unit 522 is held as it is. That is, the rewriting of the above data is not performed until the next signal input to the control input terminal becomes “1". Also, the bit storage unit 522 outputs the held data to the signal line 526 when the signal input to the control input terminal is “0”.
- the storage control unit 171 outputs control signals via the signal line 524 to control the storage units 172 to 179 .
- the storage control unit 171 can generate and output a signal obtained by ORing two signals input from the word signal line WORD and the signal line 107 as a control signal for the bidirectional switch 523 . This can be done by OR gate 521 .
- FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the time code transfer unit 200 in one embodiment of the present technology.
- the time code transfer section 200 includes code holding sections 210 and 230 and clock buffers 220 and 240 .
- the time code transfer section 200 has the same number of code holding sections and clock buffers as the number of rows of the area pixels 100 arranged in the pixel array section 10 described with reference to FIG.
- code holding units 210 and 230 and clock buffers 220 and 240 will be described as an example.
- the code holding unit 210 holds the time code.
- This code holding unit 210 is composed of flip-flops 211 to 218 .
- the flip-flop 211 and the like hold one bit of the time code based on the clock signal output from the clock buffer 220 . Specifically, when the clock signal is "0", the time code output from the time code generator 20 and input to the D input terminal in FIG. to Next, when the clock signal becomes "1", the time code held in the internal node is output from the Q output terminal. This output time code is input to the code holding unit 230 via the signal line 101 . In this manner, the time code transfer unit 200 transfers the time code by causing the plurality of time code holding units to operate as shift registers.
- the clock buffer 220 outputs the clock signal generated by the clock signal generator 54 described in FIG.
- the clock buffer 220 is composed of a plurality of inverting gates 221 to 224 and operates as a repeater that shapes the degraded clock signal.
- the clock buffer 220 is also sequentially transferred in the direction opposite to the time code in the time code transfer section 200 . That is, the clock buffer 240 outputs a clock signal to the code holding unit 230 and also outputs a clock signal to the clock buffer 220 .
- the clock signal input to the code holding unit 210 is compared with the clock signal input to the code holding unit 230 with a propagation delay time corresponding to two inverting gates and a delay due to wiring up to the inverting gate 224.
- the clock buffer 220 further has the function of delaying the clock signal.
- the flip-flop 211 and the like hold the input time code in the internal node when the clock signal is "0". At the time of this holding, it is necessary to secure a predetermined time, a so-called setup time. Due to the clock signal delay caused by the clock buffer 220, when the clock signal transitions to the value "0" in the code holding unit 230, the clock signal input to the code holding unit 210 remains at the value "1". That is, the time code held in the internal node remains output. As a result, the setup time can be secured in the code holding unit 230, and the time code can be transmitted.
- Code signal lines CODE1 to CODE8 are connected to the output of the code holding unit 210 and the input of the code holding unit 230, respectively.
- the time code generated by the time code generating section 20 and held in the code holding section 210 is output to the conversion result holding section 170 via these code signal lines CODE1 to CODE8.
- the time code held in the conversion result holding section 170 after AD conversion is output to the code holding section 230 via these code signal lines CODE1 to CODE8.
- the time code transfer section 200 transfers the time code.
- the internal configuration of the area pixel 100 will be described. Since there are various candidates for the internal configuration of the area pixel 100, representative internal configurations will be described in order below.
- FIG. 10 is a timing diagram of one frame period of the imaging device according to the present disclosure.
- FIG. 10 shows a timing chart of the global shutter imaging device 1 (the imaging device 1 including the area pixels 100 in FIG. 4B and the photoelectric conversion unit 110 in FIG. 5B).
- the upper half of FIG. 10 shows the timing of one frame period (time T1 to T6) after the start of exposure at time T1.
- the lower half of FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing in detail the operation from time T3 to T4.
- the time T1 to T2 is the exposure period.
- the OFG signal becomes high level
- the transistor 502 is turned on, and the charge in the photodiode 501 is discharged through the overflow drain signal line OFD.
- the photodiode 501 continuously performs photoelectric conversion and accumulates charges.
- the transfer signal TXG becomes high level
- the transistor 503 is turned on, and the charge photoelectrically converted by the photodiode 501 is held in the storage portion 113 .
- the holding operation to the storage unit 113 is performed simultaneously for all pixels.
- pixel A in the area pixel is read out at times T2 to T3
- pixel B in the area pixel is read out at time T3 to T4
- pixel C in the area pixel is read out at time T4 to T5.
- the readout of the pixel D in the area pixels is performed at times T5 to T6.
- Signals TX_A, TX_B, TX_C, and TX_D are gate signals for transistors 504 of pixels A, B, C, and D within the area pixel, respectively. When this gate signal becomes high level, the transistor 504 is turned on, and the charge corresponding to the pixel signal stored in the storage section 113 is transferred to the floating diffusion FD.
- the readout operation of the pixel B will be described in detail below.
- the signal RST in the timing diagram in the lower half of FIG. 10 is the reset signal RST input to the gate of the transistor 13 in pixel B.
- a period from time t1 to t6 is a period for comparing the P-phase signal with the reference signal and converting the P-phase signal into a digital signal.
- a reference signal REF composed of a ramp wave whose signal level linearly changes is input to the gate of the transistor 157 between times t2 and t4.
- the signal level of the P-phase signal exceeds the signal level of the reference signal REF, the drain voltage of the differential pair of transistors 12 decreases, the drain voltage of the transistor 511 increases, and the output signal VCO of the AD converter 190 becomes low level. becomes (time t3).
- Time t7 to t11 is a period for comparing the D-phase signal with the reference signal and converting the D-phase signal into a digital signal.
- the transfer signal TX_B becomes high level
- the transistor 504 is turned on, and the charges held in the storage unit 113 are transferred to the floating diffusion FD.
- the charge of the floating diffusion FD is supplied to the gate of the transistor 12 in the AD converter 190 as a D-phase signal via the signal transmission section 91 .
- the reference signal REF which is a ramp wave whose signal level changes linearly, is input to the gate of the transistor 157 .
- the signal level of the D-phase signal exceeds the signal level of the reference signal REF, the drain voltage of the differential pair of transistors 12 decreases, the drain voltage of the transistor 151 increases, and the output signal VCO of the AD converter 190 becomes low level. becomes (time t8).
- the AD conversion section 190 compares the P-phase signal or the D-phase signal stored in the storage section 113 with the reference signal and outputs the signal VCO indicating the timing of matching with the reference signal.
- the signal VCO is input to the conversion result holding unit 170 shown in FIG. 8 to generate a time code.
- FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram of the area pixel 100 according to the first example
- FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the area pixel 100 according to the first example
- FIG. 13A is a plan view along the line AA in FIG. 12
- FIG. 13B is FIG. 1 is a plan view in the BB line direction of FIG. 11, 12, 13A and 13B show an example where area pixel 100 has four pixels.
- the area pixel 100 according to the first example has four pixels, and each pixel does not have a storage unit. Therefore, the imaging device 1 having the area pixels 100 according to the first example performs imaging by the rolling shutter method. As shown in FIG. 11, the photoelectric conversion unit 110 has transistors 502 and 504 and a photodiode 501 .
- the imaging device 1 having the area pixels 100 according to the first example includes a first area AR1 and a second area AR2, as shown in FIG.
- a photoelectric conversion unit 110 made of silicon is arranged in the first region AR1.
- Four photoelectric conversion units 110 corresponding to four pixels are provided in the area pixel 100, and all of them are arranged in the first area AR1.
- An AD converter 190 made of silicon is arranged in the second region AR2.
- the imaging device 1 having the area pixels 100 according to the first example stacks the first area AR1 and the second area AR2, and reduces the number of signal lines transmitted and received between the first area AR1 and the second area AR2. as little as possible.
- a wiring layer 71, a photoelectric conversion section 110, a color filter 72, and an on-chip lens 73 are laminated on the first substrate SUB1.
- An element isolation layer 74 is arranged between the pixels.
- a wiring layer 75, an AD converter 190, and a protective layer 76 are laminated on the second substrate SUB2.
- the layer structure of the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 shown in FIG. 12 is an example, and various modifications are conceivable.
- the first area AR1 is arranged on the first substrate SUB1.
- the second area AR2 is arranged on the second substrate SUB2.
- the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 transmit and receive electric charges of the floating diffusion FD of the photoelectric conversion unit 110 via the signal transmission unit 91 composed of, for example, a Cu—Cu connection 91a.
- the four photoelectric conversion units 110 in the area pixel 100 transmit and receive the charge of the floating diffusion FD of each photoelectric conversion unit 110 via the same signal transmission unit 91 .
- the first region AR1 has the area of the entire substrate surface of the first substrate SUB1, and the second region AR2 has the area of the entire substrate surface of the second substrate SUB2.
- the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 have the same area.
- the photoelectric conversion units 110 are arranged over the entire first area AR1, and the AD conversion units 190 are arranged over the entire second area AR2.
- the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 transmit and receive the charge of the floating diffusion FD of each photoelectric conversion unit 110 in the area pixel 100 via the signal transmission unit 91 extending in the stacking direction.
- the number of transmission units 91 can be reduced.
- the arrangement area of the photoelectric conversion unit 110 and the AD conversion unit 190 can be increased, the aperture ratio of the photoelectric conversion unit 110 can be increased, the area pixel 100 can be made finer, and the pixel size of the imaging device 1 can be increased. number can be increased.
- FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram of the area pixel 100 according to the second example
- FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the area pixel 100 according to the second example
- FIG. 16A is a plan view taken along line AA in FIG. 15
- FIG. 16B is
- FIG. 16C is a plan view taken along line BB of FIG. 15,
- FIG. 16C is a plan view taken along line CC of FIG.
- the following description focuses on the differences from the area pixel 100 according to the first example.
- the imaging device 1 having the area pixels 100 according to the second example includes a first area AR1, a second area AR2 and a third area AR3.
- the area pixel 100 according to the second example differs from the first example in that the AD converter 190 is divided into a second area AR2 and a third area AR3.
- a photoelectric conversion unit 110 is arranged in the first area AR1.
- the AD converter 190 is divided and arranged in the second area AR2 and the third area AR3.
- a part of the AD converter 190 arranged in the second area AR2 is hereinafter referred to as a first divided AD converter 190a, and a part of the AD converter 190 arranged in the third area AR3 is called a second divided AD converter 190b. call.
- the first divided AD conversion section 190 a has transistors 12 , 13 , 157 and 158 in the AD conversion section 190 .
- the second divided AD converter 190b has the rest of the AD converter 190, specifically transistors 151, 152, 511-517.
- the first divided AD conversion section 190a and the second divided AD conversion section 190b transmit and receive both drain signals of the transistors 12 and 157, which are a differential pair.
- the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 are the same signal transmission section 91 made up of vias 91b, and sequentially transmit and receive the electric charges of the four floating diffusions FD in the four pixels.
- the second area AR2 and the third area AR3 transmit and receive a differential pair of drain signals in the AD converter 190 in a signal transmission section 91 made up of Cu--Cu connections 91a.
- the first area AR1 is arranged on the first substrate SUB1, the second area AR2 is arranged on the second substrate SUB2, and the third area AR3 is arranged on the third substrate SUB3.
- FIG. 17 is a circuit diagram of the area pixel 100 according to the third example
- FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the area pixel 100 according to the third example
- FIG. 19A is a plan view along the line AA in FIG. 18, and
- FIG. 19B is
- FIG. 19C is a plan view taken along line BB of FIG. 18, and
- FIG. 19C is a plan view taken along line CC of FIG.
- the following description will focus on the differences from the area pixel 100 according to the second example.
- the area pixel 100 according to the third example differs from the second example in the method of dividing the AD conversion section 190, and the first divided AD conversion section up to the transistor 512 that outputs the comparison result output signal in the AD conversion section 190 is divided into the first divided AD conversion sections. 190a and arranged in the second area AR2, and the second divided AD conversion section 190b on the downstream side of the transistor 512 is arranged in the third area AR3. Others are the same as in the second example, a first divided AD converter 190a is arranged in the second area AR2, and a second divided AD converter 190b is arranged in the third area AR3. Therefore, the cross-sectional view of the third example shown in FIG. 18 is the same as the cross-sectional view of the second example shown in FIG. 15, and the plan view of the third example shown in FIG. 19 is the plan view of the second example shown in FIG. is similar to
- the method of dividing the AD conversion section 190 into two is not limited to FIGS. It is desirable to have as few signals as possible.
- FIG. 20 is a diagram summarizing features of the area pixels 100 according to the first to third examples described above.
- the back side is the light irradiation surface.
- the photoelectric conversion section 110 is made of silicon, and the photoelectric conversion section 110 is arranged in the first region AR1.
- the AD converter 190 is arranged in the second area AR2.
- the AD converter 190 is divided into the second area AR2 and the third area AR3.
- the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 transmit and receive electric charges of the floating diffusion FD of the photoelectric conversion section 110 via the signal transmission section 91 composed of the Cu--Cu connection 91a.
- the charge of the floating diffusion FD of the photoelectric conversion section 110 is transmitted and received through the signal transmission section 91 made up of the via 91b.
- the drain signals of the differential pair in the AD conversion section 190 are transmitted and received through the signal transmission section 91 composed of the Cu--Cu connections 91a.
- the comparison result signal in the AD conversion section 190 is transmitted and received through the signal transmission section 91 composed of the Cu--Cu connection 91a.
- FIG. 21 is a circuit diagram of the area pixel 100 according to the fourth example
- FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the area pixel 100 according to the fourth example
- FIG. 23A is a plan view along line AA in FIG. 22
- FIG. 23B is FIG. 1 is a plan view in the BB line direction of FIG. Figures 21, 22, 23A and 23B show an example where the area pixel 100 has four pixels.
- the area pixel 100 according to the fourth example does not have a storage unit connected to the photoelectric conversion unit 110, as in the first to third examples, and is used in the rolling shutter imaging device 1.
- the area pixel 100 according to the fourth example has a photoelectric conversion section 110 made of a material other than silicon.
- Materials other than silicon are, for example, organic semiconductor materials.
- the photoelectric conversion body 110 of the fourth example has a semiconductor layer containing a material other than silicon (hereinafter also referred to as non-silicon). More specifically, the photoelectric conversion unit 110 of the fourth example has a structure in which an upper electrode layer 11a, a photoelectric conversion layer 11b, an insulating layer 11d, and a lower electrode layer 11e are laminated.
- the imaging device 1 having the area pixels 100 according to the fourth example includes a first area AR1 and a second area AR2 that are stacked, as shown in FIGS.
- the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 are arranged in different layers on the same substrate.
- a photoelectric conversion unit 110 is arranged in the first area AR1.
- a layer in which the photoelectric conversion unit 110 is arranged is a semiconductor layer made of a material other than silicon. More specifically, an upper electrode layer 11a, a photoelectric conversion layer 11b, an insulating layer 11d, and a lower electrode layer 11e made of materials other than silicon are laminated in the first region AR1.
- the material of the upper electrode layer 11a and the lower electrode layer 11e is, for example, ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) or IZO (Indium Zinc Oxide).
- the wiring layer 71 and the AD converter 190 are arranged in different layers.
- the layer in which the AD converter 190 is arranged is a semiconductor layer made of silicon.
- the AD converter 190 and the wiring layer 71 are arranged in the second area AR2.
- the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 transmit and receive the charge of the floating diffusion FD via the signal transmission section 91 made up of the via 91b.
- a semiconductor layer made of silicon is arranged on a support substrate in a pre-process to sequentially form the AD conversion section 190 and the wiring layer 71.
- a non-silicon semiconductor layer is formed to form the photoelectric conversion section 110 .
- the area pixel 100 according to the fourth example has a structure in which the AD conversion section 190 made of silicon and the photoelectric conversion section 110 made of a material other than silicon are laminated on the same substrate. Since the four photoelectric conversion units 110 and the AD conversion units 190 in the area pixel 100 sequentially transmit and receive the charges of the floating diffusion FD via the same signal transmission unit 91 made up of vias 91b, the number of vias 91b can be reduced. , the area of the photoelectric conversion unit 110 and the AD conversion unit 190 can be increased accordingly, and the area pixel 100 can be miniaturized.
- FIG. 24 is a circuit diagram of the area pixel 100 according to the fifth example
- FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the area pixel 100 according to the fifth example
- FIG. 26A is a plan view along the line AA in FIG. 25
- FIG. 26C is a plan view taken along line BB of FIG. 25
- FIG. 26C is a plan view taken along line CC of FIG. Figures 24,
- 25, 26A and 26B show an example where the area pixel 100 has four pixels. The following description focuses on the differences from the area pixel 100 according to the fourth example.
- the area pixel 100 according to the fifth example does not have a storage unit connected to the photoelectric conversion unit 110 as in the third example, and is used in the rolling shutter type imaging device 1 .
- the imaging device 1 having the area pixels 100 according to the fifth example includes a first region AR1, a second region AR2 and a third region AR3 which are stacked, as shown in FIGS.
- a photoelectric conversion unit 110 made of a material other than silicon is arranged in the first region AR1.
- the AD converting section 190 is divided into a first divided AD converting section 190a and a second divided AD converting section 190b.
- the first divided AD conversion section 190a and the photoelectric conversion section 110 transmit and receive electric charges of the floating diffusion FD.
- the first divided AD converter 190 a has differential pairs of transistors 12 , 157 and transistors 13 , 158 in the AD converter 190 .
- the second divided AD converter 190b has the rest of the AD converter 190, specifically transistors 151, 152, 511-517.
- a first divided AD converter 190a is arranged in the second area AR2, and a second divided AD converter 190b is arranged in the third area AR3.
- the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 are laminated on the first substrate SUB1.
- the third area AR3 is arranged on the second substrate SUB2.
- the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 transmit and receive the charge of the floating diffusion FD via the signal transmission section 91 made up of the via 91b.
- the second area AR2 and the third area AR3 transmit and receive drain signals of the differential pair of transistors 12 and 157 via a signal transmission section 91 consisting of a Cu--Cu connection 91a.
- the first divided AD conversion section 190a and the second divided AD conversion section 190b are arranged over the entire area, respectively, so that enough space is required for arranging the AD conversion section 190. A large area can be secured, and microfabrication becomes possible.
- FIG. 27 is a circuit diagram of the area pixel 100 according to the sixth example
- FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the area pixel 100 according to the sixth example
- FIG. 29A is a plan view in the direction of line AA in FIG. 28
- FIG. 29C is a plan view taken along line BB of FIG. 28
- the area pixel 100 according to the sixth example does not have a storage unit connected to the photoelectric conversion unit 110 as in the third example, and is used in the rolling shutter type imaging device 1 .
- the first divided AD conversion section 190 a in the sixth example has transistors 12 , 13 , 151 , 152 , 157 , 158 , 511 and 512 in the AD conversion section 190 .
- the second divided AD conversion section 190 b has transistors 513 to 517 in the AD conversion section 190 . That is, the AD converter 190 is divided at the source node of the transistor 512 that outputs the comparison result signal between the pixel signal and the reference signal.
- the first divided AD conversion section 190a and the second divided AD conversion section 190b transmit and receive the comparison result output signal via the signal transmission section 91 composed of the Cu--Cu connection 91a.
- a transistor 512 that outputs a comparison result output signal constitutes a level conversion section.
- FIG. 30 is a diagram summarizing features of the area pixels 100 according to the fourth to sixth examples described above.
- the photoelectric conversion section 110 is formed of a semiconductor layer other than silicon, and the AD conversion section 190 is formed of a silicon semiconductor layer.
- the photoelectric conversion section 110 is arranged in the first area AR1.
- the AD converter 190 in the fourth example is arranged in the second area AR2.
- the AD converters 190 in the fifth and sixth examples are divided into a second area AR2 and a third area AR3.
- the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 transmit and receive the charges of the floating diffusion FD via the signal transmission section 91 made up of the via 91b.
- the second area AR2 and the third area AR3 in the fifth example transmit and receive a differential pair of drain signals in the AD conversion section 190 via the signal transmission section 91 composed of the Cu—Cu connection 91a.
- the second area AR2 and the third area AR3 in the sixth example transmit and receive the comparison result signal in the AD conversion section 190 via the signal transmission section 91 composed of the Cu--Cu connection 91a.
- FIG. 31 is a circuit diagram of the area pixel 100 according to the seventh example
- FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the area pixel 100 according to the seventh example
- FIG. 33A is a plan view taken along the line AA in FIG. 32
- FIG. 33C is a plan view taken along line BB of FIG. 32
- FIG. 33C is a plan view taken along line CC of FIG. Figures 31, 32, 33A and 33B show an example where the area pixel 100 has four pixels.
- the area pixel 100 according to the seventh example does not have a storage unit connected to the photoelectric conversion unit 110 as in the fourth example, and is used in the rolling shutter type imaging device 1 .
- the area pixel 100 according to the seventh example has a photoelectric conversion unit 110 (first photoelectric conversion unit 110a) made of a material other than silicon and a photoelectric conversion unit 110 (second photoelectric conversion unit 110b) made of silicon.
- Materials other than silicon include, for example, organic semiconductor materials.
- the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a performs, for example, green photoelectric conversion
- the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b performs, for example, red and blue photoelectric conversion.
- the floating diffusion FD of the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a and the floating diffusion FD of the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b are connected to the gate of the transistor 12 and the source of the transistor 13 in the AD conversion unit 190. It is
- the imaging device 1 having the area pixels 100 according to the seventh example includes a first region AR1, a second region AR2 and a third region AR3 which are stacked, as shown in FIGS.
- the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 are laminated on the first substrate SUB1.
- the third area AR3 is arranged on the second substrate SUB2.
- the first photoelectric conversion part 110a is arranged in the first region AR1 using a material other than silicon.
- a second photoelectric conversion section 110b made of silicon is arranged in the second region AR2.
- An AD converter 190 made of silicon is arranged in the third area AR3.
- the first area AR1 and the third area AR3 transmit and receive electric charges of the floating diffusion FD of the first photoelectric conversion part 110a through the signal transmission part 91 consisting of the via 91b and the Cu--Cu connection 91a.
- the second area AR2 and the third area AR3 transmit and receive electric charges of the floating diffusion FD of the second photoelectric conversion section 110b via the signal transmission section 91 composed of the Cu—Cu connection 91a.
- the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a and the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b are arranged over the entire region, so that the aperture ratio can be improved and the area pixels 100 can be miniaturized. becomes.
- the area pixel 100 according to the seventh example has two types of photoelectric conversion units 110 (110a, 110b), and the charge of the floating diffusion FD of each photoelectric conversion unit 110 (110a, 110b) is transferred to the via 91b. and the Cu--Cu connection 91a to the AD converter 190. Since each photoelectric conversion unit 110 (110a, 110b) is arranged over the entire area of separate layers, a sufficient layout area for each photoelectric conversion unit 110 is secured even if two types of photoelectric conversion units 110 (110a, 110b) are provided. can.
- FIG. 34 is a circuit diagram of the area pixel 100 according to the eighth example
- FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the area pixel 100 according to the eighth example
- FIG. 36A is a plan view in the direction of line AA in FIG. 35
- FIG. 36C is a plan view taken along the line BB of FIG. 35
- FIG. 36C is a plan view taken along the line CC of FIG.
- Figures 34, 35, 36A and 36B show an example where the area pixel 100 has four pixels.
- the area pixel 100 according to the eighth example does not have a storage unit connected to the photoelectric conversion unit 110 as in the seventh example, and is used in the rolling shutter imaging device 1 .
- the area pixel 100 according to the eighth example has a first AD conversion unit 190a that receives the charge of the floating diffusion FD of the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a and the charge of the floating diffusion FD of the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b. and a second AD converter 190b that receives the Thus, the area pixel 100 according to the eighth example has more AD converters 190 than the seventh example.
- a first photoelectric conversion section 110a made of a material other than silicon is arranged in the first region AR1.
- a second photoelectric conversion section 110b made of silicon is arranged in the second region AR2.
- the first AD converter 190a and the second AD converter 190b made of silicon are arranged in the same layer.
- the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 are laminated on the first substrate SUB1, and the third area AR3 is arranged on the second substrate SUB2.
- the first area AR1 and the third area AR3 transmit and receive the electric charge of the floating diffusion FD of the first photoelectric conversion part 110a through the signal transmission part 91 consisting of the via 91b and the Cu--Cu connection 91a.
- the second area AR2 and the third area AR3 transmit and receive electric charges of the floating diffusion FD of the second photoelectric conversion section 110b via the signal transmission section 91 composed of the Cu—Cu connection 91a.
- the first photoelectric conversion units 110a are arranged over the entire first area AR1.
- the second photoelectric conversion units 110b are arranged over the entire second area AR2.
- the first AD converter 190a and the second AD converter 190b are arranged in the third area AR3, and the first AD converter 190a is arranged so as to surround the second AD converter 190b. .
- the area pixel 100 according to the eighth example includes the first AD converter 190a for the first photoelectric converter 110a and the second AD converter 190b for the second photoelectric converter 110b, the first AD converter 190a and the second AD converter 190b can perform AD conversion in parallel, thereby shortening the AD conversion processing time.
- FIG. 37 is a diagram summarizing features of the area pixels 100 according to the seventh and eighth examples described above.
- the back side is the light irradiation surface
- the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a is formed of a semiconductor layer other than silicon
- the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b is formed of a silicon semiconductor layer.
- the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a is arranged in the first area AR1
- the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b is arranged in the second area AR2.
- the AD converter 190 of the seventh example is arranged in the third area AR3.
- the eighth example has two AD converters 190 (a first AD converter 190a and a second AD converter 190b).
- the first AD converter 190a and the second AD converter 190b are arranged in the third area AR3.
- the first area AR1 and the third area AR3 are connected to the floating diffusion FD of the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a via the signal transmission unit 91 consisting of the via 91b and the Cu—Cu connection 91a. Send and receive electric charges.
- the second area AR2 and the third area AR3 transmit and receive electric charges of the floating diffusion FD of the second photoelectric conversion section 110b through the signal transmission section 91 composed of the Cu--Cu connection 91a.
- FIG. 38 is a circuit diagram of the area pixel 100 according to the ninth example
- FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of the area pixel 100 according to the ninth example
- FIG. 40A is a plan view in the direction of line AA in FIG. 39
- FIG. 40C is a plan view taken along the line BB of FIG. 40
- FIG. 40C is a plan view taken along the line CC of FIG. Figures 38, 39, 40A and 40B show an example where the area pixel 100 has four pixels.
- the area-pixel 100 according to the ninth example does not have a storage unit connected to the photoelectric conversion unit 110 of each pixel, so the imaging device 1 having the area-pixel 100 according to the ninth example performs imaging using the rolling shutter method.
- the area pixel 100 according to the ninth example has a first photoelectric conversion unit 110a and a second photoelectric conversion unit 110b for each pixel, as shown in FIG. Both the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a and the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b have a semiconductor layer made of silicon.
- the imaging device 1 having the area pixels 100 according to the ninth example includes a first area AR1, a second area AR2 and a third area AR3.
- a first photoelectric conversion unit 110a is arranged in the first area AR1.
- a second photoelectric conversion unit 110b is arranged in the second area AR2.
- An AD converter 190 is arranged in the third area AR3.
- the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 are laminated on the first substrate SUB1.
- the third area AR3 is arranged on the second substrate SUB2.
- the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 are connected, via a signal transmission section 91 made up of a Cu--Cu connection 91a, to the charge of the floating diffusion FD of the first photoelectric conversion section 110a and the floating diffusion of the second photoelectric conversion section 110b. Transmits and receives the charge of the FD.
- FIG. 41 is a circuit diagram of the area pixel 100 according to the tenth example
- FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the area pixel 100 according to the tenth example
- FIG. 43A is a plan view in the direction of line AA in FIG. 42
- FIG. 43C is a plan view taken along line BB of FIG. 42
- FIG. 43C is a plan view taken along line CC of FIG.
- the following description will focus on the differences from the ninth example.
- the area pixel 100 according to the tenth example is common to the ninth example in that each pixel has a first photoelectric conversion unit 110a and a second photoelectric conversion unit 110b, but the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a according to the tenth example is similar to the ninth example. and the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b each have a semiconductor layer made of a material other than silicon, and are made of, for example, an organic semiconductor material. The first photoelectric conversion unit 110a and the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b perform photoelectric conversion of different color wavelengths, for example.
- the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a is arranged in the first area AR1.
- a second photoelectric conversion unit 110b is arranged in the second area AR2.
- Both the first region AR1 and the second region AR2 have semiconductor layers made of a material other than silicon.
- An AD converter 190 made of silicon is arranged in the third area AR3.
- the first area AR1, the second area AR2 and the third area AR3 are laminated on the same substrate.
- the first area AR1 and the third area AR3 transmit and receive electric charges of the floating diffusion FD of the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a through the signal transmission unit 91 made up of the vias 91b.
- the second area AR2 and the third area AR3 transmit and receive electric charges of the floating diffusion FD of the second photoelectric conversion section 110b through the signal transmission section 91 made up of the via 91b.
- the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a is arranged in the entire first area AR1
- the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b is arranged in the entire second area AR2
- the AD conversion unit Since 190 is arranged over the entire third region AR3, even if two types of photoelectric conversion units 110a and 110b are provided, a sufficient layout area for each photoelectric conversion unit can be secured.
- FIG. 44 is a circuit diagram of the area pixel 100 according to the 11th example
- FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view of the area pixel 100 according to the 11th example
- FIG. 46A is a plan view along line AA in FIG. 45
- FIG. 46C is a plan view along line CC of FIG. 45
- FIG. 46D is a plan view along line DD of FIG. Below, it demonstrates centering around difference with the 10th example.
- the imaging apparatus 1 having the area pixel 100 according to the eleventh example performs imaging using the rolling shutter method.
- a first photoelectric conversion section 110a made of a material other than silicon is arranged in the first region AR1.
- a second photoelectric conversion section 110b made of a material other than silicon is arranged in the second region AR2.
- the area pixel 100 according to the eleventh example differs from the tenth example in that the AD converter 190 is divided into two.
- the AD converter 190 in the eleventh example is divided into a first divided AD converter 190a and a second divided AD converter 190b.
- the first divided AD conversion section 190 a and the second divided AD conversion section 190 b transmit and receive drain signals of the differential pair of transistors 12 and 157 in the AD conversion section 190 .
- the first divided AD converter 190a is arranged in the third area AR3, and the second divided AD converter 190b is arranged in the fourth area AR4.
- the first area AR1, the second area AR2 and the third area AR3 are laminated on the first substrate SUB1.
- the fourth area AR4 is arranged on the second substrate SUB2.
- the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a and the first divided AD conversion unit 190a in the first region AR1 transmit and receive the electric charge of the floating diffusion FD of the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a through the signal transmission unit 91 composed of the via 91b.
- the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b and the first divided AD conversion unit 190a in the second area AR2 transmit the charge of the floating diffusion FD of the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b through the signal transmission unit 91 made up of the via 91b.
- the third area AR3 and the fourth area AR4 transmit and receive the drain signals of the differential pair in the AD conversion section 190 via the signal transmission section 91 composed of the Cu--Cu connection 91a.
- FIG. 47 is a diagram summarizing features of the area pixels 100 according to the ninth to eleventh examples described above.
- the back side is the light irradiation surface
- the front side is the light irradiation surface.
- both the first photoelectric conversion unit 110 and the second photoelectric conversion unit 110 have semiconductor layers made of silicon
- the first photoelectric conversion unit 110 and the second photoelectric conversion unit 110 have semiconductor layers made of silicon.
- Both of the two photoelectric conversion units 110 have semiconductor layers made of a material other than silicon.
- the first photoelectric conversion unit 110 and the second photoelectric conversion unit 110 are arranged on the first substrate SUB1.
- the AD converter 190 is arranged in the second area AR2.
- the first divided AD converter 190a is arranged in the first area AR1
- the second divided AD converter 190b is arranged in the second area AR2.
- the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 are separated from each other by the floating diffusion FD of the first photoelectric conversion unit 110 and the second photoelectric conversion unit 110 via the signal transmission unit 91 composed of the Cu—Cu connection 91a.
- Send and receive electric charges In the tenth example, the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 transmit and receive electric charges of the floating diffusion FD of the first photoelectric conversion unit 110 and the second photoelectric conversion unit 110 through the signal transmission unit 91 made up of the vias 91b. do.
- the third area AR3 and the fourth area AR4 transmit and receive a differential pair of drain signals in the AD conversion section 190 via the signal transmission section 91 composed of the Cu--Cu connection 91a.
- the imaging device 1 having the area pixels 100 includes, for each area pixel 100, a plurality of pixels having a plurality of photoelectric conversion units 110, a floating diffusion FD, and an AD conversion unit. 190.
- the AD conversion unit 190 is provided for each area pixel 100 including two or more pixels among a plurality of pixels, and converts signals corresponding to electric charges photoelectrically converted by the two or more pixels into digital signals.
- the floating diffusion FD outputs charges photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit 110 in the pixel.
- a plurality of photoelectric conversion units 110, a plurality of AD conversion units 190, and a plurality of floating diffusions FD in a plurality of pixels are arranged in a plurality of laminated regions.
- the signal transmission unit 91 transmits and receives signals between a plurality of areas.
- the region in which the plurality of photoelectric conversion units 110 are arranged is provided separately from the region in which the AD conversion units 190 are arranged.
- a region in which the plurality of photoelectric conversion units 110 are arranged and a region in which the AD conversion units 190 are arranged in the area pixel 100 transmit and receive charges of the plurality of floating diffusions FD via the same signal transmission unit 91 .
- FIG. 48 is a circuit diagram of the area pixel 100 according to the twelfth example
- FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view of the area pixel 100 according to the twelfth example
- FIG. 1 is a plan view in the BB line direction of FIG. Figures 48, 49, 50A and 50B show an example where the area pixel 100 has four pixels.
- the imaging device 1 having the area pixels 100 according to the twelfth example employs the global shutter method, and the storage unit 113 is connected to the photoelectric conversion unit 110 in each pixel.
- the photoelectric conversion unit 110 and the storage unit 113 are described as separate units, but the storage unit 113 constitutes part of the photoelectric conversion unit 110 as shown in FIG. It can also be considered as a component.
- the following description focuses on the differences from the area pixel 100 according to the first example.
- the photoelectric conversion section 110 has a storage section 113 and a transistor 503 in addition to the configuration of the photoelectric conversion section 110 shown in FIG.
- the pixel signals photoelectrically converted by the photodiodes 501 are stored in the corresponding storage units 113 at the same timing by turning on the transistors 503 of all the pixels at the same time.
- the charges corresponding to the pixel signals stored in the storage unit 113 are transferred to the AD conversion unit 190 via the floating diffusion FD by sequentially turning on the corresponding transistors 504 according to the readout timing of each pixel. conversion to time code is performed.
- the area pixel 100 includes a first area AR1 and a second area AR2.
- a plurality of photoelectric conversion units 110 and a plurality of storage units 113 made of silicon are arranged in the first region AR1.
- An AD converter 190 made of silicon is arranged in the second region AR2.
- the first area AR1 is arranged on the first substrate SUB1, and the second area AR2 is arranged on the second substrate SUB2.
- the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 transmit and receive electric charges of the floating diffusion FD of the photoelectric conversion unit 110 via the signal transmission unit 91 composed of Cu--Cu connections 91a, for example.
- each floating diffusion FD of a plurality of photoelectric conversion units 110 within the area pixel 100 is connected to the same signal transmission unit 91 . Therefore, the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 transmit the charges of the floating diffusions FD of the plurality of photoelectric conversion units 110 in each area pixel 100 to one signal transmission unit 91 for each area pixel 100 in the first area AR1. send and receive via More specifically, the signal transmission section 91 sequentially transmits the charges of the four floating diffusions FD of the four pixels in the area pixel 100 to the AD conversion section 190 .
- the imaging device 1 includes a first substrate SUB1 and a second substrate SUB2 which are stacked.
- the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 transmit and receive electric charges of the floating diffusion FD through a signal transmission section 91 composed of a Cu--Cu connection 91a.
- a wiring layer 71, a photoelectric conversion section 110, a storage section 113, a color filter 72, and an on-chip lens 73 are laminated on the first substrate SUB1.
- An element isolation layer 74 is arranged between the pixels.
- a wiring layer 75, an AD converter 190, and a protective layer 76 are laminated on the second substrate SUB2.
- the photoelectric conversion section 110 and the storage section 113 are arranged in the same layer on the first substrate SUB1, and the wiring layer 71 is arranged in the layer therebelow.
- the AD converter 190 is arranged below the wiring layer 75 on the second substrate SUB2.
- the wiring layer 71 of the first substrate SUB1 and the wiring layer 75 of the second substrate SUB2 are arranged to face each other, and various signals are transmitted and received by a signal transmission section 91 composed of a Cu--Cu connection 91a.
- FIG. 50A and 50B show a planar layout of one area pixel 100.
- FIG. 50A four photoelectric conversion units 110 and four storage units 113 in four pixels in the area pixel 100 are arranged on the first substrate SUB1.
- the four photoelectric conversion units 110 are arranged along the four corners in the region of the area pixel 100, and the four storage units 113 are arranged in the portion sandwiched between the four photoelectric conversion units 110.
- FIG. 50A and 50B show a planar layout of one area pixel 100.
- FIG. 50A four photoelectric conversion units 110 and four storage units 113 in four pixels in the area pixel 100 are arranged on the first substrate SUB1.
- the four photoelectric conversion units 110 are arranged along the four corners in the region of the area pixel 100, and the four storage units 113 are arranged in the portion sandwiched between the four photoelectric conversion units 110.
- the AD converter 190 is arranged over the entire region of the area pixel 100 on the second substrate SUB2.
- the area pixel 100 As described above, in the area pixel 100 according to the twelfth example, since the photoelectric conversion unit 110 and the storage unit 113 are arranged on the first substrate SUB1, and the AD conversion unit 190 is arranged on the second substrate SUB2, the area of the photoelectric conversion unit 110 is reduced to It can be widened, and the aperture ratio and resolution can be improved.
- the first substrate SUB1 transmits the electric charges of the floating diffusions FD of the plurality of photoelectric conversion units 110 to the second substrate SUB2 through the same signal transmission unit 91, signal transmission between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 is suppressed.
- the number of portions 91 can be reduced, and the number of wirings of the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 can be reduced accordingly. Further, since the Cu—Cu connection 91a is used as the signal transmission section 91, signal propagation loss can be suppressed.
- FIG. 51 is a circuit diagram of the area pixel 100 according to the thirteenth example
- FIG. 52 is a cross-sectional view of the area pixel 100 according to the thirteenth example
- FIG. 53C is a plan view taken along line BB of FIG. 52
- FIG. 53C is a plan view taken along line CC of FIG.
- the following description focuses on the differences from the area pixel 100 according to the twelfth example.
- the imaging device 1 having the area pixels 100 according to the thirteenth example includes a first region AR1, a second region AR2 and a third region AR3 which are stacked, as shown in FIG.
- a photoelectric conversion unit 110 and a storage unit 113 are arranged in the first area AR1.
- the AD converter 190 is divided into two parts, a first divided AD converter 190a and a second divided AD converter 190b.
- the first divided AD conversion section 190 a has transistors 12 , 13 , 157 and 158 in the AD conversion section 190 .
- the second divided AD converter 190b has the rest of the AD converter 190, specifically transistors 151, 152, 511-517.
- the first divided AD conversion section 190a and the second divided AD conversion section 190b transmit and receive both drain signals of the transistors 12 and 157, which are a differential pair.
- the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 transmit and receive the electric charges of the four floating diffusions FD in the four pixels in order with the signal transmission section 91 made up of vias 91b.
- the second area AR2 and the third area AR3 transmit and receive a differential pair of drain signals in the AD converter 190 in a signal transmission section 91 made up of Cu--Cu connections 91a.
- the first area AR1 is arranged on the first substrate SUB1, the second area AR2 is arranged on the second substrate SUB2, and the third area AR3 is arranged on the third substrate SUB3.
- the planar layout within the first area AR1 shown in FIG. 53A is the same as in FIG. 50A.
- a first divided AD converter 190a is arranged over the entire second area AR2 shown in FIG. 53B.
- a via for transmitting and receiving electric charges of the floating diffusion FD between the first region AR1 and the second region AR2 is arranged in a substantially central portion of the second region AR2.
- a second divided AD converter 190b is arranged over the entire third area AR3 shown in FIG. 53C.
- the AD converters 190 are divided into the second area AR2 and the third area AR3, so that the layout area of the AD converters 190 can be increased. Signals are transmitted and received between the second area AR2 and the third area AR3 through the Cu--Cu connection 91a, so signals can be transmitted and received at high speed. Also, the first area AR1 is arranged on the first substrate SUB1 and the second area AR2 is arranged on the second substrate SUB2, and signals are transmitted and received through the signal transmission section 91 made up of the via 91b. Thereby, the layout area of the photoelectric conversion section 110 and the AD conversion section 190 (190a, 190b) can be increased.
- FIG. 54 is a circuit diagram of the area pixel 100 according to the 14th example
- FIG. 55 is a cross-sectional view of the area pixel 100 according to the 14th example
- FIG. 56C is a plan view taken along the line BB of FIG. 55
- FIG. 56C is a plan view taken along the line CC of FIG.
- the following description focuses on the differences from the area pixel 100 according to the fourteenth example.
- the imaging device 1 having the area pixels 100 according to the fourteenth example includes a first region AR1, a second region AR2 and a third region AR3 which are stacked, as shown in FIG.
- the area pixel 100 according to the fourteenth example differs from the thirteenth example in the method of dividing the AD converters 190 arranged in the second area AR2 and the third area AR3.
- the first divided AD converter 190 a in the fourteenth example has transistors 12 , 13 , 151 , 152 , 157 , 158 , 511 and 512 in the AD converter 190 .
- the second divided AD conversion section 190 b has transistors 513 to 517 in the AD conversion section 190 . That is, the AD converter 190 is divided at the source node of the transistor 512 that outputs the comparison result signal between the pixel signal and the reference signal.
- the first divided AD conversion section 190a and the second divided AD conversion section 190b transmit and receive the comparison result output signal via the signal transmission section 91 composed of the Cu--Cu connection 91a.
- a transistor 512 that outputs a comparison result output signal constitutes a level conversion section.
- the sectional view shown in FIG. 55 and the plan views shown in FIGS. 56A and 56B of the area pixel 100 according to the 14th example are the same as those of the area pixel 100 according to the 13th example.
- FIG. 57 is a diagram summarizing the features of the area pixels 100 according to the 12th to 14th examples described above.
- the back side is the light irradiation surface.
- the photoelectric conversion unit 110 and the storage unit 113 in the area pixel 100 according to the 12th to 14th examples are arranged in the first region AR1 made of silicon.
- the AD converter 190 in the area pixel 100 according to the twelfth example is arranged in the second region AR2 made of silicon.
- the AD converters 190 in the area pixels 100 according to the thirteenth and fourteenth examples are divided into a second area AR2 and a third area AR3 made of silicon.
- the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 in the area pixel 100 according to the 12th to 14th examples transmit and receive the charge of the floating diffusion FD via the signal transmission section 91.
- the signal transmission part 91 in the area pixel 100 according to the twelfth example is a Cu--Cu connection 91a.
- the electric charges of the four floating diffusions FD in the four pixels of each area pixel 100 are transferred to the signals formed by the vias 91b. It transmits and receives via the transmission unit 91 .
- the second area AR2 and the third area AR3 in the imaging device 1 according to the thirteenth example transmit the drain signals of the differential pairs in the AD conversion unit 190 for each area pixel 100 through the Cu--Cu connection 91a. It transmits and receives via the unit 91 .
- the second area AR2 and the third area AR3 in the imaging device 1 according to the fourteenth example transmit the comparison result output signal in the AD conversion unit 190 to the signal transmission unit 91 including the Cu—Cu connection 91a for each area pixel 100. send and receive via
- FIG. 58 is a circuit diagram of the area pixel 100 according to the fifteenth example
- FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional view of the area pixel 100 according to the fifteenth example
- FIG. 60A is a plan view along line AA in FIG. 59
- FIG. 60C is a plan view taken along line BB of FIG. 59
- FIG. 60C is a plan view taken along line CC of FIG.
- Figures 58, 59, 60A, 60B and 60C show examples where the area pixel 100 has four pixels.
- the imaging device 1 having the area pixels 100 according to the fifteenth example includes a first area AR1 and a second area AR2 that are stacked, as shown in FIGS.
- the first region AR1 is the first substrate SUB1 made of silicon
- the second region AR2 is the second substrate SUB2 made of silicon.
- a photoelectric conversion unit 110, a storage unit 113, and a wiring layer are laminated in the first area AR1.
- a wiring layer and an AD converter 190 are stacked in the second region AR2.
- the photoelectric conversion section 110 and the storage section 113 are arranged throughout different layers of the first region AR1.
- the layout area of the photoelectric conversion unit 110 and the storage unit 113 can be increased as compared with the twelfth to fourteenth examples.
- the AD converter 190 is arranged over the entire layer different from the wiring layer of the second area AR2.
- the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 transmit and receive the charge of the floating diffusion FD via the signal transmission section 91 consisting of the Cu--Cu connection 91a.
- the storage unit 113 is arranged in a layer different from that of the photoelectric conversion unit 110, the area of the storage unit 113 and the photoelectric conversion unit 110 can be increased, and the photoelectric conversion can be performed.
- the aperture ratio of the portion 110 can be improved, and the storage capacity of the storage portion 113 can be increased. Further, miniaturization is also possible.
- FIG. 61 is a circuit diagram of the area pixel 100 according to the 16th example
- FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional view of the area pixel 100 according to the 16th example
- FIG. 63C is a plan view taken along the line CC of FIG. 62
- FIG. 63D is a plan view taken along the line DD of FIG.
- the following description focuses on the differences between the area pixels 100 according to the thirteenth example and the fifteenth example.
- the imaging device 1 having the area pixels 100 according to the sixteenth example includes a first region AR1, a second region AR2 and a third region AR3 which are stacked, as shown in FIGS.
- a photoelectric conversion unit 110 and a storage unit 113 are laminated in the first area AR1.
- the AD converting section 190 is divided into a first divided AD converting section 190a and a second divided AD converting section 190b as in FIG.
- a first divided AD converter 190a is arranged in the second area AR2, and a second divided AD converter 190b is arranged in the third area AR3.
- the area pixel 100 according to the 16th example is the same as the area pixel 100 according to the 13th example, except that the layer configuration of the first region AR1 is different, so the explanation of the common parts is omitted.
- FIG. 64 is a circuit diagram of the area pixel 100 according to the 17th example
- FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view of the area pixel 100 according to the 17th example
- FIG. 66C is a plan view along line CC of FIG. 65
- FIG. 66D is a plan view along line DD of FIG.
- the following description focuses on the differences between the area pixels 100 according to the 14th example and the 16th example.
- the imaging device 1 having the area pixels 100 according to the seventeenth example includes a first region AR1, a second region AR2 and a third region AR3 which are stacked, as shown in FIGS.
- a photoelectric conversion unit 110 and a storage unit 113 are laminated in the first area AR1.
- the AD conversion section 190 is divided into a first division AD conversion section 190a and a second division AD conversion section 190b as in FIG.
- a first divided AD converter 190a is arranged in the second area AR2, and a second divided AD converter 190b is arranged in the third area AR3.
- the area pixel 100 according to the 17th example is the same as the area pixel 100 according to the 14th example, except that the layer configuration of the first region AR1 is different, so the explanation of the common portion is omitted.
- FIG. 67 is a diagram summarizing the characteristics of the area pixels 100 according to the fifteenth to seventeenth examples described above.
- the back side is the light irradiation surface.
- the photoelectric conversion section 110 and the storage section 113 in the area pixel 100 according to the fifteenth to seventeenth examples are stacked and arranged in the first region AR1 made of silicon.
- the AD converter 190 in the area pixel 100 according to the fifteenth example is arranged in the second region AR2 made of silicon.
- the AD converters 190 in the area pixels 100 according to the sixteenth and seventeenth examples are divided into a second area AR2 and a third area AR3 made of silicon.
- the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 in the area pixel 100 according to the fifteenth to seventeenth examples transmit and receive the charge of the floating diffusion FD via the signal transmission section 91.
- FIG. The signal transmission portion 91 in the area pixel 100 according to the fifteenth example is a Cu—Cu connection 91a.
- the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 in the area pixel 100 according to the 16th and 17th examples transmit and receive the charge of the floating diffusion FD via the signal transmission section 91 made up of the via 91b.
- the second area AR2 and the third area AR3 in the area pixel 100 according to the sixteenth example transmit and receive the drain signal of the differential pair in the AD converter 190 via the signal transmission part 91 composed of the Cu—Cu connection 91a. do.
- the second area AR2 and the third area AR3 in the area pixel 100 according to the seventeenth example transmit and receive the comparison result output signal in the AD conversion section 190 via the signal transmission section 91 composed of the Cu--Cu connection 91a.
- FIG. 68 is a circuit diagram of the area pixel 100 according to the 18th example
- FIG. 69 is a cross-sectional view of the area pixel 100 according to the 18th example
- FIG. 70A is a plan view along the line AA in FIG. 69
- FIG. 1 is a plan view in the BB line direction of FIG. Figures 68, 69, 70A and 70B show an example where the area pixel 100 has four pixels.
- the area pixel 100 according to the eighteenth example has a photoelectric conversion section 110 made of a material other than silicon.
- Materials other than silicon are, for example, organic semiconductor materials.
- the photoelectric conversion body 110 of the eighteenth example has semiconductor layers containing materials other than silicon.
- the photoelectric conversion unit 110 of the eighteenth example has a structure in which an upper electrode layer 11a, a photoelectric conversion layer 11b, a charge storage layer 11c, an insulating layer 11d, and a lower electrode layer 11e are laminated. .
- the charge storage layer 11 c functions as the storage section 113 .
- the imaging device 1 having the area pixels 100 according to the 18th example includes a first area AR1 and a second area AR2 that are stacked, as shown in FIGS.
- the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 are arranged in different layers on the same substrate.
- the photoelectric conversion section 110 and the storage section 113 are arranged in different layers.
- Each layer in which the photoelectric conversion unit 110 and the storage unit 113 are arranged is a semiconductor layer made of a material other than silicon. More specifically, in the first region AR1, a photoelectric conversion layer 11b and a charge storage layer 11c made of materials other than silicon, and an insulating layer 11d are laminated.
- the wiring layer 75 and the AD converter 190 are arranged in different layers.
- the layer in which the AD converter 190 is arranged is a semiconductor layer made of silicon.
- FIG. 70A is a plan view near the boundary between the photoelectric conversion unit 110 and the storage unit 113.
- the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 transmit and receive the charge of the floating diffusion FD via the signal transmission section 91 made up of the via 91b.
- a semiconductor layer made of silicon is arranged on a support substrate to sequentially form an AD conversion section 190 and a wiring layer.
- a non-silicon semiconductor layer is formed to sequentially form the storage section 113 and the photoelectric conversion section 110 .
- the area pixel 100 according to the eighteenth example has a structure in which the AD conversion section 190 made of silicon and the storage section 113 and the photoelectric conversion section 110 made of materials other than silicon are stacked on the same substrate. .
- the photoelectric conversion unit 110 and the AD conversion unit 190 transmit and receive the charges of the floating diffusion FD via the signal transmission unit 91 including the vias 91b.
- the area of the portion 190 can be expanded.
- FIG. 71 is a circuit diagram of the area pixel 100 according to the 19th example
- FIG. 72 is a cross-sectional view of the area pixel 100 according to the 19th example
- FIG. 73A is a plan view along line AA in FIG. 72
- FIG. 73B is
- FIG. 73C is a plan view taken along the line BB of FIG. 72
- FIG. 73C is a plan view taken along the line CC of FIG.
- the following description focuses on the differences between the area pixels 100 according to the thirteenth example and the fifteenth example.
- the imaging device 1 having the area pixels 100 according to the nineteenth example includes a first region AR1, a second region AR2 and a third region AR3 which are stacked, as shown in FIGS.
- a photoelectric conversion section 110 and a storage section 113 made of a material other than silicon are stacked in the first region AR1.
- the AD converting section 190 is divided into a first divided AD converting section 190a and a second divided AD converting section 190b.
- the first divided AD conversion section 190a and the photoelectric conversion section 110 transmit and receive electric charges of the floating diffusion FD.
- the first divided AD converter 190 a has differential pairs of transistors 12 , 157 and transistors 13 , 158 in the AD converter 190 .
- the second divided AD converter 190b has the rest of the AD converter 190, specifically transistors 151, 152, 511-517.
- a first divided AD converter 190a is arranged in the second area AR2, and a second divided AD converter 190b is arranged in the third area AR3.
- the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 are laminated on the first substrate SUB1.
- the third area AR3 is arranged on the second substrate SUB2.
- the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 transmit and receive the charge of the floating diffusion FD via the signal transmission section 91 made up of the via 91b.
- the second area AR2 and the third area AR3 transmit and receive drain signals of the differential pair of transistors 12 and 157 via a signal transmission section 91 consisting of a Cu--Cu connection 91a.
- the first divided AD conversion section 190a and the second divided AD conversion section 190b are respectively arranged in the entire area, so that the arrangement area of the AD conversion section 190 can be expanded. .
- FIG. 74 is a circuit diagram of the area pixel 100 according to the twentieth example
- FIG. 75 is a cross-sectional view of the area pixel 100 according to the twentieth example
- FIG. 76A is a plan view along line AA in FIG. 75
- FIG. 76B is FIG. 76C is a plan view taken along line CC of FIG. 75.
- FIG. Differences from the area pixel 100 according to the nineteenth example will be mainly described below.
- the area pixel 100 according to the 20th example differs from the 19th example in the division location within the AD conversion unit 190 .
- the AD conversion section 190 of the twentieth example is divided into a first divided AD conversion section 190a and a second divided AD conversion section 190b similar to those in FIG. Others are the same as the 19th example, and the sectional view of FIG. 75 and the plan views of FIGS. 76A to 76C are the same as the sectional view of FIG. 72 and the plan views of FIGS. 73A to 73C.
- FIG. 77 is a diagram summarizing the features of the area pixels 100 according to the eighteenth to twentieth examples described above.
- the front side is the light irradiation surface
- the back side is the light irradiation surface.
- the photoelectric conversion section 110 and the storage section 113 in the area pixel 100 according to the 18th to 20th examples are stacked and arranged in the first region AR1 made of a material other than silicon.
- the AD converter 190 in the area pixel 100 according to the eighteenth example is arranged in the second region AR2 made of silicon.
- the AD converters 190 in the area pixels 100 according to the nineteenth and twentieth examples are divided into a second area AR2 and a third area AR3 made of silicon.
- the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 in the area pixel 100 according to the 18th to 20th examples transmit and receive the charge of the floating diffusion FD via the signal transmission section 91 made up of the via 91b.
- the second area AR2 and the third area AR3 in the area pixel 100 according to the nineteenth example transmit and receive the drain signal of the differential pair in the AD converter 190 via the signal transmission part 91 composed of the Cu—Cu connection 91a. do.
- the second area AR2 and the third area AR3 in the area pixel 100 according to the twentieth example transmit and receive the comparison result output signal in the AD conversion section 190 via the signal transmission section 91 composed of the Cu--Cu connection 91a.
- FIG. 78 is a circuit diagram of the area pixel 100 according to the 21st example
- FIG. 79 is a cross-sectional view of the area pixel 100 according to the 21st example
- FIG. 80A is a plan view in the direction of line AA in FIG. 79
- FIG. 80C is a plan view taken along line BB of FIG. 79
- FIG. 80C is a plan view taken along line CC of FIG.
- Figures 78, 79, 80A, 80B and 80C show examples where the area pixel 100 has four pixels.
- the area pixel 100 according to the twenty-first example has a photoelectric conversion unit 110 (first photoelectric conversion unit 110a) made of a material other than silicon and a photoelectric conversion unit 110 (second photoelectric conversion unit 110b) made of silicon.
- Materials other than silicon include, for example, organic semiconductor materials.
- the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a performs, for example, green photoelectric conversion
- the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b performs, for example, red and blue photoelectric conversion.
- the floating diffusion FD of the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a and the floating diffusion FD of the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b are connected to the gate of the transistor 12 and the source of the transistor 13 in the AD conversion unit 190.
- the imaging device 1 having the area pixels 100 according to the twenty-first example includes a first area AR1, a second area AR2 and a third area AR3 which are stacked.
- the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 are laminated on the first substrate SUB1.
- the third area AR3 is arranged on the second substrate SUB2.
- the first photoelectric conversion section 110a and the storage section 113 are stacked using a material other than silicon.
- a second photoelectric conversion section 110b made of silicon is arranged in the second region AR2.
- An AD converter 190 made of silicon is arranged in the third area AR3.
- the first area AR1 and the third area AR3 transmit and receive electric charges of the floating diffusion FD of the first photoelectric conversion part 110a through the signal transmission part 91 consisting of the via 91b and the Cu--Cu connection 91a.
- the second area AR2 and the third area AR3 transmit and receive electric charges of the floating diffusion FD of the second photoelectric conversion section 110b via the signal transmission section 91 composed of the Cu—Cu connection 91a.
- the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a and the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b are arranged over the entire region, so that the aperture ratio can be improved.
- the area pixel 100 according to the twenty-first example has two types of photoelectric conversion units 110 (110a and 110b), and the charge of the floating diffusion FD of each photoelectric conversion unit 110 is transferred to the via 91b and the Cu—Cu connection. 91a to the AD converter 190. Since each photoelectric conversion unit 110 is arranged over the entire area of a separate layer, a sufficient area for arranging each photoelectric conversion unit 110 can be secured.
- FIG. 81 is a circuit diagram of the area pixel 100 according to the 22nd example
- FIG. 82 is a cross-sectional view of the area pixel 100 according to the 22nd example
- FIG. 83C is a plan view taken along the line BB of FIG. 82
- FIG. 83C is a plan view taken along the line CC of FIG.
- the following description focuses on the differences between the area pixels 100 according to the thirteenth example and the fifteenth example.
- the imaging device 1 having the area pixels 100 according to the 22nd example includes a first region AR1, a second region AR2 and a third region AR3 which are stacked, as shown in FIGS.
- the area pixel 100 according to the 22nd example has a first photoelectric conversion unit 110a made of a material other than silicon and a second photoelectric conversion unit 110b made of silicon, as in the 21st example.
- a storage unit is not connected to the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b according to the 21st example, but a second storage unit 113b is connected to the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b according to the 22nd example.
- the storage unit 113 connected to the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a is called a first storage unit 113a
- the storage unit 113 connected to the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b is called a second storage unit 113b.
- a first photoelectric conversion section 110a and a first storage section 113a made of a material other than silicon are stacked in the first region AR1.
- the second photoelectric conversion section 110b and the second storage section 113b made of silicon are arranged in the same layer.
- An AD converter 190 made of silicon is arranged in the third area AR3.
- the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 are laminated on the first substrate SUB1, and the third area AR3 is arranged on the second substrate SUB2.
- the first area AR1 and the third area AR3 transmit and receive the charge of the floating diffusion FD of the first photoelectric conversion section 110a through the signal transmission section 91 consisting of the via 91b and the Cu--Cu connection 91a.
- the second area AR2 and the third area AR3 transmit and receive electric charges of the floating diffusion FD of the second photoelectric conversion section 110b via the signal transmission section 91 composed of the Cu—Cu connection 91a.
- the first storage unit 113a is connected to the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a
- the second storage unit 113b is connected to the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b. Imaging can be performed by a shutter method.
- FIG. 84 is a circuit diagram of the area pixel 100 according to the 23rd example
- FIG. 85 is a cross-sectional view of the area pixel 100 according to the 23rd example
- FIG. 86A is a plan view along line AA in FIG. 85
- FIG. 86C is a plan view taken along line BB of FIG. 85
- FIG. 86C is a plan view taken along line CC of FIG.
- the following description focuses on the differences from the area pixel 100 according to the twenty-third example.
- the area pixel 100 according to the 23rd example differs from the 22nd example in that the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b and the second storage unit 113b are stacked in the second area AR2, as shown in FIG.
- the plan view of FIG. 86B is a plan view near the boundary between the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b and the second storage unit 113b, and the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b and the second storage unit 113b are arranged over the entire region. It is The configuration of the twenty-third example other than the second area AR2 is the same as that of the twenty-second example.
- FIG. 87 is a diagram summarizing the features of the area pixels 100 according to the twenty-first to twenty-third examples described above.
- the back side is the light irradiation surface.
- the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a and the first storage unit 113a are arranged in the first region AR1 made of a material other than silicon.
- the second photoelectric conversion portion 110b and the second storage portion 113b in the twenty-second and twenty-third examples are arranged in the second region AR2 made of silicon.
- the AD converter 190 in the 21st to 23rd examples is arranged in the third region AR3 made of silicon.
- the first area AR1 and the third area AR3 are connected to the floating diffusion FD of the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a via the signal transmission unit 91 consisting of the via 91b and the Cu—Cu connection 91a. Send and receive electric charges.
- the second area AR2 and the third area AR3 transmit and receive the charge of the floating diffusion FD of the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b through the signal transmission unit 91 composed of the Cu—Cu connection 91a. .
- FIG. 88 is a circuit diagram of the area pixel 100 according to the twenty-fourth example
- FIG. 89 is a cross-sectional view of the area pixel 100 according to the twenty-fourth example
- FIG. 90A is a plan view along the line AA in FIG. 89
- FIG. 90C is a plan view taken along line BB of FIG. 89
- FIG. 90C is a plan view taken along line CC of FIG.
- Figures 88, 89, 90A, 90B and 90C show examples where the area pixel 100 has four pixels.
- the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a made of a material other than silicon
- the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b made of silicon
- the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a and a second memory portion 113b made of silicon and connected to the second photoelectric conversion portion 110b.
- the area pixel 100 according to the 24th example has a first AD converter 190a that receives the charge of the floating diffusion FD of the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a and the charge of the floating diffusion FD of the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b. and a second AD converter 190b that receives the Thus, the area pixel 100 according to the twenty-fourth example has more AD converters 190 than the twenty-third example.
- the first photoelectric conversion section 110a and the first storage section 113a made of a material other than silicon are laminated in the first region AR1.
- the second photoelectric conversion portion 110b and the second storage portion 113b made of silicon are arranged in the same layer.
- the first AD converter 190a and the second AD converter 190b made of silicon are arranged in the same layer.
- the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 are laminated on the first substrate SUB1, and the third area AR3 is arranged on the second substrate SUB2.
- the first area AR1 and the third area AR3 transmit and receive the electric charge of the floating diffusion FD of the first photoelectric conversion part 110a through the signal transmission part 91 consisting of the via 91b and the Cu--Cu connection 91a.
- the second area AR2 and the third area AR3 transmit and receive electric charges of the floating diffusion FD of the second photoelectric conversion section 110b via the signal transmission section 91 composed of the Cu—Cu connection 91a.
- the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a and the first storage unit 113a are arranged throughout each region.
- the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b and the second storage unit 113b are arranged in the same layer, so that the arrangement area of the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b is smaller than that of the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a, and The layout area of the second memory portion 113b is narrower than that of the second memory portion 113b.
- the first AD converter 190a is arranged to surround the second AD converter 190b.
- the area pixel 100 includes the first AD converter 190a for the first photoelectric converter 110a and the second AD converter 190b for the second photoelectric converter 110b, the first AD converter 190a and the second AD conversion unit 190b can simultaneously perform AD conversion, thereby shortening the AD conversion processing time.
- FIG. 91 is a circuit diagram of the area pixel 100 according to the twenty-fifth example
- FIG. 92 is a cross-sectional view of the area pixel 100 according to the twenty-fifth example
- FIG. 93A is a plan view taken along the line AA in FIG. 92
- FIG. 93C is a plan view taken along line BB of FIG. 92
- FIG. 93C is a plan view taken along line CC of FIG.
- the following description focuses on the differences from the 24th example.
- the area pixel 100 according to the twenty-fifth example differs from the twenty-fourth example in the configuration of the second area AR2.
- a second photoelectric conversion section 110b and a second storage section 113b are laminated. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 93B, the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b and the second storage unit 113b are arranged throughout each region.
- FIG. 94 is a diagram summarizing the features of the area pixels 100 according to the twenty-fourth and twenty-fifth examples described above.
- the back side is the light irradiation surface.
- the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a and the first storage unit 113a are made of a material other than silicon, and the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b and the second storage unit 113b are made of silicon.
- the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a and the first storage unit 113a are arranged in the first area AR1, and the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b and the second storage unit 113b are arranged in the second area AR2. ing.
- the first photoelectric conversion section 110a and the first storage section 113a are arranged in the same layer in the first area AR1 in the twenty-fourth example, and stacked in the first area AR1 in the twenty-fifth example.
- the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 transfer the charge of the floating diffusion FD of the first photoelectric conversion part 110a through the signal transmission part 91 consisting of the via 91b and the Cu--Cu connection 91a.
- the second area AR2 and the third area AR3 transmit and receive electric charges of the floating diffusion FD of the second photoelectric conversion section 110b through the signal transmission section 91 composed of the Cu—Cu connection 91a.
- FIG. 95 is a circuit diagram of the area pixel 100 according to the 23rd example
- FIG. 96 is a cross-sectional view of the area pixel 100 according to the 23rd example
- FIG. 97A is a plan view along line AA in FIG. 96
- FIG. 97C is a plan view taken along line BB of FIG. 96
- FIG. 97C is a plan view taken along line CC of FIG.
- Figures 95, 96, 97A and 97B show examples where the area pixel 100 has four pixels.
- the area pixel 100 according to the twenty-third example has a first photoelectric conversion unit 110a and a second photoelectric conversion unit 110b for each pixel, as shown in FIG. Both the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a and the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b have a semiconductor layer made of silicon.
- a first storage unit 113a is connected to the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a, and a second storage unit 113b is connected to the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b. Therefore, the imaging device 1 having the area pixels 100 according to the twenty-third example performs imaging by the global shutter method.
- the imaging device 1 having the area pixels 100 according to the twenty-third example includes a first area AR1 and a second area AR2.
- a first photoelectric conversion unit 110a and a first storage unit 113a are stacked, and a second photoelectric conversion unit 110b and a second storage unit 113b are stacked.
- the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b is arranged in the layer below the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a
- the second storage unit 113b is arranged in the layer below the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b
- the second photoelectric conversion unit 113b is arranged in the layer below the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b.
- the first storage unit 113a is arranged to straddle the layer of the 110b and the layer of the second storage unit 113b is shown, the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a, the first storage unit 113a, and the second photoelectric conversion unit 113a
- the order and place of arrangement of the conversion unit 110b and the second storage unit 113b are arbitrary.
- the first area AR1 is arranged on the first substrate SUB1.
- An AD converter 190 is arranged in the second area AR2.
- the second area AR2 is arranged on the second substrate SUB2.
- the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 are connected, via a signal transmission section 91 made up of a Cu--Cu connection 91a, to the charge of the floating diffusion FD of the first photoelectric conversion section 110a and the floating diffusion of the second photoelectric conversion section 110b. Transmits and receives the charge of the FD.
- FIG. 98 is a circuit diagram of the area pixel 100 according to the twenty-seventh example
- FIG. 99 is a cross-sectional view of the area pixel 100 according to the twenty-seventh example
- FIG. 100C is a plan view taken along line BB of FIG. 99
- FIG. 100C is a plan view taken along line CC of FIG.
- the differences from the 23rd example will be mainly described.
- the area pixel 100 according to the twenty-seventh example is common to the twenty-third example in that each pixel has a first photoelectric conversion unit 110a and a second photoelectric conversion unit 110b, but the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a according to the twenty-seventh example. and the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b each have a semiconductor layer made of a material other than silicon, and are made of, for example, an organic semiconductor material.
- the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a and the first storage unit 113a are stacked in the first area AR1, and the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b and the second storage unit 113b are stacked.
- the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a, the first storage unit 113a, the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b, and the second storage unit 113b are stacked in this order from top to bottom, but the stacking order is arbitrary. be.
- An AD converter 190 made of silicon is arranged in the second region AR2.
- the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 are laminated on the same substrate.
- the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 transmit and receive electric charges of the floating diffusion FD of the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a through the signal transmission unit 91 made up of the via 91b, and the signal transmission unit made up of another via 91b. 91, the charge of the floating diffusion FD of the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b is transmitted and received.
- first photoelectric conversion unit 110a, first storage unit 113a, second photoelectric conversion unit 110b, second storage unit 113b, and AD conversion unit 190 each store Since they are arranged over the entire area, even if each pixel has the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a and the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b, there is no possibility that the aperture ratio will decrease.
- FIG. 101 is a circuit diagram of the area pixel 100 according to the 28th example
- FIG. 102 is a cross-sectional view of the area pixel 100 according to the 28th example
- FIG. 103C is a plan view taken along line CC of FIG. 102
- FIG. 103D is a plan view taken along line DD of FIG.
- the following description focuses on the differences from the twenty-seventh example.
- the area pixel 100 according to the twenty-eighth example includes a first photoelectric conversion section 110a and a second photoelectric conversion section 110b having semiconductor layers other than silicon, as in the twenty-seventh example.
- the AD conversion section 190 is divided into a first divided AD conversion section 190a and a second divided AD conversion section 190b, and arranged separately into a third area AR3 and a fourth area AR4. This is different from the 27th example.
- a first photoelectric conversion section 110a and a first storage section 113a are laminated in the first area AR1.
- a second photoelectric conversion portion 110b and a second storage portion 113b are stacked in the second region AR2.
- the first area AR1, the second area AR2 and the third area AR3 are laminated on the first substrate SUB1.
- the fourth area AR4 is arranged on the second substrate SUB2.
- the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a and the first divided AD conversion unit 190a in the first region AR1 transmit and receive the electric charge of the floating diffusion FD of the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a through the signal transmission unit 91 composed of the via 91b.
- the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b and the first divided AD conversion unit 190a in the second area AR2 transmit the charge of the floating diffusion FD of the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b through the signal transmission unit 91 made up of the via 91b.
- the third area AR3 and the fourth area AR4 transmit and receive the drain signals of the differential pair in the AD conversion section 190 via the signal transmission section 91 composed of the Cu--Cu connection 91a.
- the AD conversion section 190 is divided into two and arranged in different layers, so that the arrangement area of the AD conversion section 190 can be expanded compared to the twenty-seventh example.
- FIG. 104 is a diagram summarizing the features of the area pixels 100 according to the twenty-sixth to twenty-eighth examples described above.
- the back side is the light irradiation surface
- the front side is the light irradiation surface.
- both the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a and the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b have semiconductor layers made of silicon
- the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a and the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b have semiconductor layers made of silicon.
- Both of the two photoelectric conversion units 110b have a semiconductor layer made of a material other than silicon.
- the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a, the first storage unit 113a, the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b, and the first storage unit 113a are arranged on the first substrate SUB1.
- the AD converter 190 is arranged in the second area AR2.
- the first divided AD converter 190a is arranged in the first area AR1
- the second divided AD converter 190b is arranged in the second area AR2.
- the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 are separated from each other by the floating diffusion FD of the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a and the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b via the signal transmission unit 91 composed of the Cu—Cu connection 91a. Send and receive electric charges.
- the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 transmit and receive electric charges of the floating diffusion FD of the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a and the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b through the signal transmission unit 91 made up of the vias 91b. do.
- the third area AR3 and the fourth area AR4 transmit and receive a differential pair of drain signals in the AD conversion section 190 via the signal transmission section 91 composed of the Cu--Cu connection 91a.
- the first photoelectric conversion unit 110a and the second photoelectric conversion unit 110b share one AD conversion unit 190.
- a first AD converter 190a corresponding to the first photoelectric converter 110a and a second AD converter 190b corresponding to the second photoelectric converter 110b may be provided.
- the drain signals of the differential pair in the AD converter 190 are transmitted and received between the first area AR1 and the second area AR2. You may transmit and receive between 1st area
- a first divisional AD conversion section 190a is provided up to the first stage, and a second divisional AD conversion section 190b is provided on the rear stage side of the transistor 512.
- the AD conversion section 190 is divided into two and arranged in different regions.
- the boundary between the first divided AD conversion section 190a and the second divided AD conversion section 190b need not be the drain node of the transistor 512.
- the drain node of transistor 152 For example, as shown in the lower half circuit diagram of FIG. It may also be the drain node of transistor 152 .
- the technology (the present technology) according to the present disclosure can be applied to various products.
- the technology according to the present disclosure can be realized as a device mounted on any type of moving body such as automobiles, electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, personal mobility, airplanes, drones, ships, and robots. may
- FIG. 106 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration example of a vehicle control system, which is an example of a mobile control system to which the technology according to the present disclosure can be applied.
- a vehicle control system 12000 includes a plurality of electronic control units connected via a communication network 12001.
- the vehicle control system 12000 includes a drive system control unit 12010, a body system control unit 12020, an outside information detection unit 12030, an inside information detection unit 12040, and an integrated control unit 12050.
- a microcomputer 12051, an audio/image output unit 12052, and an in-vehicle network I/F (Interface) 12053 are illustrated.
- the drive system control unit 12010 controls the operation of devices related to the drive system of the vehicle according to various programs.
- the driving system control unit 12010 includes a driving force generator for generating driving force of the vehicle such as an internal combustion engine or a driving motor, a driving force transmission mechanism for transmitting the driving force to the wheels, and a steering angle of the vehicle. It functions as a control device such as a steering mechanism to adjust and a brake device to generate braking force of the vehicle.
- the body system control unit 12020 controls the operation of various devices equipped on the vehicle body according to various programs.
- the body system control unit 12020 functions as a keyless entry system, a smart key system, a power window device, or a control device for various lamps such as headlamps, back lamps, brake lamps, winkers or fog lamps.
- the body system control unit 12020 can receive radio waves transmitted from a portable device that substitutes for a key or signals from various switches.
- the body system control unit 12020 receives the input of these radio waves or signals and controls the door lock device, power window device, lamps, etc. of the vehicle.
- the vehicle exterior information detection unit 12030 detects information outside the vehicle in which the vehicle control system 12000 is installed.
- the vehicle exterior information detection unit 12030 is connected with an imaging section 12031 .
- the vehicle exterior information detection unit 12030 causes the imaging unit 12031 to capture an image of the exterior of the vehicle, and receives the captured image.
- the vehicle exterior information detection unit 12030 may perform object detection processing or distance detection processing such as people, vehicles, obstacles, signs, or characters on the road surface based on the received image.
- the imaging unit 12031 is an optical sensor that receives light and outputs an electrical signal according to the amount of received light.
- the imaging unit 12031 can output the electric signal as an image, and can also output it as distance measurement information.
- the light received by the imaging unit 12031 may be visible light or non-visible light such as infrared rays.
- the in-vehicle information detection unit 12040 detects in-vehicle information.
- the in-vehicle information detection unit 12040 is connected to, for example, a driver state detection section 12041 that detects the state of the driver.
- the driver state detection unit 12041 includes, for example, a camera that captures an image of the driver, and the in-vehicle information detection unit 12040 detects the degree of fatigue or concentration of the driver based on the detection information input from the driver state detection unit 12041. It may be calculated, or it may be determined whether the driver is dozing off.
- the microcomputer 12051 calculates control target values for the driving force generator, the steering mechanism, or the braking device based on the information inside and outside the vehicle acquired by the vehicle exterior information detection unit 12030 or the vehicle interior information detection unit 12040, and controls the drive system control unit.
- a control command can be output to 12010 .
- the microcomputer 12051 realizes the functions of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) including collision avoidance or shock mitigation of vehicles, follow-up driving based on inter-vehicle distance, vehicle speed maintenance driving, vehicle collision warning, vehicle lane deviation warning, etc. Cooperative control can be performed for the purpose of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) including collision avoidance or shock mitigation of vehicles, follow-up driving based on inter-vehicle distance, vehicle speed maintenance driving, vehicle collision warning, vehicle lane deviation warning, etc. Cooperative control can be performed for the purpose of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) including collision avoidance or shock mitigation of vehicles, follow-up driving based on inter-vehicle distance, vehicle speed maintenance driving
- the microcomputer 12051 controls the driving force generator, the steering mechanism, the braking device, etc. based on the information about the vehicle surroundings acquired by the vehicle exterior information detection unit 12030 or the vehicle interior information detection unit 12040, so that the driver's Cooperative control can be performed for the purpose of autonomous driving, etc., in which vehicles autonomously travel without depending on operation.
- the microcomputer 12051 can output a control command to the body system control unit 12030 based on the information outside the vehicle acquired by the information detection unit 12030 outside the vehicle.
- the microcomputer 12051 controls the headlamps according to the position of the preceding vehicle or the oncoming vehicle detected by the vehicle exterior information detection unit 12030, and performs cooperative control aimed at anti-glare such as switching from high beam to low beam. It can be carried out.
- the audio/image output unit 12052 transmits at least one of audio and/or image output signals to an output device capable of visually or audibly notifying the passengers of the vehicle or the outside of the vehicle.
- an audio speaker 12061, a display unit 12062, and an instrument panel 12063 are illustrated as output devices.
- the display unit 12062 may include at least one of an on-board display and a head-up display, for example.
- FIG. 107 is a diagram showing an example of the installation position of the imaging unit 12031.
- FIG. 107 is a diagram showing an example of the installation position of the imaging unit 12031.
- imaging units 12101, 12102, 12103, 12104, and 12105 are provided as the imaging unit 12031.
- the imaging units 12101, 12102, 12103, 12104, and 12105 are provided at positions such as the front nose, side mirrors, rear bumper, back door, and windshield of the vehicle 12100, for example.
- An image pickup unit 12101 provided in the front nose and an image pickup unit 12105 provided above the windshield in the passenger compartment mainly acquire images in front of the vehicle 12100 .
- Imaging units 12102 and 12103 provided in the side mirrors mainly acquire side images of the vehicle 12100 .
- An imaging unit 12104 provided in the rear bumper or back door mainly acquires an image behind the vehicle 12100 .
- the imaging unit 12105 provided above the windshield in the passenger compartment is mainly used for detecting preceding vehicles, pedestrians, obstacles, traffic lights, traffic signs, lanes, and the like.
- FIG. 107 shows an example of the imaging range of the imaging units 12101 to 12104.
- FIG. The imaging range 12111 indicates the imaging range of the imaging unit 12101 provided in the front nose
- the imaging ranges 12112 and 12113 indicate the imaging ranges of the imaging units 12102 and 12103 provided in the side mirrors, respectively
- the imaging range 12114 The imaging range of an imaging unit 12104 provided on the rear bumper or back door is shown. For example, by superimposing the image data captured by the imaging units 12101 to 12104, a bird's-eye view image of the vehicle 12100 viewed from above can be obtained.
- At least one of the imaging units 12101 to 12104 may have a function of acquiring distance information.
- at least one of the imaging units 12101 to 12104 may be a stereo camera composed of a plurality of imaging elements, or may be an imaging element having pixels for phase difference detection.
- the microcomputer 12051 determines the distance to each three-dimensional object within the imaging ranges 12111 to 12114 and changes in this distance over time (relative velocity with respect to the vehicle 12100). , it is possible to extract, as the preceding vehicle, the closest three-dimensional object on the traveling path of the vehicle 12100, which runs at a predetermined speed (for example, 0 km/h or more) in substantially the same direction as the vehicle 12100. can. Furthermore, the microcomputer 12051 can set the inter-vehicle distance to be secured in advance in front of the preceding vehicle, and perform automatic brake control (including following stop control) and automatic acceleration control (including following start control). In this way, cooperative control can be performed for the purpose of automatic driving in which the vehicle runs autonomously without relying on the operation of the driver.
- automatic brake control including following stop control
- automatic acceleration control including following start control
- the microcomputer 12051 converts three-dimensional object data related to three-dimensional objects to other three-dimensional objects such as motorcycles, ordinary vehicles, large vehicles, pedestrians, and utility poles. It can be classified and extracted and used for automatic avoidance of obstacles. For example, the microcomputer 12051 distinguishes obstacles around the vehicle 12100 into those that are visible to the driver of the vehicle 12100 and those that are difficult to see. Then, the microcomputer 12051 judges the collision risk indicating the degree of danger of collision with each obstacle, and when the collision risk is equal to or higher than the set value and there is a possibility of collision, an audio speaker 12061 and a display unit 12062 are displayed. By outputting an alarm to the driver via the drive system control unit 12010 and performing forced deceleration and avoidance steering via the drive system control unit 12010, driving support for collision avoidance can be performed.
- At least one of the imaging units 12101 to 12104 may be an infrared camera that detects infrared rays.
- the microcomputer 12051 can recognize a pedestrian by determining whether or not the pedestrian exists in the captured images of the imaging units 12101 to 12104 .
- recognition of a pedestrian is performed by, for example, a procedure for extracting feature points in images captured by the imaging units 12101 to 12104 as infrared cameras, and performing pattern matching processing on a series of feature points indicating the outline of an object to determine whether or not the pedestrian is a pedestrian.
- the audio image output unit 12052 outputs a rectangular outline for emphasis to the recognized pedestrian. is superimposed on the display unit 12062 . Also, the audio/image output unit 12052 may control the display unit 12062 to display an icon or the like indicating a pedestrian at a desired position.
- the technology according to the present disclosure can be applied to the imaging unit 12031 and the like among the configurations described above.
- the imaging device 1 of the present disclosure can be applied to the imaging unit 12031 .
- this technique can take the following structures. (1) a plurality of pixels each having a photoelectric conversion unit; an analog-to-digital conversion unit provided for each area pixel composed of two or more of the pixels in the plurality of pixels and converting a signal corresponding to the charge photoelectrically converted by the two or more pixels into a digital signal; a floating diffusion that outputs charges photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit in the pixel; a plurality of stacked regions in which the plurality of photoelectric conversion units, the plurality of the analog-to-digital conversion units, and the plurality of the floating diffusions in the plurality of pixels are arranged; a signal transmission unit that transmits and receives signals between the plurality of areas, Among the plurality of regions, the region where the plurality of photoelectric conversion units are arranged is provided separately from the region where the analog-digital conversion unit is arranged, A region in which the plurality of photoelectric conversion units are arranged and a region in which the analog-to-digital conversion unit is arranged in the area pixel
- imaging device (2) The imaging device according to (1), wherein the photoelectric conversion unit has a silicon semiconductor layer or a semiconductor layer other than silicon. (3) The imaging device according to (2), wherein the semiconductor layer other than silicon is a semiconductor layer containing an organic semiconductor material. (4) a storage unit provided for each pixel for accumulating charges photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit; a first transfer transistor that is provided for each of the pixels and performs switching control of whether or not to store the charge photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit in the storage unit; a second transfer transistor that is provided for each of the pixels and controls whether or not to transfer the charge accumulated in the storage unit to the floating diffusion; The imaging device according to .
- the storage section is arranged in the same layer as the photoelectric conversion section, or arranged in a layer stacked on a layer in which the photoelectric conversion section is arranged.
- the different region has a wiring layer electrically connected to the floating diffusion;
- the imaging device according to (7), wherein the storage section is arranged in the same layer as the wiring layer.
- the analog-digital conversion unit a comparator that compares the analog signal corresponding to the charge with a reference signal; a comparison output processing unit that outputs a comparison result of the comparator; a waveform shaping unit that shapes the waveform of the output signal of the comparison output processing unit;
- the imaging device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the comparator, the comparison output processing section, and the waveform shaping section are arranged in the same region among the plurality of regions.
- the analog-digital conversion unit a comparator that compares the analog signal corresponding to the charge with a reference signal; a comparison output processing unit that outputs a comparison result of the comparator; a waveform shaping unit that shapes the waveform of the output signal of the comparison output processing unit;
- the imaging device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the comparator, the comparison output processing section, and the waveform shaping section are arranged in mutually different regions among the plurality of regions. .
- the analog-digital conversion unit a comparator that compares the analog signal corresponding to the charge with a reference signal; a comparison output processing unit that outputs a comparison result of the comparator; a waveform shaping unit that shapes the waveform of the output signal of the comparison output processing unit;
- the imaging device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the comparator, the comparison output processing section, and the waveform shaping section are arranged in mutually different regions among the plurality of regions. .
- the photoelectric conversion unit a first photoelectric conversion unit; and a second photoelectric conversion unit
- the floating diffusion is a first floating diffusion that accumulates charges photoelectrically converted by the first photoelectric conversion unit; a second floating diffusion for accumulating charges photoelectrically converted by the second photoelectric conversion unit;
- the plurality of regions are a first region in which the first photoelectric conversion unit is arranged; a second region in which the second photoelectric conversion unit is arranged; a third region in which at least part of the analog-to-digital conversion unit is arranged;
- the signal transmission unit is a first signal transmission unit that transmits and receives the charge of the first floating diffusion between the first region and the third region;
- the imaging device according to any one of (1) to (11), further comprising: a second signal transmission section that transmits and receives the charge of the second floating diffusion between the second region and the third region.
- One of the first photoelectric conversion unit and the second photoelectric conversion unit has a silicon semiconductor layer, and the other of the first photoelectric conversion unit and the second photoelectric conversion unit has a semiconductor layer other than silicon. , (13).
- a first storage unit provided for each pixel for accumulating charges photoelectrically converted by the first photoelectric conversion unit; a second storage unit that is provided for each of the pixels and stores charges photoelectrically converted by the second photoelectric conversion unit;
- the first storage unit is arranged in the first area,
- the second storage unit is arranged in the second area,
- the first floating diffusion accumulates charges corresponding to the charges stored in the first storage unit,
- a storage unit provided for each of the pixels for accumulating charges photoelectrically converted by either the first photoelectric conversion unit or the second photoelectric conversion unit;
- the storage unit is arranged in the second area, Either one of the first floating diffusion and the second floating diffusion accumulates charges corresponding to the charges stored in the storage section, and the other of the first floating diffusion and the second floating diffusion stores the charge stored in the storage section.
- the imaging device according to (13), wherein both the first photoelectric conversion unit and the second photoelectric conversion unit have a silicon semiconductor layer, or have a semiconductor layer other than silicon.
- a first storage unit provided for each pixel for accumulating electric charges photoelectrically converted by the first photoelectric conversion unit;
- a second storage unit provided for each pixel and storing electric charges photoelectrically converted by the second photoelectric conversion unit.
- the imaging device is a plurality of pixels each having a photoelectric conversion unit; an analog-to-digital conversion unit provided for each area pixel composed of two or more of the pixels among the plurality of pixels and converting a signal corresponding to the charge photoelectrically converted by the two or more pixels into the digital signal; a floating diffusion that outputs charges photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit in the pixel; a plurality of stacked regions in which the plurality of pixels, the plurality of analog-to-digital converters, and the plurality of floating diffusions are arranged; a signal transmission unit that transmits and receives signals between the plurality of areas, Among the plurality of regions, the region in which the photoelectric conversion unit is arranged is provided separately from the region in which the analog-digital conversion unit is arranged, The electronic device, wherein the signal transmission unit transmits and receives electric charges of the floating diffusion between a
- 1 imaging device 10 pixel array section, 11 signal line, 11a upper electrode layer, 11a upper electrode, 11b photoelectric conversion layer, 11c charge storage layer, 11d insulating layer, 11e lower electrode layer, 11e lower electrode, 12 signal input transistor, 13 MOS transistor, 20 time code generation section, 21 signal line, 30 reference signal generation section, 31 signal line, 40 vertical drive section, 41 signal line, 42 control signal generation section, 43 power supply section, 50 horizontal control section, 52 time Code decoding section, 53 Column signal processing section, 54 Clock signal generation section, 71 Wiring layer, 72 Color filter, 73 On-chip lens, 74 Element separation layer, 75 Wiring layer, 76 Protection layer, 91 Signal transmission section, 91a Cu- Cu connection, 91b via, 100 area pixel, 110 photoelectric conversion unit, 111 charge generation unit, 113 storage unit, 150 comparison unit, 160 comparison output processing unit, 161 preamplification unit, 162 level conversion unit, 163 waveform shaping unit, 170 conversion result holding unit, 171 storage control unit, 172 storage unit, 190
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Abstract
Description
そこで、画素ごとにAD変換器を設けて、各画素ごとにAD変換を行う画素AD方式の撮像装置が提案されている。(特許文献1参照)。
前記複数の画素内の2以上の前記画素からなるエリア画素ごとに設けられ、前記2以上の画素で光電変換された電荷に応じた信号をデジタル信号に変換するアナログ-デジタル変換部と、
前記画素内の前記光電変換部で光電変換された電荷を出力するフローティングディフュージョンと、
前記複数の画素内の複数の前記光電変換部、複数の前記アナログ-デジタル変換部、及び複数の前記フローティングディフュージョンが配置される、積層された複数の領域と、
前記複数の領域の間で信号の送受を行う信号伝送部と、を備え、
前記複数の領域のうち、前記複数の光電変換部が配置される領域は、前記アナログ-デジタル変換部が配置される領域とは別に設けられ、
前記エリア画素内の前記複数の光電変換部が配置される領域と、前記アナログ-デジタル変換部が配置される領域とは、前記複数のフローティングディフュージョンの電荷を同一の前記信号伝送部を介して送受する、撮像装置が提供される。
前記画素ごとに設けられ、前記光電変換部で光電変換された電荷を前記記憶部に蓄積するか否かを切替制御する第1転送トランジスタと、
前記画素ごとに設けられ、前記記憶部に蓄積された電荷を前記フローティングディフュージョンに転送するか否かを切替制御する第2転送トランジスタと、を備えてもよい。
前記記憶部は、前記配線層と同じ層に配置されてもよい。
前記電荷に応じたアナログ信号を参照信号と比較する比較器と、
前記比較器の比較結果を出力する比較出力処理部と、
前記比較出力処理部の出力信号を波形整形する波形整形部と、を有し、
前記比較器、前記比較出力処理部、及び前記波形整形部は、前記複数の領域のうちの同一の領域に配置されてもよい。
前記電荷に応じたアナログ信号を参照信号と比較する比較器と、
前記比較器の比較結果を出力する比較出力処理部と、
前記比較出力処理部の出力信号を波形整形する波形整形部と、を有し、
前記比較器と、前記比較出力処理部及び前記波形整形部とは、前記複数の領域のうちの互いに異なる領域に配置されてもよい。
前記電荷に応じたアナログ信号を参照信号と比較する比較器と、
前記比較器の比較結果を出力する比較出力処理部と、
前記比較出力処理部の出力信号を波形整形する波形整形部と、を有し、
前記比較器及び前記比較出力処理部と、前記波形整形部とは、前記複数の領域のうちの互いに異なる領域に配置されてもよい。
前記アナログ-デジタル変換部の少なくとも一部が配置される第2領域と、を有し、
前記信号伝送部は、前記第1領域及び前記第2領域の間で、前記フローティングディフュージョンの電荷を送受してもよい。
第1光電変換部と、
第2光電変換部と、を有し、
前記フローティングディフュージョンは、
前記第1光電変換部で光電変換された電荷を蓄積する第1フローティングディフュージョンと、
前記第2光電変換部で光電変換された電荷を蓄積する第2フローティングディフュージョンと、を有し、
前記複数の領域は、
前記第1光電変換部が配置される第1領域と、
前記第2光電変換部が配置される第2領域と、
前記アナログ-デジタル変換部の少なくとも一部が配置される第3領域と、を有し、
前記信号伝送部は、
前記第1領域及び前記第3領域の間で、前記第1フローティングディフュージョンの電荷を送受する第1信号伝送部と、
前記第2領域及び前記第3領域の間で、前記第2フローティングディフュージョンの電荷を送受する第2信号伝送部と、を有してもよい。
前記画素ごとに設けられ、前記第2光電変換部で光電変換された電荷を蓄積する第2記憶部と、を備え、
前記第1記憶部は、前記第1領域に配置され、
前記第2記憶部は、前記第2領域に配置され、
前記第1フローティングディフュージョンは、前記第1記憶部に記憶された電荷に応じた電荷を蓄積し、
前記第2フローティングディフュージョンは、前記第2記憶部に記憶された電荷に応じた電荷を蓄積してもよい。
前記記憶部は、前記第2領域に配置され、
前記第1フローティングディフュージョン及び前記第2フローティングディフュージョンのいずれか一方は、前記記憶部に記憶された電荷に応じた電荷を蓄積し、前記第1フローティングディフュージョン及び前記第2フローティングディフュージョンの他方は、前記記憶部に記憶することなく、前記第1光電変換部又は前記第2光電変換部で光電変換された電荷を蓄積してもよい。
前記画素ごとに設けられ、前記第2光電変換部で光電変換された電荷を蓄積する第2記憶部と、を備えてもよい。
前記デジタル信号に対して信号処理を行う信号処理部と、を備え、
前記撮像装置は、
光電変換部をそれぞれ有する複数の画素と、
前記複数の画素内の2以上の前記画素からなるエリア画素ごとに設けられ、前記2以上の画素で光電変換された電荷に応じた信号を前記デジタル信号に変換するアナログ-デジタル変換部と、
前記画素内の前記光電変換部で光電変換された電荷を出力するフローティングディフュージョンと、
前記複数の画素、複数の前記アナログ-デジタル変換部、及び複数の前記フローティングディフュージョンが配置される、積層された複数の領域と、
前記複数の領域の間で信号の送受を行う信号伝送部と、を備え、
前記複数の領域のうち、前記光電変換部が配置される領域は、前記アナログ-デジタル変換部が配置される領域とは別に設けられ、
前記信号伝送部は、前記光電変換部が配置される領域と、前記アナログ-デジタル変換部が配置される領域との間で、前記フローティングディフュージョンの電荷を送受する、電子機器が提供される。
図1は、本技術の一実施形態における撮像装置1の構成例を示す図である。この撮像装置1は、画素アレイ部10と、時刻コード生成部20と、参照信号生成部30と、垂直駆動部40、水平制御部50とを備える。
図2は本技術の一実施形態における垂直駆動部40の構成例を示す図である。この垂直駆動部40は、制御信号生成部42と、電源部43とを備える。
図3は本技術の一実施形態における水平制御部50の構成例を示す図である。この水平制御部50は、時刻コード復号部52と、カラム信号処理部53と、クロック信号生成部54とを備える。
図4Aは本技術の一実施形態におけるエリア画素100の構成例を示す図である。このエリア画素100は、4つの画素に対応する4つの光電変換部110(110a、110b、110c、110d)と、AD変換部190とを備える。4つの光電変換部110の出力である各フローティングディフュージョンFDは、AD変換部190の共通の入力ノードに接続されている。これにより、4つの光電変換部110とAD変換部190との信号伝送部91の数を削減できる。
図5Aは本技術の一実施形態における光電変換部110の構成例を示す図である。この光電変換部110は電荷生成部111を有する。また、電荷生成部111は、MOSトランジスタ502および504と、フォトダイオード501とを備える。ここで、MOSトランジスタ502および504には、NチャンネルMOSトランジスタを使用することができる。また、光電変換部110には、複数の信号線(OFD、OFG、TX)が接続される。オーバーフロードレイン信号線OFD(Overflow Drain)は、フォトダイオード501のリセット電圧VOFGを供給する信号線である。オーバーフローゲート信号線OFG(Overflow Gate)は、MOSトランジスタ502に制御信号を伝達する信号線である。転送信号線TXは、MOSトランジスタ504に制御信号を伝達する信号線である。同図に表したように、オーバーフローゲート信号線OFGおよび転送信号線TXは、それぞれMOSトランジスタ502、504のゲートに接続される。ゲートおよびソース間の閾値電圧以上の電圧(以下、オン信号と称する。)がこれらの信号線を通して入力されると、該当するMOSトランジスタが導通状態になる。
図6は本技術の一実施形態における比較部150の構成例を示す図である。この比較部150は、信号入力トランジスタ12と、参照入力トランジスタ157と、MOSトランジスタ13、151、152とを備える。ここで、MOSトランジスタ151および152にはPチャンネルMOSトランジスタを使用することができる。MOSトランジスタ12、157にはNチャンネルMOSトランジスタを使用することができる。
まず、参照信号線REFの電圧を0Vにする。これにより、参照入力トランジスタ157は非導通状態になる。すると、信号入力トランジスタ12、参照入力トランジスタ157およびMOSトランジスタ158により構成される差動増幅回路の作用により、信号入力トランジスタ12のドレインは、0V近傍の電圧になる。次に、リセット信号RSTをハイレベルしてMOSトランジスタ13をオンさせる。これにより、帰還回路が形成され、信号入力トランジスタ12のドレインは、約0Vの電圧になる。すると、信号線102に接続された光電変換部のフローティングディフュージョンFDが放電されて、信号線102の電圧が0Vとなる。
図7は本技術の一実施形態における比較出力処理部160の構成例を示す図である。この比較出力処理部160は、MOSトランジスタ511乃至517を備える。ここで、MOSトランジスタ511、513および515は、PチャンネルMOSトランジスタにより構成することができる。また、MOSトランジスタ512、514、516および517は、NチャンネルMOSトランジスタにより構成することができる。なお、MOSトランジスタ511は前置増幅部161を構成する。MOSトランジスタ512は、レベル変換部162を構成する。MOSトランジスタ513乃至517は、波形整形部163を構成する。また、比較出力処理部160には、前述した信号線106および107の他に、初期化信号線INI(Initialize)および電源線(VDDHおよびVBIAS)が接続される。初期化信号線INIは、MOSトランジスタ513および516に制御信号を伝達する信号線である。電源線VDDHおよびVBIASは、比較出力処理部160に電源を供給する電源線である。
図8は本技術の一実施形態における変換結果保持部170の構成例を示す図である。この変換結果保持部170は、記憶制御部171と、記憶部172乃至179とを備える。ここで、便宜上、AD変換後のデジタルの画素信号として8ビットのサイズのデータを想定する。このため、時刻コードのサイズも8ビットになる。なお、変換後のデジタルの画素信号および時刻コードのサイズは、システムへの要求に合わせて変更することができる。例えば、15ビットのサイズにすることもできる。
図9は本技術の一実施形態における時刻コード転送部200の構成例を示す図である。この時刻コード転送部200は、コード保持部210および230と、クロックバッファ220および240とを備える。この時刻コード転送部200は、図1において説明した画素アレイ部10に配置されたエリア画素100の行数と同数のコード保持部およびクロックバッファを有する。便宜上、コード保持部210および230ならびにクロックバッファ220および240を例に挙げて説明する。
上述したように、フリップフロップ211等は、クロック信号が値「0」のとき、入力された時刻コードを内部ノードに保持する。この保持の際、所定の時間、いわゆるセットアップタイムを確保する必要がある。クロックバッファ220により生じたクロック信号の遅延により、コード保持部230においてクロック信号が値「0」に遷移した際、コード保持部210に入力されるクロック信号は値「1」のままである。すなわち、内部ノードに保持された時刻コードが出力された状態にとどまっている。これによりコード保持部230においてセットアップタイムを確保することができ、時刻コードの伝達を行うことができる。
次に、エリア画素100の内部構成について説明する。エリア画素100の内部構成には種々の候補があるため、以下では、代表的な内部構成を順に説明する。
図10は本開示に係る撮像装置の1フレーム期間のタイミング図である。図10はグローバルシャッタ方式の撮像装置1(図4Bのエリア画素100と図5Bの光電変換部110を備える撮像装置1)のタイミング図を示している。図10の上半分は、時刻T1で露光を開始してから、1フレーム期間(時刻T1~T6)のタイミングを示している。図10の下半分は、時刻T3~T4の動作を詳細に示すタイミング図である。
図11は第1例に係るエリア画素100の回路図、図12は第1例に係るエリア画素100の断面図、図13Aは図12のA-A線方向の平面図、図13Bは図12のB-B線方向の平面図である。図11、図12、図13Aおよび図13Bは、エリア画素100が4つの画素を有する例を示している。
図14は第2例に係るエリア画素100の回路図、図15は第2例に係るエリア画素100の断面図、図16Aは図15のA-A線方向の平面図、図16Bは図15のB-B線方向の平面図、図16Cは図15のC-C線方向の平面図である。以下では、第1例に係るエリア画素100との相違点を中心に説明する。
図17は第3例に係るエリア画素100の回路図、図18は第3例に係るエリア画素100の断面図、図19Aは図18のA-A線方向の平面図、図19Bは図18のB-B線方向の平面図、図19Cは図18のC-C線方向の平面図である。以下では、第2例に係るエリア画素100との相違点を中心に説明する。
図20は上述した第1例~第3例に係るエリア画素100の特徴をまとめた図である。第1例~第3例はいずれも、裏面側が光照射面である。第1例~第3例では、光電変換部110はシリコンで形成され、光電変換部110は第1領域AR1に配置されている。第1例では、AD変換部190は第2領域AR2に配置されている。第2例と第3例では、AD変換部190は第2領域AR2と第3領域AR3に分割して配置されている。第1例では、第1領域AR1と第2領域AR2とは、Cu-Cu接続91aからなる信号伝送部91を介して、光電変換部110のフローティングディフュージョンFDの電荷を送受する。第2例と第3例における第1領域AR1と第2領域AR2では、ビア91bからなる信号伝送部91を介して、光電変換部110のフローティングディフュージョンFDの電荷を送受する。第2例における第2領域AR2と第3領域AR3では、Cu-Cu接続91aからなる信号伝送部91を介して、AD変換部190内の差動対のドレイン信号を送受する。第3例における第2領域AR2と第3領域AR3では、Cu-Cu接続91aからなる信号伝送部91を介して、AD変換部190内の比較結果信号を送受する。
図21は第4例に係るエリア画素100の回路図、図22は第4例に係るエリア画素100の断面図、図23Aは図22のA-A線方向の平面図、図23Bは図22のB-B線方向の平面図である。図21、図22、図23Aおよび図23Bは、エリア画素100が4つの画素を有する例を示している。
図24は第5例に係るエリア画素100の回路図、図25は第5例に係るエリア画素100の断面図、図26Aは図25のA-A線方向の平面図、図26Bは図25のB-B線方向の平面図、図26Cは図25のC-C線方向の平面図である。図24、図25、図26Aおよび図26Bは、エリア画素100が4つの画素を有する例を示している。以下では、第4例に係るエリア画素100との相違点を中心に説明する。
図27は第6例に係るエリア画素100の回路図、図28は第6例に係るエリア画素100の断面図、図29Aは図28のA-A線方向の平面図、図29Bは図28のB-B線方向の平面図、図29Cは図28のC-C線方向の平面図である。図27、図28、図29Aおよび図29Bは、エリア画素100が4つの画素を有する例を示している。以下では、第4例に係るエリア画素100との相違点を中心に説明する。
図30は上述した第4例~第6例に係るエリア画素100の特徴をまとめた図である。第4例~第6例では、光電変換部110はシリコン以外の半導体層で形成され、AD変換部190はシリコンの半導体層で形成されている。第4例~第6例では、光電変換部110は第1領域AR1に配置されている。第4例におけるAD変換部190は第2領域AR2に配置されている。第5例と第6例におけるAD変換部190は第2領域AR2と第3領域AR3に分割して配置されている。第4例~第6例では、第1領域AR1と第2領域AR2とは、ビア91bからなる信号伝送部91を介して、フローティングディフュージョンFDの電荷を送受する。第5例における第2領域AR2と第3領域AR3とは、Cu-Cu接続91aからなる信号伝送部91を介して、AD変換部190内の差動対のドレイン信号を送受する。第6例における第2領域AR2と第3領域AR3とは、Cu-Cu接続91aからなる信号伝送部91を介して、AD変換部190内の比較結果信号を送受する。
図31は第7例に係るエリア画素100の回路図、図32は第7例に係るエリア画素100の断面図、図33Aは図32のA-A線方向の平面図、図33Bは図32のB-B線方向の平面図、図33Cは図32のC-C線方向の平面図である。図31、図32、図33Aおよび図33Bは、エリア画素100が4つの画素を有する例を示している。
図34は第8例に係るエリア画素100の回路図、図35は第8例に係るエリア画素100の断面図、図36Aは図35のA-A線方向の平面図、図36Bは図35のB-B線方向の平面図、図36Cは図35のC-C線方向の平面図である。図34、図35、図36Aおよび図36Bは、エリア画素100が4つの画素を有する例を示している。
図37は上述した第7例と第8例に係るエリア画素100の特徴をまとめた図である。第7例と第8例では、裏面側が光照射面であり、第1光電変換部110aがシリコン以外の半導体層で形成され、第2光電変換部110bがシリコンの半導体層で形成されている。第1光電変換部110aは第1領域AR1に配置され、第2光電変換部110bは第2領域AR2に配置されている。第7例のAD変換部190は第3領域AR3に配置されている。第8例は、2つのAD変換部190(第1AD変換部190aと第2AD変換部190b)を有する。第1AD変換部190aと第2AD変換部190bは、第3領域AR3に配置されている。第7例と第8例では、第1領域AR1と第3領域AR3とは、ビア91bとCu-Cu接続91aからなる信号伝送部91を介して、第1光電変換部110aのフローティングディフュージョンFDの電荷を送受する。また、第2領域AR2と第3領域AR3とは、Cu-Cu接続91aからなる信号伝送部91を介して、第2光電変換部110bのフローティングディフュージョンFDの電荷を送受する。
図38は第9例に係るエリア画素100の回路図、図39は第9例に係るエリア画素100の断面図、図40Aは図39のA-A線方向の平面図、図40Bは図39のB-B線方向の平面図、図40Cは図39のC-C線方向の平面図である。図38、図39、図40Aおよび図40Bは、エリア画素100が4つの画素を有する例を示している。
図41は第10例に係るエリア画素100の回路図、図42は第10例に係るエリア画素100の断面図、図43Aは図42のA-A線方向の平面図、図43Bは図42のB-B線方向の平面図、図43Cは図42のC-C線方向の平面図である。以下では、第9例との相違点を中心に説明する。
図44は第11例に係るエリア画素100の回路図、図45は第11例に係るエリア画素100の断面図、図46Aは図45のA-A線方向の平面図、図46Bは図45のB-B線方向の平面図、図46Cは図45のC-C線方向の平面図、図46Dは図45のD-D線方向の平面である。以下では、第10例との相違点を中心に説明する。
図47は上述した第9例~第11例に係るエリア画素100の特徴をまとめた図である。第9例と第11例は、裏面側が光照射面であるのに対し、第10例は、表面側が光照射面である。第9例は、第1光電変換部110と第2光電変換部110がともにシリコンを材料とする半導体層を有するのに対し、第10例と第11例は、第1光電変換部110と第2光電変換部110がともにシリコン以外を材料とする半導体層を有する。第9例~第11例では、第1光電変換部110および第2光電変換部110が第1基板SUB1に配置されている。第9例と第10例では、AD変換部190が第2領域AR2に配置されている。第11例では、第1分割AD変換部190aは第1領域AR1に配置され、第2分割AD変換部190bは第2領域AR2に配置されている。
図48は第12例に係るエリア画素100の回路図、図49は第12例に係るエリア画素100の断面図、図50Aは図49のA-A線方向の平面図、図50Bは図49のB-B線方向の平面図である。図48、図49、図50Aおよび図50Bは、エリア画素100が4つの画素を有する例を示している。第12例に係るエリア画素100を有する撮像装置1は、グローバルシャッタ方式を採用しており、各画素内の光電変換部110には記憶部113が接続されている。なお、本明細書および図面の一部では、光電変換部110と記憶部113を別個のものとして説明するが、図48に示すように、記憶部113は光電変換部110の一部を構成する部品とみなすこともできる。以下では、第1例に係るエリア画素100との相違点を中心に説明する。
図51は第13例に係るエリア画素100の回路図、図52は第13例に係るエリア画素100の断面図、図53Aは図52のA-A線方向の平面図、図53Bは図52のB-B線方向の平面図、図53Cは図52のC-C線方向の平面図である。以下では、第12例に係るエリア画素100との相違点を中心に説明する。
図54は第14例に係るエリア画素100の回路図、図55は第14例に係るエリア画素100の断面図、図56Aは図55のA-A線方向の平面図、図56Bは図55のB-B線方向の平面図、図56Cは図55のC-C線方向の平面図である。以下では、第14例に係るエリア画素100との相違点を中心に説明する。
図57は上述した第12例~第14例に係るエリア画素100の特徴をまとめた図である。第12例~第14例はいずれも裏面側が光照射面である。第12例~第14例に係るエリア画素100内の光電変換部110と記憶部113は、シリコンを材料とする第1領域AR1に配置されている。第12例に係るエリア画素100内のAD変換部190は、シリコンを材料とする第2領域AR2に配置されている。第13例と第14例に係るエリア画素100内のAD変換部190は、シリコンを材料とする第2領域AR2と第3領域AR3に分割して配置されている。第12例~第14例に係るエリア画素100内の第1領域AR1と第2領域AR2は、フローティングディフュージョンFDの電荷を、信号伝送部91を介して送受する。第12例に係るエリア画素100内の信号伝送部91はCu-Cu接続91aである。第13例と第14例に係る撮像装置1内の第1領域AR1と第2領域AR2は、エリア画素100ごとに、4つの画素内の4つのフローティングディフュージョンFDの電荷を、ビア91bからなる信号伝送部91を介して送受する。第13例に係る撮像装置1内の第2領域AR2と第3領域AR3は、エリア画素100ごとに、AD変換部190内の差動対のドレイン信号を、Cu-Cu接続91aからなる信号伝送部91を介して送受する。第14例に係る撮像装置1内の第2領域AR2と第3領域AR3は、エリア画素100ごとに、AD変換部190内の比較結果出力信号を、Cu-Cu接続91aからなる信号伝送部91を介して送受する。
図58は第15例に係るエリア画素100の回路図、図59は第15例に係るエリア画素100の断面図、図60Aは図59のA-A線方向の平面図、図60Bは図59のB-B線方向の平面図、図60Cは図59のC-C線方向の平面図である。図58、図59、図60A、図60Bおよび図60Cは、エリア画素100が4つの画素を有する例を示している。
図61は第16例に係るエリア画素100の回路図、図62は第16例に係るエリア画素100の断面図、図63Aは図62のA-A線方向の平面図、図63Bは図62のB-B線方向の平面図、図63Cは図62のC-C線方向の平面図、図63Dは図62のD-D線方向の平面図である。以下では、第13例と第15例に係るエリア画素100との相違点を中心に説明する。
図64は第17例に係るエリア画素100の回路図、図65は第17例に係るエリア画素100の断面図、図66Aは図65のA-A線方向の平面図、図66Bは図65のB-B線方向の平面図、図66Cは図65のC-C線方向の平面図、図66Dは図65のD-D線方向の平面図である。以下では、第14例と第16例に係るエリア画素100との相違点を中心に説明する。
図67は上述した第15例~第17例に係るエリア画素100の特徴をまとめた図である。第15例~第17例はいずれも裏面側が光照射面である。第15例~第17例に係るエリア画素100内の光電変換部110と記憶部113は、シリコンを材料とする第1領域AR1に積層されて配置されている。第15例に係るエリア画素100内のAD変換部190は、シリコンを材料とする第2領域AR2に配置されている。第16例と第17例に係るエリア画素100内のAD変換部190は、シリコンを材料とする第2領域AR2と第3領域AR3に分割して配置されている。第15例~第17例に係るエリア画素100内の第1領域AR1と第2領域AR2は、フローティングディフュージョンFDの電荷を、信号伝送部91を介して送受する。第15例に係るエリア画素100内の信号伝送部91はCu-Cu接続91aである。第16例と第17例に係るエリア画素100内の第1領域AR1と第2領域AR2は、フローティングディフュージョンFDの電荷を、ビア91bからなる信号伝送部91を介して送受する。第16例に係るエリア画素100内の第2領域AR2と第3領域AR3は、AD変換部190内の差動対のドレイン信号を、Cu-Cu接続91aからなる信号伝送部91を介して送受する。第17例に係るエリア画素100内の第2領域AR2と第3領域AR3は、AD変換部190内の比較結果出力信号を、Cu-Cu接続91aからなる信号伝送部91を介して送受する。
図68は第18例に係るエリア画素100の回路図、図69は第18例に係るエリア画素100の断面図、図70Aは図69のA-A線方向の平面図、図70Bは図69のB-B線方向の平面図である。図68、図69、図70Aおよび図70Bは、エリア画素100が4つの画素を有する例を示している。
図71は第19例に係るエリア画素100の回路図、図72は第19例に係るエリア画素100の断面図、図73Aは図72のA-A線方向の平面図、図73Bは図72のB-B線方向の平面図、図73Cは図72のC-C線方向の平面図である。以下では、第13例と第15例に係るエリア画素100との相違点を中心に説明する。
図74は第20例に係るエリア画素100の回路図、図75は第20例に係るエリア画素100の断面図、図76Aは図75のA-A線方向の平面図、図76Bは図75のB-B線方向の平面図、図76Cは図75のC-C線方向の平面図である。以下では、第19例に係るエリア画素100との相違点を中心に説明する。
図77は上述した第18例~第20例に係るエリア画素100の特徴をまとめた図である。第18例は表面側が光照射面であるのに対し、第19例と第20例は裏面側が光照射面である。第18例~第20例に係るエリア画素100内の光電変換部110と記憶部113は、シリコン以外を材料とする第1領域AR1に積層されて配置されている。第18例に係るエリア画素100内のAD変換部190は、シリコンを材料とする第2領域AR2に配置されている。第19例と第20例に係るエリア画素100内のAD変換部190は、シリコンを材料とする第2領域AR2と第3領域AR3に分割して配置されている。第18例~第20例に係るエリア画素100内の第1領域AR1と第2領域AR2は、フローティングディフュージョンFDの電荷を、ビア91bからなる信号伝送部91を介して送受する。第19例に係るエリア画素100内の第2領域AR2と第3領域AR3は、AD変換部190内の差動対のドレイン信号を、Cu-Cu接続91aからなる信号伝送部91を介して送受する。第20例に係るエリア画素100内の第2領域AR2と第3領域AR3は、AD変換部190内の比較結果出力信号を、Cu-Cu接続91aからなる信号伝送部91を介して送受する。
図78は第21例に係るエリア画素100の回路図、図79は第21例に係るエリア画素100の断面図、図80Aは図79のA-A線方向の平面図、図80Bは図79のB-B線方向の平面図、図80Cは図79のC-C線方向の平面図である。図78、図79、図80A、図80Bおよび図80Cは、エリア画素100が4つの画素を有する例を示している。
第21例に係るエリア画素100は、シリコン以外を材料とする光電変換部110(第1光電変換部110a)と、シリコンを材料とする光電変換部110(第2光電変換部110b)とを有する。シリコン以外の材料は、例えば有機半導体材料を含んでいる。第1光電変換部110aは、例えば緑色の光電変換を行い、第2光電変換部110bは、例えば赤と青の光電変換を行う。
第21例に係るエリア画素100を有する撮像装置1は、図78と図79に示すように、積層される第1領域AR1、第2領域AR2および第3領域AR3を備えている。第1領域AR1と第2領域AR2は、第1基板SUB1上に積層されている。第3領域AR3は、第2基板SUB2上に配置されている。第1領域AR1には、シリコン以外の材料にて第1光電変換部110aと記憶部113が積層されている。第2領域AR2には、シリコンを材料とする第2光電変換部110bが配置されている。第3領域AR3には、シリコンを材料とするAD変換部190が配置されている。
このように、第21例に係るエリア画素100は、2種類の光電変換部110(110a、110b)を有し、各光電変換部110のフローティングディフュージョンFDの電荷を、ビア91bとCu-Cu接続91aを介してAD変換部190に転送する。各光電変換部110を別々の層の全域に配置するため、各光電変換部110の配置面積を十分に確保できる。
図81は第22例に係るエリア画素100の回路図、図82は第22例に係るエリア画素100の断面図、図83Aは図82のA-A線方向の平面図、図83Bは図82のB-B線方向の平面図、図83Cは図82のC-C線方向の平面図である。以下では、第13例と第15例に係るエリア画素100との相違点を中心に説明する。
図84は第23例に係るエリア画素100の回路図、図85は第23例に係るエリア画素100の断面図、図86Aは図85のA-A線方向の平面図、図86Bは図85のB-B線方向の平面図、図86Cは図85のC-C線方向の平面図である。以下では、第23例に係るエリア画素100との相違点を中心に説明する。
図87は上述した第21例~第23例に係るエリア画素100の特徴をまとめた図である。第21例~第23例はいずれも、裏面側が光照射面である。第21例~第23例では、第1光電変換部110aと第1記憶部113aはシリコン以外を材料とする第1領域AR1に配置されている。第22例及び第23例における第2光電変換部110bと第2記憶部113bは、シリコンを材料とする第2領域AR2に配置されている。第21例~第23例におけるAD変換部190は、シリコンを材料とする第3領域AR3に配置されている。第21例~第23例では、第1領域AR1と第3領域AR3とは、ビア91bとCu-Cu接続91aからなる信号伝送部91を介して、第1光電変換部110aのフローティングディフュージョンFDの電荷を送受する。第21例~第23例では、第2領域AR2と第3領域AR3は、Cu-Cu接続91aからなる信号伝送部91を介して、第2光電変換部110bのフローティングディフュージョンFDの電荷を送受する。
図88は第24例に係るエリア画素100の回路図、図89は第24例に係るエリア画素100の断面図、図90Aは図89のA-A線方向の平面図、図90Bは図89のB-B線方向の平面図、図90Cは図89のC-C線方向の平面図である。図88、図89、図90A、図90Bおよび図90Cは、エリア画素100が4つの画素を有する例を示している。
第24例に係るエリア画素100は、第23例と同様に、シリコン以外を材料とする第1光電変換部110aと、シリコンを材料とする第2光電変換部110bと、第1光電変換部110aに接続されるシリコン以外を材料とする第1記憶部113aと、第2光電変換部110bに接続されるシリコンを材料とする第2記憶部113bとを備えている。
図91は第25例に係るエリア画素100の回路図、図92は第25例に係るエリア画素100の断面図、図93Aは図92のA-A線方向の平面図、図93Bは図92のB-B線方向の平面図、図93Cは図92のC-C線方向の平面図である。以下では、第24例との相違点を中心に説明する。
図94は上述した第24例と第25例に係るエリア画素100の特徴をまとめた図である。第24例と第25例は、裏面側が光照射面である。第24例と第25例では、第1光電変換部110aと第1記憶部113aはシリコン以外の材料で形成され、第2光電変換部110bと第2記憶部113bはシリコンで形成されている。第24例と第25例では、第1光電変換部110aと第1記憶部113aは第1領域AR1に配置され、第2光電変換部110bと第2記憶部113bは第2領域AR2に配置されている。第1光電変換部110aと第1記憶部113aは、第24例では第1領域AR1の同一層に配置され、第25例では第1領域AR1に積層されている。第24例と第25例では、第1領域AR1と第2領域AR2は、ビア91bとCu-Cu接続91aからなる信号伝送部91を介して第1光電変換部110aのフローティングディフュージョンFDの電荷を送受する。第2領域AR2と第3領域AR3は、Cu-Cu接続91aからなる信号伝送部91を介して第2光電変換部110bのフローティングディフュージョンFDの電荷を送受する。
図95は第23例に係るエリア画素100の回路図、図96は第23例に係るエリア画素100の断面図、図97Aは図96のA-A線方向の平面図、図97Bは図96のB-B線方向の平面図、図97Cは図96のC-C線方向の平面図である。図95、図96、図97Aおよび図97Bは、エリア画素100が4つの画素を有する例を示している。
図98は第27例に係るエリア画素100の回路図、図99は第27例に係るエリア画素100の断面図、図100Aは図99のA-A線方向の平面図、図100Bは図99のB-B線方向の平面図、図100Cは図99のC-C線方向の平面図である。以下では、第23例との相違点を中心に説明する。
図101は第28例に係るエリア画素100の回路図、図102は第28例に係るエリア画素100の断面図、図103Aは図102のA-A線方向の平面図、図103Bは図102のB-B線方向の平面図、図103Cは図102のC-C線方向の平面図、図103Dは図102のD-D線方向の平面図である。以下では、第27例との相違点を中心に説明する。
図104は上述した第26例~第28例に係るエリア画素100の特徴をまとめた図である。第26例と第28例は、裏面側が光照射面であるのに対し、第27例は、表面側が光照射面である。第26例は、第1光電変換部110aと第2光電変換部110bがともにシリコンを材料とする半導体層を有するのに対し、第27例と第28例は、第1光電変換部110aと第2光電変換部110bがともにシリコン以外を材料とする半導体層を有する。第26例~第28例では、第1光電変換部110a、第1記憶部113a、第2光電変換部110bおよび第1記憶部113aが第1基板SUB1に配置されている。第26例と第27例では、AD変換部190が第2領域AR2に配置されている。第28例では、第1分割AD変換部190aは第1領域AR1に配置され、第2分割AD変換部190bは第2領域AR2に配置されている。
上述した第26例~第28例に係るエリア画素100では、第1光電変換部110aと第2光電変換部110bが一つのAD変換部190を共有しているが、第24例または第25例に示すように、第1光電変換部110aに対応する第1AD変換部190aと、第2光電変換部110bに対応する第2AD変換部190bとを設けてもよい。
本開示に係る技術(本技術)は、様々な製品へ応用することができる。例えば、本開示に係る技術は、自動車、電気自動車、ハイブリッド電気自動車、自動二輪車、自転車、パーソナルモビリティ、飛行機、ドローン、船舶、ロボット等のいずれかの種類の移動体に搭載される装置として実現されてもよい。
(1)光電変換部をそれぞれ有する複数の画素と、
前記複数の画素内の2以上の前記画素からなるエリア画素ごとに設けられ、前記2以上の画素で光電変換された電荷に応じた信号をデジタル信号に変換するアナログ-デジタル変換部と、
前記画素内の前記光電変換部で光電変換された電荷を出力するフローティングディフュージョンと、
前記複数の画素内の複数の前記光電変換部、複数の前記アナログ-デジタル変換部、及び複数の前記フローティングディフュージョンが配置される、積層された複数の領域と、
前記複数の領域の間で信号の送受を行う信号伝送部と、を備え、
前記複数の領域のうち、前記複数の光電変換部が配置される領域は、前記アナログ-デジタル変換部が配置される領域とは別に設けられ、
前記エリア画素内の前記複数の光電変換部が配置される領域と、前記アナログ-デジタル変換部が配置される領域とは、前記複数のフローティングディフュージョンの電荷を同一の前記信号伝送部を介して送受する、撮像装置。
(2)前記光電変換部は、シリコンの半導体層を有するか、又はシリコン以外の半導体層を有する、(1)に記載の撮像装置。
(3)前記シリコン以外の半導体層は、有機半導体材料を含む半導体層である、(2)に記載の撮像装置。
(4)前記画素ごとに設けられ、前記光電変換部で光電変換された電荷を蓄積する記憶部と、
前記画素ごとに設けられ、前記光電変換部で光電変換された電荷を前記記憶部に蓄積するか否かを切替制御する第1転送トランジスタと、
前記画素ごとに設けられ、前記記憶部に蓄積された電荷を前記フローティングディフュージョンに転送するか否かを切替制御する第2転送トランジスタと、を備える、(1)乃至(3)のいずれか一項に記載の撮像装置。
(5)前記記憶部は、前記複数の領域のうち、前記光電変換部が配置される領域に配置される、(4)に記載の撮像装置。
(6)前記記憶部は、前記光電変換部と同じ層に配置されるか、又は前記光電変換部が配置される層に積層される層に配置される、(5)に記載の撮像装置。
(7)前記記憶部は、前記複数の領域のうち、前記アナログ-デジタル変換部が配置される領域とは異なる領域に配置される、(4)に記載の撮像装置。
(8)前記異なる領域は、前記フローティングディフュージョンに電気的に接続される配線層を有し、
前記記憶部は、前記配線層と同じ層に配置される、(7)に記載の撮像装置。
(9)前記アナログ-デジタル変換部は、
前記電荷に応じたアナログ信号を参照信号と比較する比較器と、
前記比較器の比較結果を出力する比較出力処理部と、
前記比較出力処理部の出力信号を波形整形する波形整形部と、を有し、
前記比較器、前記比較出力処理部、及び前記波形整形部は、前記複数の領域のうちの同一の領域に配置される、(1)乃至(8)のいずれか一項に記載の撮像装置。
(10)前記アナログ-デジタル変換部は、
前記電荷に応じたアナログ信号を参照信号と比較する比較器と、
前記比較器の比較結果を出力する比較出力処理部と、
前記比較出力処理部の出力信号を波形整形する波形整形部と、を有し、
前記比較器と、前記比較出力処理部及び前記波形整形部とは、前記複数の領域のうちの互いに異なる領域に配置される、(1)乃至(8)のいずれか一項に記載の撮像装置。
(11)前記アナログ-デジタル変換部は、
前記電荷に応じたアナログ信号を参照信号と比較する比較器と、
前記比較器の比較結果を出力する比較出力処理部と、
前記比較出力処理部の出力信号を波形整形する波形整形部と、を有し、
前記比較器及び前記比較出力処理部と、前記波形整形部とは、前記複数の領域のうちの互いに異なる領域に配置される、(1)乃至(8)のいずれか一項に記載の撮像装置。
(12)前記光電変換部が配置される第1領域と、
前記アナログ-デジタル変換部の少なくとも一部が配置される第2領域と、を有し、
前記信号伝送部は、前記第1領域及び前記第2領域の間で、前記フローティングディフュージョンの電荷を送受する、(1)乃至(11)のいずれか一項に記載の撮像装置。
(13)前記光電変換部は、
第1光電変換部と、
第2光電変換部と、を有し、
前記フローティングディフュージョンは、
前記第1光電変換部で光電変換された電荷を蓄積する第1フローティングディフュージョンと、
前記第2光電変換部で光電変換された電荷を蓄積する第2フローティングディフュージョンと、を有し、
前記複数の領域は、
前記第1光電変換部が配置される第1領域と、
前記第2光電変換部が配置される第2領域と、
前記アナログ-デジタル変換部の少なくとも一部が配置される第3領域と、を有し、
前記信号伝送部は、
前記第1領域及び前記第3領域の間で、前記第1フローティングディフュージョンの電荷を送受する第1信号伝送部と、
前記第2領域及び前記第3領域の間で、前記第2フローティングディフュージョンの電荷を送受する第2信号伝送部と、を有する、(1)乃至(11)のいずれか一項に記載の撮像装置。
(14)前記第1光電変換部及び前記第2光電変換部の一方はシリコンの半導体層を有し、前記第1光電変換部及び前記第2光電変換部の他方はシリコン以外の半導体層を有する、(13)に記載の撮像装置。
(15)前記画素ごとに設けられ、前記第1光電変換部で光電変換された電荷を蓄積する第1記憶部と、
前記画素ごとに設けられ、前記第2光電変換部で光電変換された電荷を蓄積する第2記憶部と、を備え、
前記第1記憶部は、前記第1領域に配置され、
前記第2記憶部は、前記第2領域に配置され、
前記第1フローティングディフュージョンは、前記第1記憶部に記憶された電荷に応じた電荷を蓄積し、
前記第2フローティングディフュージョンは、前記第2記憶部に記憶された電荷に応じた電荷を蓄積する、(13)又は(14)に記載の撮像装置。
(16)前記画素ごとに設けられ、前記第1光電変換部および前記第2光電変換部のいずれか一方で光電変換された電荷を蓄積する記憶部を備え、
前記記憶部は、前記第2領域に配置され、
前記第1フローティングディフュージョン及び前記第2フローティングディフュージョンのいずれか一方は、前記記憶部に記憶された電荷に応じた電荷を蓄積し、前記第1フローティングディフュージョン及び前記第2フローティングディフュージョンの他方は、前記記憶部に記憶することなく、前記第1光電変換部又は前記第2光電変換部で光電変換された電荷を蓄積する、(13)又は(14)に記載の撮像装置。
(17)前記第1光電変換部及び前記第2光電変換部の双方は、シリコンの半導体層を有するか、又はシリコン以外の半導体層を有する、(13)に記載の撮像装置。
(18)前記画素ごとに設けられ、前記第1光電変換部で光電変換された電荷を蓄積する第1記憶部と、
前記画素ごとに設けられ、前記第2光電変換部で光電変換された電荷を蓄積する第2記憶部と、を備える、(17)に記載の撮像装置。
(19)前記第1記憶部及び前記第2記憶部の少なくとも一方は、前記第1領域及び前記第2領域に跨がって設けられる、(18)に記載の撮像装置。
(20)光電変換された画素ごとのデジタル信号を出力する撮像装置と、
前記デジタル信号に対して信号処理を行う信号処理部と、を備え、
前記撮像装置は、
光電変換部をそれぞれ有する複数の画素と、
前記複数の画素内の2以上の前記画素からなるエリア画素ごとに設けられ、前記2以上の画素で光電変換された電荷に応じた信号を前記デジタル信号に変換するアナログ-デジタル変換部と、
前記画素内の前記光電変換部で光電変換された電荷を出力するフローティングディフュージョンと、
前記複数の画素、複数の前記アナログ-デジタル変換部、及び複数の前記フローティングディフュージョンが配置される、積層された複数の領域と、
前記複数の領域の間で信号の送受を行う信号伝送部と、を備え、
前記複数の領域のうち、前記光電変換部が配置される領域は、前記アナログ-デジタル変換部が配置される領域とは別に設けられ、
前記信号伝送部は、前記光電変換部が配置される領域と、前記アナログ-デジタル変換部が配置される領域との間で、前記フローティングディフュージョンの電荷を送受する、電子機器。
Claims (20)
- 光電変換部をそれぞれ有する複数の画素と、
前記複数の画素内の2以上の前記画素からなるエリア画素ごとに設けられ、前記2以上の画素で光電変換された電荷に応じた信号をデジタル信号に変換するアナログ-デジタル変換部と、
前記画素内の前記光電変換部で光電変換された電荷を出力するフローティングディフュージョンと、
前記複数の画素内の複数の前記光電変換部、複数の前記アナログ-デジタル変換部、及び複数の前記フローティングディフュージョンが配置される、積層された複数の領域と、
前記複数の領域の間で信号の送受を行う信号伝送部と、を備え、
前記複数の領域のうち、前記複数の光電変換部が配置される領域は、前記アナログ-デジタル変換部が配置される領域とは別に設けられ、
前記エリア画素内の前記複数の光電変換部が配置される領域と、前記アナログ-デジタル変換部が配置される領域とは、前記複数のフローティングディフュージョンの電荷を同一の前記信号伝送部を介して送受する、撮像装置。 - 前記光電変換部は、シリコンの半導体層を有するか、又はシリコン以外の半導体層を有する、請求項1に記載の撮像装置。
- 前記シリコン以外の半導体層は、有機半導体材料を含む半導体層である、請求項2に記載の撮像装置。
- 前記画素ごとに設けられ、前記光電変換部で光電変換された電荷を蓄積する記憶部と、
前記画素ごとに設けられ、前記光電変換部で光電変換された電荷を前記記憶部に蓄積するか否かを切替制御する第1転送トランジスタと、
前記画素ごとに設けられ、前記記憶部に蓄積された電荷を前記フローティングディフュージョンに転送するか否かを切替制御する第2転送トランジスタと、を備える、請求項1に記載の撮像装置。 - 前記記憶部は、前記複数の領域のうち、前記光電変換部が配置される領域に配置される、請求項4に記載の撮像装置。
- 前記記憶部は、前記光電変換部と同じ層に配置されるか、又は前記光電変換部が配置される層に積層される層に配置される、請求項5に記載の撮像装置。
- 前記記憶部は、前記複数の領域のうち、前記アナログ-デジタル変換部が配置される領域とは異なる領域に配置される、請求項5に記載の撮像装置。
- 前記異なる領域は、前記フローティングディフュージョンに電気的に接続される配線層を有し、
前記記憶部は、前記配線層と同じ層に配置される、請求項7に記載の撮像装置。 - 前記アナログ-デジタル変換部は、
前記電荷に応じたアナログ信号を参照信号と比較する比較器と、
前記比較器の比較結果を出力する比較出力処理部と、
前記比較出力処理部の出力信号を波形整形する波形整形部と、を有し、
前記比較器、前記比較出力処理部、及び前記波形整形部は、前記複数の領域のうちの同一の領域に配置される、請求項1に記載の撮像装置。 - 前記アナログ-デジタル変換部は、
前記電荷に応じたアナログ信号を参照信号と比較する比較器と、
前記比較器の比較結果を出力する比較出力処理部と、
前記比較出力処理部の出力信号を波形整形する波形整形部と、を有し、
前記比較器と、前記比較出力処理部及び前記波形整形部とは、前記複数の領域のうちの互いに異なる領域に配置される、請求項1に記載の撮像装置。 - 前記アナログ-デジタル変換部は、
前記電荷に応じたアナログ信号を参照信号と比較する比較器と、
前記比較器の比較結果を出力する比較出力処理部と、
前記比較出力処理部の出力信号を波形整形する波形整形部と、を有し、
前記比較器及び前記比較出力処理部と、前記波形整形部とは、前記複数の領域のうちの互いに異なる領域に配置される、請求項1に記載の撮像装置。 - 前記光電変換部が配置される第1領域と、
前記アナログ-デジタル変換部の少なくとも一部が配置される第2領域と、を有し、
前記信号伝送部は、前記第1領域及び前記第2領域の間で、前記フローティングディフュージョンの電荷を送受する、請求項1に記載の撮像装置。 - 前記光電変換部は、
第1光電変換部と、
第2光電変換部と、を有し、
前記フローティングディフュージョンは、
前記第1光電変換部で光電変換された電荷を蓄積する第1フローティングディフュージョンと、
前記第2光電変換部で光電変換された電荷を蓄積する第2フローティングディフュージョンと、を有し、
前記複数の領域は、
前記第1光電変換部が配置される第1領域と、
前記第2光電変換部が配置される第2領域と、
前記アナログ-デジタル変換部の少なくとも一部が配置される第3領域と、を有し、
前記信号伝送部は、
前記第1領域及び前記第3領域の間で、前記第1フローティングディフュージョンの電荷を送受する第1信号伝送部と、
前記第2領域及び前記第3領域の間で、前記第2フローティングディフュージョンの電荷を送受する第2信号伝送部と、を有する、請求項1に記載の撮像装置。 - 前記第1光電変換部及び前記第2光電変換部の一方はシリコンの半導体層を有し、前記第1光電変換部及び前記第2光電変換部の他方はシリコン以外の半導体層を有する、請求項13に記載の撮像装置。
- 前記画素ごとに設けられ、前記第1光電変換部で光電変換された電荷を蓄積する第1記憶部と、
前記画素ごとに設けられ、前記第2光電変換部で光電変換された電荷を蓄積する第2記憶部と、を備え、
前記第1記憶部は、前記第1領域に配置され、
前記第2記憶部は、前記第2領域に配置され、
前記第1フローティングディフュージョンは、前記第1記憶部に記憶された電荷に応じた電荷を蓄積し、
前記第2フローティングディフュージョンは、前記第2記憶部に記憶された電荷に応じた電荷を蓄積する、請求項13に記載の撮像装置。 - 前記画素ごとに設けられ、前記第1光電変換部および前記第2光電変換部のいずれか一方で光電変換された電荷を蓄積する記憶部を備え、
前記記憶部は、前記第2領域に配置され、
前記第1フローティングディフュージョン及び前記第2フローティングディフュージョンのいずれか一方は、前記記憶部に記憶された電荷に応じた電荷を蓄積し、前記第1フローティングディフュージョン及び前記第2フローティングディフュージョンの他方は、前記記憶部に記憶することなく、前記第1光電変換部又は前記第2光電変換部で光電変換された電荷を蓄積する、請求項13に記載の撮像装置。 - 前記第1光電変換部及び前記第2光電変換部の双方は、シリコンの半導体層を有するか、又はシリコン以外の半導体層を有する、請求項13に記載の撮像装置。
- 前記画素ごとに設けられ、前記第1光電変換部で光電変換された電荷を蓄積する第1記憶部と、
前記画素ごとに設けられ、前記第2光電変換部で光電変換された電荷を蓄積する第2記憶部と、を備える、請求項17に記載の撮像装置。 - 前記第1記憶部及び前記第2記憶部の少なくとも一方は、前記第1領域及び前記第2領域に跨がって設けられる、請求項18に記載の撮像装置。
- 光電変換された画素ごとのデジタル信号を出力する撮像装置と、
前記デジタル信号に対して信号処理を行う信号処理部と、を備え、
前記撮像装置は、
光電変換部をそれぞれ有する複数の画素と、
前記複数の画素内の2以上の前記画素からなるエリア画素ごとに設けられ、前記2以上の画素で光電変換された電荷に応じた信号を前記デジタル信号に変換するアナログ-デジタル変換部と、
前記画素内の前記光電変換部で光電変換された電荷を出力するフローティングディフュージョンと、
前記複数の画素、複数の前記アナログ-デジタル変換部、及び複数の前記フローティングディフュージョンが配置される、積層された複数の領域と、
前記複数の領域の間で信号の送受を行う信号伝送部と、を備え、
前記複数の領域のうち、前記光電変換部が配置される領域は、前記アナログ-デジタル変換部が配置される領域とは別に設けられ、
前記信号伝送部は、前記光電変換部が配置される領域と、前記アナログ-デジタル変換部が配置される領域との間で、前記フローティングディフュージョンの電荷を送受する、電子機器。
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