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CN113411520B - High-time-resolution image sensor structure and driving method - Google Patents

High-time-resolution image sensor structure and driving method Download PDF

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CN113411520B
CN113411520B CN202110553086.0A CN202110553086A CN113411520B CN 113411520 B CN113411520 B CN 113411520B CN 202110553086 A CN202110553086 A CN 202110553086A CN 113411520 B CN113411520 B CN 113411520B
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CN113411520A (en
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严明
周二瑞
刘璐
白琼
李刚
郭明安
杨少华
李斌康
黑东炜
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Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology
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    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N25/00Circuitry of solid-state image sensors [SSIS]; Control thereof
    • H04N25/50Control of the SSIS exposure
    • H04N25/57Control of the dynamic range
    • H04N25/58Control of the dynamic range involving two or more exposures
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N25/00Circuitry of solid-state image sensors [SSIS]; Control thereof
    • H04N25/70SSIS architectures; Circuits associated therewith
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Abstract

The invention relates to an image sensor and a high-speed imaging technology, in particular to a high-time-resolution image sensor structure and a driving method thereof, which are used for solving the technical problems of large system scale, difficult guarantee of optical beam splitting consistency, reduced system sensitivity, large design and processing difficulty of an on-chip storage ultra-high-speed image sensor and high production cost of the conventional high-time-resolution continuous imaging system. The image sensor structure comprises a sensor power supply circuit, a 5T pixel structure image sensor array arranged in a grouping and staggered mode, an exposure driving unit, a reading time sequence driving circuit, a pixel signal column processing circuit and a sensor output circuit. The invention also provides a driving method based on the image sensor structure, which is used for independently exposing, transferring and reading out two groups of pixel groups, and realizes continuous acquisition of a plurality of high-time resolution images in the same sensor image plane.

Description

一种高时间分辨的图像传感器结构及驱动方法A high time-resolution image sensor structure and driving method

技术领域technical field

本发明涉及图像传感器及高速成像技术,具体涉及一种高时间分辨的图像传感器结构及驱动方法。The invention relates to an image sensor and high-speed imaging technology, in particular to a high-time-resolution image sensor structure and a driving method.

背景技术Background technique

高时间分辨的连续成像是现代应用物理研究中的一种重要的测试数据获取方法,尤其在高速瞬态物理过程的实验研究中,连续多幅高时间分辨图像对解释物理机理、发现物理现象、验证物理规律具有极其重要的应用价值。High time-resolution continuous imaging is an important test data acquisition method in modern applied physics research. Verifying the laws of physics has extremely important application value.

现有的高时间分辨连续成像系统通常采用光学分光的分幅成像技术,此类系统通过光学分光的方法,将同一场景分光投射到多个传感器像面,通过多个成像通道,实现连续多幅高时间分辨图像的获取,虽然可以实现较好的时间分辨和空间分辨,但存在系统规模较大、光学分光一致性难以保证、光学分光带来成像系统灵敏度下降等问题。Existing high-time-resolution continuous imaging systems usually use the framing imaging technology of optical splitting. Such systems use optical splitting to project the same scene onto multiple sensor image planes, and use multiple imaging channels to achieve continuous multiple framing. Although the acquisition of high time-resolution images can achieve better temporal and spatial resolution, there are problems such as large system scale, difficulty in ensuring the consistency of optical spectroscopy, and decreased sensitivity of the imaging system caused by optical spectroscopy.

近年来随着图像传感器技术的不断发展进步,出现了采用片上存储技术的超高速图像传感器,此类传感器通过将像素内的感应电荷就近存储在传感器片内,并通过设计多个存储单元,实现高时间分辨的连续成像性能。但此类图像传感器需要特殊的加工工艺支持,设计及加工难度大,生产成本较高。In recent years, with the continuous development and progress of image sensor technology, ultra-high-speed image sensors using on-chip storage technology have emerged. Such sensors store the induced charges in the pixels in the sensor chip nearby, and design multiple storage units to achieve High time-resolved continuous imaging performance. However, this type of image sensor requires special processing technology support, which is difficult to design and process, and has a high production cost.

发明内容SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

本发明的目的是针对现有高时间分辨连续成像系统中,采用分幅成像技术存在系统规模较大、光学分光一致性难以保证、系统灵敏度下降问题,而采用片上存储的超高速图像传感器技术存在设计及加工难度大、生产成本较高的技术问题,提出一种高时间分辨的图像传感器结构及驱动方法,采用5T像素结构,无需特殊加工工艺支持,基于标准的CMOS图像传感器工艺,即可实现时间连续的多幅高时间分辨图像获取。The purpose of the present invention is to solve the problems of large system scale, difficulty in ensuring optical spectroscopic consistency, and reduced system sensitivity in the existing high time-resolution continuous imaging system using the framing imaging technology, while the ultra-high-speed image sensor technology using on-chip storage has Due to the technical problems of difficult design and processing and high production cost, a high-time-resolution image sensor structure and driving method are proposed. It adopts a 5T pixel structure and does not require special processing technology support. It can be realized based on standard CMOS image sensor technology. Time-sequential acquisition of multiple high-time-resolution images.

为了实现上述目的,本发明所采用的技术方案是:In order to achieve the above object, the technical scheme adopted in the present invention is:

一种高时间分辨的图像传感器结构,其特殊之处在于:包括传感器供电电路、由5T像素结构组成的图像传感器像素阵列、与图像传感器像素阵列连接的曝光驱动单元、读出时序驱动电路和像素信号列处理电路,以及传感器输出电路;A high time-resolution image sensor structure, which is special in that it includes a sensor power supply circuit, an image sensor pixel array composed of a 5T pixel structure, an exposure drive unit connected to the image sensor pixel array, a readout timing drive circuit and a pixel array. Signal column processing circuit, and sensor output circuit;

所述传感器供电电路分别与图像传感器像素阵列、曝光驱动单元、读出时序驱动电路、像素信号列处理电路及传感器输出电路相连;The sensor power supply circuit is respectively connected with the image sensor pixel array, the exposure driving unit, the readout timing driving circuit, the pixel signal column processing circuit and the sensor output circuit;

所述图像传感器像素阵列包括两组交错排列的第一像素组和第二像素组;The image sensor pixel array includes two staggered first pixel groups and second pixel groups;

所述曝光驱动单元包括第一曝光驱动电路和第二曝光驱动电路,分别用于驱动对应的第一像素组和第二像素组;The exposure driving unit includes a first exposure driving circuit and a second exposure driving circuit, which are respectively used to drive the corresponding first pixel group and the second pixel group;

所述第一曝光驱动电路产生光敏区复位控制信号PD_RST1、浮置栅极复位控制信号FD_RST1及转移控制信号TX1,分别与第一像素组中的5T像素结构相连;所述第二曝光驱动电路产生光敏区复位控制信号PD_RST2、浮置栅极复位控制信号FD_RST2及转移控制信号TX2,分别与第二像素组中的5T像素结构相连;The first exposure driving circuit generates a photosensitive area reset control signal PD_RST1, a floating gate reset control signal FD_RST1 and a transfer control signal TX1, which are respectively connected to the 5T pixel structure in the first pixel group; the second exposure driving circuit generates The photosensitive area reset control signal PD_RST2, the floating gate reset control signal FD_RST2 and the transfer control signal TX2 are respectively connected to the 5T pixel structure in the second pixel group;

所述读出时序驱动电路产生两组像素读出驱动信号Group1_Read和Group2_Read,分别与对应第一像素组和第二像素组中的5T像素结构相连,用于驱动对应的第一像素组和第二像素组将像素信号输出至像素信号列处理电路;The readout timing drive circuit generates two groups of pixel readout drive signals Group1_Read and Group2_Read, which are respectively connected to the 5T pixel structures in the corresponding first pixel group and the second pixel group for driving the corresponding first pixel group and the second pixel group. The pixel group outputs the pixel signal to the pixel signal column processing circuit;

所述像素信号列处理电路用于按列逐行读出像素信号,并对像素信号进行放大处理;The pixel signal column processing circuit is used to read out the pixel signal column by column and amplify the pixel signal;

所述传感器输出电路用于将进行放大处理的像素信号输出。The sensor output circuit is used for outputting the amplified pixel signal.

进一步地,所述5T像素结构包括像素光敏区PD、浮置栅极FD、光敏区复位管1、转移门2、浮置栅极复位管3、源极跟随器4及像素选择输出管5;Further, the 5T pixel structure includes a pixel photosensitive region PD, a floating gate FD, a photosensitive region reset transistor 1, a transfer gate 2, a floating gate reset transistor 3, a source follower 4 and a pixel selection output transistor 5;

所述光敏区复位管1、浮置栅极复位管3及源极跟随器4的漏极均与传感器供电电路连接;所述像素光敏区PD的阴极与光敏区复位管1的源极、转移门2的源极均相连,像素光敏区PD的阳极接地;所述浮置栅极FD串接在浮置栅极复位管3的源极与地之间;所述转移门2的漏极与浮置栅极复位管3的源极、源极跟随器4的栅极均相连;所述源极跟随器4的源极与像素选择输出管5的源极相连;The drains of the photosensitive area reset transistor 1, the floating gate reset transistor 3 and the source follower 4 are all connected to the sensor power supply circuit; the cathode of the pixel photosensitive area PD is connected to the source and transfer of the photosensitive area reset transistor 1 The sources of the gate 2 are all connected, and the anode of the pixel photosensitive area PD is grounded; the floating gate FD is connected in series between the source and the ground of the floating gate reset transistor 3; the drain of the transfer gate 2 is connected to the ground. The source of the floating gate reset tube 3 and the gate of the source follower 4 are connected; the source of the source follower 4 is connected to the source of the pixel selection output tube 5;

所述光敏区复位管1的栅极与光敏区复位控制信号PD_RST1或PD_RST2相连;浮置栅极复位管3的栅极与浮置栅极复位控制信号FD_RST1或FD_RST2相连;转移门2的栅极与转移控制信号TX1或TX2相连;The gate of the photosensitive area reset tube 1 is connected to the photosensitive area reset control signal PD_RST1 or PD_RST2; the gate of the floating gate reset tube 3 is connected to the floating gate reset control signal FD_RST1 or FD_RST2; the gate of the transfer gate 2 Connected to the transfer control signal TX1 or TX2;

所述像素选择输出管5的栅极与像素读出驱动信号Group1_Read或Group2_Read相连;所述像素选择输出管5的漏极为像素输出端。The gate of the pixel selection output tube 5 is connected to the pixel readout driving signal Group1_Read or Group2_Read; the drain of the pixel selection output tube 5 is the pixel output terminal.

进一步地,所述交错排列为行交错排列、列交错排列或像素交错排列,两组像素可以独立的进行曝光、转移和读出控制。Further, the staggered arrangement is row staggered arrangement, column staggered arrangement or pixel staggered arrangement, and the two groups of pixels can be independently controlled for exposure, transfer and readout.

进一步地,所述第一像素组和第二像素组的像素转移时间相同。Further, the pixel transfer times of the first pixel group and the second pixel group are the same.

本发明还提出一种高时间分辨的图像传感器驱动方法,基于上述高时间分辨的图像传感器结构,其特殊之处在于,包括以下步骤:The present invention also proposes a high-time-resolution image sensor driving method, based on the above-mentioned high-time-resolution image sensor structure, which is special in that it includes the following steps:

步骤1、根据待测高速过程所需的时间分辨,确定像素阵列的曝光时间,并确定第一像素组和第二像素组的驱动时序;Step 1. According to the time resolution required by the high-speed process to be tested, determine the exposure time of the pixel array, and determine the driving timing of the first pixel group and the second pixel group;

步骤2、根据第一像素组和第二像素组的驱动时序,驱动图像传感器工作:Step 2. Drive the image sensor to work according to the driving timing of the first pixel group and the second pixel group:

2.1)T0时刻:利用光敏区复位控制信号PD_RST1、浮置栅极复位控制信号FD_RST1和转移控制信号TX1,对第一像素组光敏区进行第一次曝光和像素转移,曝光时间为TEXP1,像素转移时间为TTRANS1;此时,第二像素组处于光敏区复位状态;2.1) Time T0 : use the photosensitive area reset control signal PD_RST1, the floating gate reset control signal FD_RST1 and the transfer control signal TX1 to perform the first exposure and pixel transfer on the photosensitive area of the first pixel group, and the exposure time is T EXP1 , The pixel transfer time is T TRANS1 ; at this time, the second pixel group is in the reset state of the photosensitive area;

2.2)T1时刻,完成曝光和转移的第一像素组进行入光敏区复位状态,开始对第一像素组进行第一次像素信号读出,读出时间为TREAD1;同时,利用光敏区复位控制信号PD_RST2、浮置栅极复位控制信号FD_RST2和转移控制信号TX2,对第二像素组光敏区进行第一次曝光和像素转移,曝光时间为TEXP2,像素转移时间为TTRANS22.2) At the moment of T1, the first pixel group that has completed exposure and transfer enters the photosensitive area reset state, and starts to read out the pixel signal for the first time to the first pixel group, and the readout time is T READ1 ; at the same time, utilize the photosensitive area to reset The control signal PD_RST2, the floating gate reset control signal FD_RST2 and the transfer control signal TX2 perform the first exposure and pixel transfer on the photosensitive area of the second pixel group, the exposure time is T EXP2 , and the pixel transfer time is T TRANS2 ;

2.3)T2时刻,第二像素组完成第一次曝光和像素转移;对第一像素组光敏区进行第二次曝光,第二次曝光时间为TEXP1';2.3) At time T2, the second pixel group completes the first exposure and pixel transfer; the first pixel group photosensitive area is subjected to a second exposure, and the second exposure time is T EXP1 ';

2.4)T3时刻,第一像素组完成第二次曝光;对第二像素组光敏区进行第二次曝光;2.4) At time T3, the first pixel group completes the second exposure; the second exposure is performed on the photosensitive area of the second pixel group;

2.5)T4时刻,第一像素组第一次像素信号读出完毕,对第一像素组进行第二次像素转移;同时,对第二像素组进行第一次像素信号读出,读出时间为TREAD22.5) At time T4, the first pixel signal readout of the first pixel group is completed, and the second pixel transfer is performed on the first pixel group; at the same time, the first pixel signal readout is performed on the second pixel group, and the readout time is: T READ2 ;

2.6)T5时刻,第二像素组第一次像素信号读出完毕;对第二像素组进行第二次像素转移;同时,对第一像素组进行第二次像素信号读出;2.6) At time T5, the first pixel signal readout of the second pixel group is completed; the second pixel group is subjected to the second pixel transfer; at the same time, the second pixel signal readout is performed on the first pixel group;

2.7)T6时刻,第一像素组第二次像素信号读出完毕;对第二像素组进行第二次像素信号读出;2.7) At time T6, the second pixel signal readout of the first pixel group is completed; the second pixel signal readout is performed on the second pixel group;

2.8)T7时刻,第二像素组第二次像素信号读出完毕,完成一次高时间分辨率成像过程。2.8) At time T7, the second pixel signal readout of the second pixel group is completed, and a high temporal resolution imaging process is completed.

进一步地,步骤2.1)中所述TTRANS1与步骤2.2)中所述TTRANS2满足以下要求:Further, T TRANS1 described in step 2.1) and T TRANS2 described in step 2.2) meet the following requirements:

TTRANS1=TTRANS2=TTRANS T TRANS1 =T TRANS2 =T TRANS

其中,TTRANS为像素阵列的像素转移时间。Among them, T TRANS is the pixel transfer time of the pixel array.

进一步地,步骤1中,所述根据待测高速过程所需的时间分辨,确定像素阵列的曝光时间,具体为:根据待测高速过程所需的时间分辨,估算高时间分辨图像的曝光周期TRES,根据像素转移时间TTRANS,计算像素阵列的曝光时间TEXPFurther, in step 1, the exposure time of the pixel array is determined according to the time resolution required by the high-speed process to be measured, specifically: estimating the exposure period T of the high-time-resolution image according to the time resolution required by the high-speed process to be measured. RES , according to the pixel transfer time T TRANS , calculate the exposure time T EXP of the pixel array:

TEXP=TRES-TTRANST EXP =T RES - T TRANS .

进一步地,为了保证图像传感器的输出像素信号的质量,步骤2.2)中所述TREAD1≥10(TEXP1+TTRANS);步骤2.5)中所述TREAD2≥10(TEXP2+TTRANS)。Further, in order to ensure the quality of the output pixel signal of the image sensor, T READ1 ≥ 10(T EXP1 +T TRANS ) described in step 2.2); T READ2 ≧ 10(T EXP2 +T TRANS ) described in step 2.5).

进一步地,步骤2.3)中,所述TEXP1'小于TREAD1Further, in step 2.3), the T EXP1 ′ is less than T READ1 .

进一步地,步骤2.8)中,所述一次高时间分辨率成像过程可以获得曝光时间连续的四幅高时间分辨图像。Further, in step 2.8), the one high time resolution imaging process can obtain four high time resolution images with continuous exposure time.

本发明的有益效果是:The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

1)本发明高时间分辨的图像传感器结构中,图像传感器像素阵列采用分组交错排列的像素阵列,通过对两组像素组进行独立曝光、转移和读出控制,实现在同一传感器像面内的多幅高时间分辨图像的连续获取,图像一致性好。1) In the high time-resolution image sensor structure of the present invention, the pixel array of the image sensor adopts a pixel array arranged in a staggered grouping. Continuous acquisition of high time-resolution images with good image consistency.

2)本发明高时间分辨的图像传感器结构中,图像传感器像素阵列采用5T像素结构可以有效实现全局曝光的电子快门,便于进行高时间分辨的曝光控制。2) In the high time resolution image sensor structure of the present invention, the image sensor pixel array adopts a 5T pixel structure, which can effectively realize the electronic shutter of global exposure, which is convenient for high time resolution exposure control.

3)本发明高时间分辨的图像传感器驱动方法,采用流水化方法分别对交错排列的两组像素进行曝光、转移和读出,控制方法简单,具有曝光时间连续、图像获取量大的优点。3) The high time-resolution image sensor driving method of the present invention adopts the pipeline method to expose, transfer and read out two groups of staggered pixels respectively. The control method is simple, and has the advantages of continuous exposure time and large amount of image acquisition.

4)本发明高时间分辨的图像传感器结构采用交错排列的图像传感器像素阵列,将像素阵列分为第一像素组和第二像素组,增加一组曝光驱动单元,就可实现对第一像素组和第二像素组的独立曝光控制,该图像传感器结构简单,硬件成本较低。4) The high time-resolution image sensor structure of the present invention adopts a staggered array of image sensor pixels, divides the pixel array into a first pixel group and a second pixel group, and adds a set of exposure driving units to realize the first pixel group. and independent exposure control of the second pixel group, the image sensor has a simple structure and low hardware cost.

5)本发明高时间分辨的图像传感器结构基于标准CMOS图像传感器工艺,无需特殊加工工艺支持,工艺成本较低。5) The high time-resolution image sensor structure of the present invention is based on a standard CMOS image sensor technology, does not require special processing technology support, and has a low process cost.

附图说明Description of drawings

图1为本发明高时间分辨的图像传感器结构中采用的5T像素结构的示意图;1 is a schematic diagram of a 5T pixel structure adopted in the high time-resolution image sensor structure of the present invention;

图2为本发明高时间分辨的图像传感器结构中像素阵列分组及行交错排列方式示意图;2 is a schematic diagram of a pixel array grouping and row staggered arrangement in the high time-resolution image sensor structure of the present invention;

图3为本发明高时间分辨的图像传感器结构中像素阵列分组及列交错排列方式示意图;3 is a schematic diagram of a pixel array grouping and a staggered arrangement of columns in the high time-resolution image sensor structure of the present invention;

图4为本发明高时间分辨的图像传感器结构中像素阵列分组及像素交错排列方式示意图;4 is a schematic diagram of a pixel array grouping and a staggered arrangement of pixels in the high time-resolution image sensor structure of the present invention;

图5为本发明高时间分辨的图像传感器驱动方法中像素阵列的第一像素组和第二像素组的驱动时序示意图。5 is a schematic diagram of the driving timing of the first pixel group and the second pixel group of the pixel array in the high time-resolution image sensor driving method of the present invention.

附图标记说明:Description of reference numbers:

1-光敏区复位管,2-转移门,3-浮置栅极复位管,4-源极跟随器,5-像素选择输出管。1- photosensitive area reset tube, 2- transfer gate, 3- floating gate reset tube, 4- source follower, 5- pixel selection output tube.

具体实施方式Detailed ways

为了更清楚地说明本发明的技术方案,下面结合附图和具体实施例对本发明进行详细说明。In order to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention more clearly, the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

参见图1,本发明图像传感器结构采用5T像素结构设计,其结构如图1所示,包括像素光敏区PD、浮置栅极FD,以及5个晶体管,5个晶体管分别为:光敏区复位管1、转移门2、浮置栅极复位管3、源极跟随器4(PIX_SF)及像素选择输出管5(PIX_SEL)。其中,光敏区复位管1、浮置栅极复位管3及源极跟随器4的漏极均与电源VDD连接;像素光敏区PD的阴极与光敏区复位管1的源极、转移门2的源极均相连,像素光敏区PD的阳极接地;浮置栅极FD串接在浮置栅极复位管3的源极与地之间;转移门2的漏极与浮置栅极复位管3的源极、源极跟随器4的栅极均相连;源极跟随器4的源极与像素选择输出管5的源极相连;光敏区复位管1的栅极与光敏区复位控制信号相连,浮置栅极复位管3的栅极与浮置栅极复位控制信号连接,转移门2的栅极与转移控制信号连接;像素选择输出管5的栅极连接像素读出驱动信号,其漏极为像素输出端。Referring to FIG. 1, the image sensor structure of the present invention adopts a 5T pixel structure design, and its structure is shown in FIG. 1, including a pixel photosensitive area PD, a floating gate FD, and 5 transistors, and the 5 transistors are: photosensitive area reset tube. 1. Transfer gate 2, floating gate reset transistor 3, source follower 4 (PIX_SF) and pixel selection output transistor 5 (PIX_SEL). Among them, the photosensitive area reset transistor 1, the floating gate reset transistor 3 and the drain of the source follower 4 are all connected to the power supply V DD ; the cathode of the pixel photosensitive area PD is connected to the source of the photosensitive area reset transistor 1 and the transfer gate 2 The sources of the pixel photosensitive area PD are connected to the ground; the floating gate FD is connected in series between the source and the ground of the floating gate reset tube 3; the drain of the transfer gate 2 is connected to the floating gate reset tube The source of 3 and the gate of source follower 4 are connected; the source of source follower 4 is connected to the source of pixel selection output tube 5; the gate of photosensitive area reset tube 1 is connected to the photosensitive area reset control signal , the gate of the floating gate reset tube 3 is connected to the floating gate reset control signal, the gate of the transfer gate 2 is connected to the transfer control signal; the gate of the pixel selection output tube 5 is connected to the pixel readout drive signal, and its drain Extremely pixel output.

像素光敏区PD有独立的复位控制信号PD_RST,像素通过转移门控制信号TX将感应电荷转移至浮置栅极FD,浮置栅极有独立的复位控制信号FD_RST,浮置栅极通过源极跟随器PIX_SF和像素选择输出管PIX_SEL将像素信号输出至像素读出电路(像素阵列中5T像素结构的读出部分)。采用5T像素结构可以有效实现全局曝光的电子快门,便于进行高时间分辨的曝光控制。The pixel photosensitive area PD has an independent reset control signal PD_RST. The pixel transfers the induced charge to the floating gate FD through the transfer gate control signal TX. The floating gate has an independent reset control signal FD_RST, and the floating gate is followed by the source. The transistor PIX_SF and the pixel selection output transistor PIX_SEL output the pixel signal to the pixel readout circuit (the readout part of the 5T pixel structure in the pixel array). The 5T pixel structure can effectively realize the electronic shutter of global exposure, which is convenient for exposure control with high time resolution.

高时间分辨的图像传感器结构如图2、图3及图4所示,包括传感器供电电路、曝光驱动单元、读出时序驱动电路、像素信号列处理电路、传感器输出电路,以及图像传感器像素阵列。传感器供电电路用于为图像传感器像素阵列的5T像素结构供电;The structure of a high time-resolution image sensor is shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4, including a sensor power supply circuit, an exposure drive unit, a readout timing drive circuit, a pixel signal column processing circuit, a sensor output circuit, and an image sensor pixel array. The sensor power supply circuit is used to supply power to the 5T pixel structure of the image sensor pixel array;

本发明将图像传感器像素阵列分为第一像素组Group1和第二像素组Group2;曝光驱动单元包括两组曝光驱动电路,每组曝光驱动电路产生光敏区复位控制信号PD_RST、浮置栅极复位控制信号FD_RST、转移控制信号TX,当PD_RST、FD_RST、TX均为低电平时,该5T像素结构曝光,TX转为高电平时,像素信号转移;The present invention divides the image sensor pixel array into a first pixel group Group1 and a second pixel group Group2; the exposure driving unit includes two groups of exposure driving circuits, each group of exposure driving circuits generates a photosensitive area reset control signal PD_RST, a floating gate reset control signal Signal FD_RST, transfer control signal TX, when PD_RST, FD_RST, TX are all low level, the 5T pixel structure is exposed, and when TX is turned to high level, the pixel signal is transferred;

读出时序驱动电路产生像素读出驱动信号,用于控制像素选择输出管5(PIX_SEL)将像素信号输出至像素信号列处理电路,第一像素组和第二像素组的像素信号读出复用相同的信号读出电路;The readout timing drive circuit generates a pixel readout drive signal, which is used to control the pixel selection output tube 5 (PIX_SEL) to output the pixel signal to the pixel signal column processing circuit, and the pixel signals of the first pixel group and the second pixel group are read out multiplexed The same signal readout circuit;

所述像素信号列处理电路用于按列逐行读出像素信号,对像素信号进行放大处理,并通过传感器输出电路输出像素信号。The pixel signal column processing circuit is used to read out the pixel signal column by column, amplify the pixel signal, and output the pixel signal through the sensor output circuit.

本发明高时间分辨的图像传感器结构的驱动方法中,分别采用两组曝光驱动电路,即第一曝光驱动电路和第二曝光驱动电路,对图像传感器像素阵列的第一像素组和第二像素组进行驱动控制。对图像传感器像素阵列进行分组时,可以采用行交错、列交错或者像素交错排列的基本结构:如图2所示,为传感器像素阵列分组控制及行交错排列的基本结构示意图;图3为传感器像素阵列分组控制及列交错排列的基本结构;图4为传感器像素阵列分组控制及像素交错排列的基本结构。交错排列第一像素组和第二像素组分别采用两套独立的光敏区复位控制信号(PD_RST1,PD_RST2)、浮置栅极复位控制信号(FD_RST1,FD_RST2)及转移控制信号(TX1,TX2)进行控制,两组像素可以独立进行曝光、转移和读出控制。In the driving method of the high time-resolution image sensor structure of the present invention, two groups of exposure driving circuits, namely, the first exposure driving circuit and the second exposure driving circuit, are respectively used, and the first pixel group and the second pixel group of the image sensor pixel array are respectively Drive control. When the image sensor pixel array is grouped, the basic structure of row staggered, column staggered or pixel staggered arrangement can be used: as shown in Figure 2, it is a schematic diagram of the basic structure of the sensor pixel array grouping control and row staggered arrangement; Figure 3 is the sensor pixel The basic structure of array group control and column staggered arrangement; Figure 4 shows the basic structure of sensor pixel array group control and pixel staggered arrangement. The staggered arrangement of the first pixel group and the second pixel group adopts two sets of independent photosensitive area reset control signals (PD_RST1, PD_RST2), floating gate reset control signals (FD_RST1, FD_RST2) and transfer control signals (TX1, TX2) respectively. Control, two groups of pixels can be independently controlled for exposure, transfer and readout.

本实施例中,对交错排列的传感器像素阵列进行分组控制时的图像传感器驱动时序如图5所示,其中,第一曝光驱动电路的驱动信号包括光敏区复位控制信号PD_RST1、浮置栅极复位控制信号FD_RST1、转移控制信号TX1;第二曝光驱动电路的驱动信号包括光敏区复位控制信号PD_RST2、浮置栅极复位控制信号FD_RST2、转移控制信号TX2;读出时序驱动电路产生包括控制第一像素组读出的像素读出驱动信号Group1_Read,以及控制第二像素组读出的像素读出驱动信号Group2_Read。In this embodiment, the image sensor driving timing when the staggered sensor pixel array is grouped and controlled is as shown in FIG. 5 , wherein the driving signal of the first exposure driving circuit includes the photosensitive area reset control signal PD_RST1, the floating gate reset The control signal FD_RST1, the transfer control signal TX1; the driving signal of the second exposure driving circuit includes the photosensitive area reset control signal PD_RST2, the floating gate reset control signal FD_RST2, and the transfer control signal TX2; The pixel readout driving signal Group1_Read for group readout, and the pixel readout driving signal Group2_Read for controlling the readout of the second pixel group.

针对高速过程的高时间分辨图像测量任务,采用如图5所示的驱动时序,图像传感器曝光及图像获取过程具体包括以下步骤:For the high-time-resolution image measurement task of the high-speed process, using the driving sequence shown in Figure 5, the image sensor exposure and image acquisition process specifically includes the following steps:

1)根据待测高速过程的持续时间估算所需的时间分辨,确定高时间分辨图像的曝光周期TRES;第一像素组和第二像素组像素的转移时间相同,根据像素的转移时间TTRANS,可以计算确定像素阵列的曝光时间TEXP1) Estimate the required time resolution according to the duration of the high-speed process to be measured, and determine the exposure period T RES of the high time-resolution image; the transfer times of the first pixel group and the second pixel group are the same, according to the transfer time T TRANS of the pixels , the exposure time T EXP of the pixel array can be determined by calculation:

TEXP=(TRES-TTRANS);T EXP = (T RES - T TRANS );

2)T0时刻,开始进行高时间分辨成像,首先对第一像素组利用PD_RST1、FD_RST1和TX1进行曝光和像素转移,曝光时间为TEXP1,转移时间为TTRANS,此时第二像素组处于光敏区复位状态,不进行曝光;2) At time T0, high time-resolution imaging starts. First, the first pixel group is exposed and transferred using PD_RST1, FD_RST1 and TX1. The exposure time is T EXP1 and the transfer time is T TRANS . At this time, the second pixel group is in the photosensitive state. Zone reset state, no exposure;

3)T1时刻(T0+TRES),当第一像素组完成曝光和像素转移后,第一进行入光敏区复位状态,并开始对第一像素组进行像素信号读出,读出时间为TREAD1;同时开始对第二像素组利用PD_RST2、FD_RST2和TX2进行曝光和像素转移,曝光时间为TEXP2,转移时间为TTRANS3) At T1 time (T 0 +T RES ), when the first pixel group completes exposure and pixel transfer, the first enters the photosensitive area reset state, and starts to read out pixel signals for the first pixel group, and the readout time is T READ1 ; simultaneously start exposure and pixel transfer to the second pixel group using PD_RST2, FD_RST2 and TX2, the exposure time is T EXP2 , and the transfer time is T TRANS ;

4)T2时刻(T1+TRES),第二像素组完成曝光和像素转移后,对第一像素组光敏区进行第二次曝光,第二次曝光时间为TEXP1';4) At time T2 (T 1 +T RES ), after the second pixel group completes exposure and pixel transfer, a second exposure is performed on the photosensitive area of the first pixel group, and the second exposure time is T EXP1 ′;

5)T3时刻(T2+TRES),第一像素组光敏区第二次曝光TRES时间后,开始对第二像素组光敏区进行第二次曝光;5) At time T3 (T 2 +T RES ), after the second exposure time T RES of the photosensitive area of the first pixel group, the second exposure of the photosensitive area of the second pixel group is started;

6)T4时刻(T1+TREAD1),第一像素组读出完毕后,对第一像素组进行第二次像素转移,并开始对第二像素组进行像素信号读出,读出时间为TREAD26) At time T4 (T 1 +T READ1 ), after the readout of the first pixel group is completed, the second pixel transfer is performed on the first pixel group, and the pixel signal readout for the second pixel group is started. The readout time is: T READ2 ;

7)T5时刻(T4+TREAD2),第二像素组读出完毕后,对第二像素组进行第二次像素转移,并开始第一像素组的第二次像素信号读出;7) At time T5 (T 4 +T READ2 ), after the second pixel group is read out, the second pixel group is transferred for the second time, and the second pixel signal readout of the first pixel group is started;

8)T6时刻(T5+TREAD1),第一像素组第二次读出完毕后,对第二像素组进行第二次像素信号读出;8) At time T6 (T 5 +T READ1 ), after the second readout of the first pixel group is completed, the second pixel signal is read out for the second pixel group;

9)T7时刻(T6+TREAD2),第二像素组第二次像素信号读出完毕后,完成一次高时间分辨成像过程,一次高时间分辨成像过程可以获取四幅图像。9) At time T7 (T 6 +T READ2 ), after the second pixel signal readout of the second pixel group is completed, a high-time-resolution imaging process is completed, and four images can be acquired in one high-time-resolution imaging process.

上述过程中:During the above process:

第一像素组和第二像素组的像素信号读出时间TREAD1、TREAD2与像素阵列的曝光时间TEXP1、TEXP2和转移时间TTRANS之间关系为:TREAD1≥10(TEXP1+TTRANS),TREAD2≥10(TEXP2+TTRANS),通常可以达到100倍以上;The relationship between the pixel signal readout times T READ1 and T READ2 of the first pixel group and the second pixel group and the exposure times T EXP1 , T EXP2 of the pixel array and the transfer time T TRANS is: T READ1 ≥ 10(T EXP1 +T TRANS ), T READ2 ≥ 10 (T EXP2 +T TRANS ), usually more than 100 times;

T2时刻,第一像素组光敏区第二次曝光时间TEXP1'小于第一像素组的读出时间TREAD1At time T2, the second exposure time T EXP1 ′ of the photosensitive area of the first pixel group is less than the readout time T READ1 of the first pixel group;

一次高时间分辨成像过程可以获得曝光时间连续的四幅高时间分辨图像。Four high time resolution images with continuous exposure time can be obtained in one high time resolution imaging process.

以上仅是对本发明的优选实施方式进行了描述,并非对本发明技术方案的限制,本领域技术人员在本发明主要技术构思的基础上所作的任何公知变形都属于本发明所要保护的技术范畴。The above only describes the preferred embodiments of the present invention, and does not limit the technical solutions of the present invention. Any known deformations made by those skilled in the art on the basis of the main technical concept of the present invention belong to the technical category to be protected by the present invention.

Claims (8)

1. A high time resolution image sensor architecture, characterized by: the device comprises a sensor power supply circuit, an image sensor pixel array consisting of a 5T pixel structure, an exposure driving unit connected with the image sensor pixel array, a reading time sequence driving circuit, a pixel signal column processing circuit and a sensor output circuit;
the sensor power supply circuit is respectively connected with the image sensor pixel array, the exposure driving unit, the reading time sequence driving circuit, the pixel signal column processing circuit and the sensor output circuit;
the image sensor pixel array comprises two groups of first pixel groups and second pixel groups which are arranged in a staggered mode;
the exposure driving unit comprises a first exposure driving circuit and a second exposure driving circuit which are respectively used for driving a corresponding first pixel group and a corresponding second pixel group;
the first exposure driving circuit generates a photosensitive region reset control signal PD _ RST1, a floating gate reset control signal FD _ RST1 and a transfer control signal TX1 which are respectively connected with the 5T pixel structures in the first pixel group; the second exposure driving circuit generates a photosensitive region reset control signal PD _ RST2, a floating gate reset control signal FD _ RST2 and a transfer control signal TX2, which are respectively connected with the 5T pixel structures in the second pixel group;
the reading time sequence driving circuit generates two groups of pixel reading driving signals Group1_ Read and Group2_ Read, the two groups of pixel reading driving signals are respectively connected with the 5T pixel structures in the corresponding first pixel Group and the corresponding second pixel Group, and the two groups of pixel reading driving circuits are used for driving the corresponding first pixel Group and the corresponding second pixel Group to output pixel signals to the pixel signal column processing circuit;
the pixel signal column processing circuit is used for reading out pixel signals row by row according to columns and amplifying the pixel signals;
the sensor output circuit is used for outputting the amplified pixel signals.
2. A high time resolution image sensor structure as in claim 1, wherein: the 5T pixel structure comprises a pixel photosensitive region PD, a floating gate FD, a photosensitive region reset tube (1), a transfer gate (2), a floating gate reset tube (3), a source follower (4) and a pixel selection output tube (5);
the drain electrodes of the photosensitive region reset tube (1), the floating grid reset tube (3) and the source electrode follower (4) are all connected with a sensor power supply circuit; the cathode of the pixel photosensitive area PD is connected with the source electrode of the photosensitive area reset tube (1) and the source electrode of the transfer gate (2), and the anode of the pixel photosensitive area PD is grounded; the floating gate FD is connected in series between the source of the floating gate reset tube (3) and the ground; the drain electrode of the transfer gate (2) is connected with the source electrode of the floating gate reset tube (3) and the grid electrode of the source electrode follower (4); the source electrode of the source electrode follower (4) is connected with the source electrode of the pixel selection output tube (5);
the grid electrode of the photosensitive region reset tube (1) is connected with a photosensitive region reset control signal PD _ RST1 or PD _ RST 2; the grid of the floating grid reset tube (3) is connected with a floating grid reset control signal FD _ RST1 or FD _ RST 2; the gate of the transfer gate (2) is connected with a transfer control signal TX1 or TX 2;
the grid electrode of the pixel selection output tube (5) is connected with a pixel reading driving signal Group1_ Read or Group2_ Read; and the drain electrode of the pixel selection output tube (5) is the pixel output end.
3. A high time resolution image sensor structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: the staggered arrangement is a row staggered arrangement, a column staggered arrangement or a pixel staggered arrangement.
4. A high time resolution image sensor structure as in claim 3, wherein: the pixel transfer time of the first pixel group is the same as that of the second pixel group.
5. A driving method of high time resolution image sensor, based on the structure of claim 1, comprising the following steps:
step 1, determining the exposure time of a pixel array according to the time resolution required by a high-speed process to be detected, and determining the driving time sequence of a first pixel group and a second pixel group;
step 2, driving the image sensor to work according to the driving time sequences of the first pixel group and the second pixel group:
2.1)T 0 time: the photosensitive region of the first pixel group is exposed for the first time and is transferred for the first time by using a photosensitive region reset control signal PD _ RST1, a floating gate reset control signal FD _ RST1 and a transfer control signal TX1, and the exposure time is T EXP1 Pixel transfer time of T TRANS1 (ii) a At the moment, the second pixel group is in a photosensitive area reset state;
2.2)T 1 at the moment, the first pixel group which finishes exposure and transfer enters a photosensitive area reset state, and the first pixel group starts to read out pixel signals for the first time, wherein the reading time is T READ1 (ii) a Meanwhile, using the photosensitive region reset control signal PD _ RST2, the floating gate reset control signal FD _ RST2, and the transfer control signal TX2, the pairThe photosensitive area of the second pixel group is subjected to first exposure and pixel transfer for a period of time T EXP2 Pixel transfer time of T TRANS2 (ii) a The T is READ1 ≥10(T EXP1 +T TRANS );
2.3) T2 moment, the second pixel group completes the first exposure and pixel transfer; exposing the photosensitive area of the first pixel group for the second time, wherein the second exposure time is T EXP1 '; the T is EXP1 ' less than T READ1
2.4) at time T3, the first pixel group completes the second exposure; exposing the photosensitive area of the second pixel group for the second time;
2.5) at the time of T4, finishing the first pixel signal reading of the first pixel group, and performing second pixel transfer on the first pixel group; at the same time, the first pixel signal readout is performed for the second pixel group with a readout time T READ2 (ii) a The T is READ2 ≥10(T EXP2 +T TRANS );
2.6) at time T5, the first pixel signal reading of the second pixel group is finished; performing a second pixel transfer on the second pixel group; simultaneously, reading out the pixel signals of the first pixel group for the second time;
2.7) at time T6, the second pixel signal reading of the first pixel group is finished; performing a second pixel signal readout on the second pixel group;
and 2.8) T7, finishing the second-time pixel signal reading of the second pixel group, and finishing the high-time resolution imaging process.
6. The method for driving a high time-resolved image sensor of claim 5, wherein T is performed in step 2.1) TRANS1 And the T in the step 2.2) TRANS2 The following requirements are met:
T TRANS1 =T TRANS2 =T TRANS
wherein, T TRANS The pixel transfer time for the pixel array.
7. A high time resolution image sensor driver according to claim 5 or 6The dynamic method is characterized in that in the step 1, the exposure time of the pixel array is determined according to the time resolution required by the high-speed process to be measured, and the specific steps are as follows: estimating the exposure period T of the high time resolution image according to the time resolution required by the high speed process to be measured RES According to pixel transfer time T TRANS Calculating the exposure time T of the pixel array EXP
T EXP =T RES -T TRANS
8. The method of claim 7, wherein: in step 2.8), four high-time resolution images with continuous exposure time can be obtained in the one-time high-time resolution imaging process.
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