公开(公告)号：US10119912B2

公开(公告)日：2018-11-06

申请号：US15805322

申请日：2017-11-07

Applicant: STMicroelectronics (Research & Development) Limited

Inventor： Francescopaolo Mattioli Della Rocca ,  John Kevin Moore

IPC: G01N21/64

Abstract: Photoluminescence from a sample detector is detected using an array of photo-sensitive detectors. At least one first photo-sensitive detector of the array is provided with a first type of linear polarization filter and at least one second photo-sensitive detector is provided with a second type of linear polarization filter. The first type of linear polarization filter has a plane of polarization which is at angled with respect to a plane of polarization of said second type of polarization filter.

公开(公告)号：US09985163B2

公开(公告)日：2018-05-29

申请号：US15097376

申请日：2016-04-13

Applicant: STMicroelectronics (Research & Development) Limited

Inventor： John Kevin Moore

IPC: H01L31/107 ,  H01L27/144

CPC classification number: H01L31/107 ,  H01L27/1443

Abstract: An electronic device disclosed herein includes a single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) configured to detect an incoming photon and to generate a first pulse signal in response thereto. Pulse shaping circuitry is configured to generate a second pulse signal from the first pulse signal by high pass filtering the first pulse signal. The pulse shaping circuitry includes a transistor drain-source coupled between a first node and a reference node, and a capacitor coupling the first node to an anode of the SPAD.

公开(公告)号：US20180103528A1

公开(公告)日：2018-04-12

申请号：US15610013

申请日：2017-05-31

Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS (RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT) LIMITED

Inventor： John Kevin Moore

IPC: H05B37/02 ,  H01S5/183 ,  H01S5/042

CPC classification number: H05B37/0227 ,  G01S17/08 ,  H01S5/042 ,  H01S5/0683 ,  H01S5/183 ,  H05B37/0218

Abstract: An apparatus includes an illumination source configured to emit light when driven with a current greater than a threshold current and driver circuitry configured to drive the illumination source with a controllable current. The driver circuit controlled by at least a first input value. At least one illumination detector is configured to detect light emitted by the illumination source and monitor circuitry is configured to receive an output from the illumination detector and provide the first input value.

公开(公告)号：US20180102407A1

公开(公告)日：2018-04-12

申请号：US15638834

申请日：2017-06-30

Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS (RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT) LIMITED

Inventor： John Kevin Moore ,  Caixin Zhuang

IPC: H01L29/06 ,  H01L31/02 ,  G09G3/3283 ,  G09G3/3216 ,  H01L31/107 ,  G01S7/486 ,  H05B33/08 ,  H05B37/02

CPC classification number: H01L29/0642 ,  G01S7/4863 ,  G01S7/497 ,  G01S17/10 ,  G09G3/3216 ,  G09G3/3283 ,  H01L31/02027 ,  H01L31/107 ,  H05B33/0842 ,  H05B37/0254

Abstract: A single photon avalanche diode based range detecting apparatus includes a reference array of single photon avalanche diodes configured to receive light from an illumination source via an internally coupled path. A return array of single photon avalanche diodes is configured to receive light from the illumination source via an external free space path. A calibration pulse generator is configured to generate a calibration signal pulse. Readout circuitry is configured to receive an output of the reference array via a reference signal path, an output of the return array via a return signal path, and an output of the calibration pulse generator via a calibration signal path. The readout circuitry is configured to determine a delay difference value between the reference signal path and the return signal path based on the output of the calibration pulse generator via the calibration signal path.

公开(公告)号：US09106849B2

公开(公告)日：2015-08-11

申请号：US13743665

申请日：2013-01-17

Applicant: STMicroelectronics (Research & Development) Limited

Inventor： Amar Duggal ,  John Kevin Moore

IPC: H04N5/335 ,  H04N5/378 ,  H04N5/357 ,  G05F1/10

CPC classification number: H04N5/335 ,  G05F1/10 ,  H04N5/357 ,  H04N5/378

Abstract: An image sensor includes an analog-to-digital converter receiving a pixel signal output. The converter includes a first inverting amplifier circuit having an input and an output, the first inverting amplifier circuit including a first bias circuit having a control node and configured to source current for first inverting amplifier circuit operation. The converter further includes a second inverting amplifier circuit having an input and an output, the second inverting amplifier circuit including a second bias circuit having a control node and configured to source current for second inverting amplifier circuit operation. The output of the first inverting amplifier circuit is coupled to the input of the second inverting amplifier circuit. A positive feedback circuit couples the output of the second inverting amplifier circuit to the control node of the first bias circuit.

Abstract translation: 图像传感器包括接收像素信号输出的模拟 - 数字转换器。 所述转换器包括具有输入和输出的第一反相放大器电路，所述第一反相放大器电路包括具有控制节点的第一偏置电路，并且被配置为为第一反相放大器电路操作提供电流。 所述转换器还包括具有输入和输出的第二反相放大器电路，所述第二反相放大器电路包括具有控制节点并被配置为用于第二反相放大器电路操作的电流的第二偏置电路。 第一反相放大器电路的输出耦合到第二反相放大器电路的输入端。 正反馈电路将第二反相放大器电路的输出耦合到第一偏置电路的控制节点。

公开(公告)号：US20140231631A1

公开(公告)日：2014-08-21

申请号：US14181857

申请日：2014-02-17

Applicant: STMicroelectronics (Research & Development) Limited

Inventor： John Kevin Moore ,  Bruce Rae

IPC: G01S17/10 ,  G01B11/14

CPC classification number: G01S17/10 ,  G01S7/4865 ,  G01S7/497 ,  G01S17/026 ,  G01S17/36

Abstract: An array of photon sensitive devices is configured to provide outputs. Pulse shaping circuits operate to shape a respective output of the array in a normal mode of operation and shape a calibration signal in a calibration mode of operation.

Abstract translation: 一组光子敏感设备被配置成提供输出。 脉冲整形电路用于在正常操作模式下对阵列的相应输出进行整形，并在校准操作模式下形成校准信号。

公开(公告)号：US20130182164A1

公开(公告)日：2013-07-18

申请号：US13743665

申请日：2013-01-17

Applicant: STMicroelectronics (Research & Development) Limited

Inventor： Amar Duggal ,  John Kevin Moore

IPC: H04N5/335 ,  G05F1/10

CPC classification number: H04N5/335 ,  G05F1/10 ,  H04N5/357 ,  H04N5/378

Abstract: An image sensor includes an analog-to-digital converter receiving a pixel signal output. The converter includes a first inverting amplifier circuit having an input and an output, the first inverting amplifier circuit including a first bias circuit having a control node and configured to source current for first inverting amplifier circuit operation. The converter further includes a second inverting amplifier circuit having an input and an output, the second inverting amplifier circuit including a second bias circuit having a control node and configured to source current for second inverting amplifier circuit operation. The output of the first inverting amplifier circuit is coupled to the input of the second inverting amplifier circuit. A positive feedback circuit couples the output of the second inverting amplifier circuit to the control node of the first bias circuit.

Abstract translation: 图像传感器包括接收像素信号输出的模拟 - 数字转换器。 所述转换器包括具有输入和输出的第一反相放大器电路，所述第一反相放大器电路包括具有控制节点的第一偏置电路，并且被配置为为第一反相放大器电路操作提供电流。 所述转换器还包括具有输入和输出的第二反相放大器电路，所述第二反相放大器电路包括具有控制节点并被配置为用于第二反相放大器电路操作的电流的第二偏置电路。 第一反相放大器电路的输出耦合到第二反相放大器电路的输入端。 正反馈电路将第二反相放大器电路的输出耦合到第一偏置电路的控制节点。