IP Library Granted Patent US 8,872,097
Granted Patent B2
US 8,872,097 · App. 13/476,444 · Granted Oct 28, 2014

Low-flux and low-noise detection circuit having a readout circuit with shielded integration node

Inventor: Eric Sanson (Grenoble, FR)
Assignee: Societe Francaise de Detecteurs Infrarouges—Sofradir
H01L27/14603H01L27/14818H01L27/14623H01L27/14634H01L27/14636H01L27/14643H01L2224/16
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,872,097
App. No.
13/476,444
Granted
Oct 28, 2014
Kind
B2
Abstract

The detection circuit of the Source Follower per Detector type comprises a photodiode connected to an integration node. A biasing circuit makes it possible to bias the photodiode between a first reverse-bias state and a second floating state. A readout circuit is connected to the integration node for generating a signal representative of the scene observed by the photodiode. A metal shielding is arranged around the integration node. The metal shielding is connected to an output of the readout circuit configured to have a potential varying in the same direction as the potential at the integration node.

Claims (21)

1. A detection circuit comprising:

a photodiode connected to an integration node,

a biasing circuit for biasing the photodiode between a first reverse-bias state and a second floating state so as to form a Source Follower per Detector,

a readout circuit connected to the integration node for generating a signal representative of the scene observed by the photodiode,

a metal shielding arranged around the integration node and connected to an output of the readout circuit configured to have a potential varying in a same way as a potential at the integration node and form an electric shielding, wherein

the photodiode is made on a first substrate, the biasing circuit and the readout circuit are made on a second substrate, the photodiode being connected to the biasing circuit and the readout circuit by means of an electric contact, the electric contact being surrounded by a metal ring connected to an output of the readout circuit.

2. Detection circuit according to claim 1 , wherein the readout circuit comprises a follower transistor having an electrode connected to an electric node configured to have a potential varying in the same direction as the potential at the integration node.

3. Detection circuit according to claim 1 , wherein the metal shielding is connected to an output of the readout circuit configured to have a constant potential difference relative to the potential at the integration node.

4. Detection circuit according to claim 1 , wherein the metal shielding surrounds the electric power line connecting the photodiode to the biasing circuit.

5. Detection circuit according to claim 1 , wherein the metal shielding surrounds the electric power line connecting the integration node to the readout circuit.

6. Detection circuit according to claim 1 , wherein the metal shielding is arranged in an electrically insulating material, between the electric contact and the semiconductor substrate comprising the readout circuit.

7. Detection circuit according to claim 1 , wherein the retention node is a capacitive retention node configured to store electric charges emitted by the photodiode and causing shifting of the potential of the retention node from reverse-bias to forward-bias.

8. Detection matrix including a plurality of circuits according claim 1 , wherein each readout circuit comprising a specific selecting input, an output line being connected to the output terminal of the readout circuits.

9. Detection circuit according to claim 2 , wherein the follower transistor has a control electrode connected to the integration node and another electrode connected to the metal shielding.

10. Detection matrix according to claim 7 , wherein the output line is connected to the metal shielding.

11. A detection circuit comprising:

a photodiode connected to a capacitive integration node,

a biasing circuit for biasing the photodiode between a first reset state wherein the photodiode is reverse-biased and a second acquisition state wherein the photodiode is in a floating state so as to form a Source Follower per Detector,

a readout circuit connected to the integration node for generating a signal representative of the scene observed by the photodiode, the readout circuit being coupled to the integration node during the acquisition state,

a shielding made of conducting material arranged around the integration node and connected to an output of the readout circuit configured to have a potential varying in a same way as a potential at the integration node, wherein

the photodiode is made on a first substrate, the biasing circuit and the readout circuit are made on a second substrate, the photodiode being connected to the biasing circuit and the readout circuit by means of an electric contact, the electric contact being surrounded by a metal ring connected to an output of the readout circuit.

Assignments (3)
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Sep 22, 2020
From: SOFRADIR
To: LYNRED
Reel/Frame 053844/0652 →
CHANGE OF ADDRESS Recorded Aug 18, 2015
From: SOCIETE FRANCAISE DE DETECTEURS INFRAROUGES-SOFRADIR
To: SOCIETE FRANCAISE DE DETECTEURS INFRAROUGES-SOFRADIR
Reel/Frame 036385/0291 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jun 7, 2012
From: SANSON, ERIC
To: SOCIETE FRANCAISE DE DETECTEURS INFRAROUGES - SOFRADIR
Reel/Frame 028372/0193 →
Priority Claims (1)
FR 11 01571 · May 20, 2011 · national
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20120292490A1 · Nov 22, 2012