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Sony patents light sensor circuit with dual transistors for signal processing

Sony describes a photodetection device that uses a light-receiving element connected to two different types of transistors. A controller manages these switches to generate a pulse signal based on the voltage at a specific node, which is then used to detect changes in light timing.

Why it mattersThis design improves how light sensors process signals by integrating detection logic directly into the circuit, potentially making image sensors more efficient.

In the filing’s own words

A photodetection device according to the present disclosure includes: a light-receiving section including a light-receiving element, a first switch, a second switch, and a signal generator, the first switch that couples the light-receiving element to a first node by being turned on, the second switch that applies a predetermined voltage to the first node by being turned on, and the signal generator that generates a pulse signal on the basis of a voltage at the first node; a controller that controls operations of the first switch and the second switch; a detector that detects a timing at which the pulse signal is changed, on the basis of the pulse signal; and an output section that outputs a detection signal corresponding to a detection result by the detector when the second switch is turned on.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A light receiving device comprising: a light receiving element configured to generate a first signal in response to reception of a photon; a first transistor including a first terminal coupled to the light receiving element; a second transistor including a first terminal coupled to the light receiving element and the first terminal of the first transistor; and an inverter coupled to a second terminal of the second transistor, wherein a gate terminal of the first transistor is coupled to a gate terminal of the second transistor, the first transistor is a first type, the second transistor is a second type that is different from the first type, the second terminal of the second transistor is coupled to a first terminal of a third transistor, and the second terminal of the second transistor coupled to a first terminal of a fourth transistor.

Facts

Company
Sony (Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation)
Official title
Photodetection device and photodetection system
Patent number
US12742640B2
Application number
18800592
Filed
Aug 12, 2024
Granted
Sep 22, 2026
Inventors
2
Claims
6

Classified under

G01C 3/08 Physics & computingG01J 1/0228 Physics & computingG01J 2001/4238 Physics & computingG01J 2001/4466 Physics & computing
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.