18338115. PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE simplified abstract (CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA)
Contents
PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
TAKAFUMI Miki of Kanagawa (JP)
PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18338115 titled 'PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE
Simplified Explanation
The patent application describes a photoelectric conversion device that includes a pixel with an amplifier transistor and a select transistor, as well as an output line. The device is designed to convert light into an electrical signal.
- The pixel includes an amplifier transistor that generates a signal based on the charge generated in a photoelectric conversion unit.
- The select transistor controls the output of the signal.
- The output line is responsible for outputting the signal from the pixel.
The photoelectric conversion unit consists of a first semiconductor region that accumulates charge. The select transistor includes a second semiconductor region that is connected to the output line. Additionally, the pixel includes a third semiconductor region that can discharge charge.
- The second semiconductor region is adjacent to the first semiconductor region through a first element isolation structure.
- The second semiconductor region is adjacent to the third semiconductor region through a second element isolation structure.
- The shortest distance between the first and second semiconductor regions via the first element isolation structure is greater than the shortest distance between the second and third semiconductor regions via the second element isolation structure.
Potential applications of this technology:
- Digital cameras and image sensors: The photoelectric conversion device can be used in digital cameras and image sensors to convert light into electrical signals, enabling the capture of high-quality images.
- Solar panels: The device can also be used in solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity, providing a renewable energy source.
Problems solved by this technology:
- Efficient charge conversion: The device improves the efficiency of converting light into electrical signals by optimizing the distances between different semiconductor regions.
- Signal control: The select transistor allows for precise control of the output signal, enhancing the overall performance of the device.
Benefits of this technology:
- Improved image quality: By accurately converting light into electrical signals, the device can produce high-quality images with better color accuracy and clarity.
- Energy efficiency: The optimized design of the device ensures efficient conversion of light into electrical signals, resulting in reduced power consumption.
- Enhanced performance: The select transistor enables precise control of the output signal, leading to improved overall performance of the photoelectric conversion device.
Original Abstract Submitted
A photoelectric conversion device includes a pixel including an amplifier transistor generating a signal according to charge generated in a photoelectric conversion unit and a select transistor controlling an output of the signal, and an output line outputting the signal from the pixel. The photoelectric conversion unit includes a first semiconductor region for accumulating charge, the select transistor includes a second semiconductor region to which the output line is connected, and the pixel further includes a third semiconductor region being capable of discharging charge. The second semiconductor region is adjacent to the first semiconductor region via a first element isolation structure, and is adjacent to the third semiconductor region via a second element isolation structure. A shortest distance between the first and second semiconductor regions via the first element isolation structure is greater than a shortest distance between the second and third semiconductor regions via the second element isolation structure.
