18550294. SENSOR ELEMENT AND RANGING SYSTEM simplified abstract (SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATION)

SENSOR ELEMENT AND RANGING SYSTEM

Organization Name

SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATION

Inventor(s)

MUTSUMI Okazaki of KANAGAWA (JP)

SHOHEI Shimada of KANAGAWA (JP)

SENSOR ELEMENT AND RANGING SYSTEM - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18550294 titled 'SENSOR ELEMENT AND RANGING SYSTEM

The present disclosure discusses a sensor element and a ranging system that focus on downsizing and high functionality. The sensor element consists of a sensor substrate with a SPAD on a semiconductor substrate for each pixel, a logic substrate with a logic circuit, and multiple transistors for signal output based on the SPAD's cathode or anode voltage. Some transistors are integrated into the semiconductor substrate of the sensor substrate.

• Sensor element with SPAD on semiconductor substrate
• Logic substrate with logic circuit
• Transistors for signal output based on SPAD voltage
• Integration of transistors into sensor substrate semiconductor
• Application in ranging systems using ToF method

Potential Applications: - Ranging systems - Time-of-Flight (ToF) technology - Distance measurement devices

Problems Solved: - Downsizing sensor elements - Enhancing functionality in ranging systems - Improving signal output accuracy

Benefits: - Compact sensor design - High functionality in distance measurement - Enhanced signal output precision

Commercial Applications: Title: Advanced Ranging Systems with Integrated Sensor Elements This technology can be utilized in various industries such as: - Robotics - Automotive LiDAR systems - Industrial automation

Questions about the technology: 1. How does the integration of transistors into the sensor substrate improve signal output accuracy? 2. What are the key advantages of using a SPAD on a semiconductor substrate in ranging systems?

Original Abstract Submitted

The present disclosure relates to a sensor element and a ranging system that can achieve further downsizing and high functionality. A sensor element includes: a sensor substrate in which a SPAD is provided on a semiconductor substrate for each pixel; a logic substrate laminated on the sensor substrate and provided with a logic circuit; and a plurality of transistors used to output a signal according to a cathode voltage or an anode voltage of the SPAD. Then, at least some of the plurality of transistors are provided in a well formed in the semiconductor substrate of the sensor substrate. The present technology can be applied to, for example, a ranging system that performs ranging using a ToF method.