Detector unit for detector array of radiation imaging modality
View Patent ↗Among other things, a detector unit for a detector array of a radiation imaging modality is provided. In some embodiments, the detector unit comprises a radiation detection sub-assembly and an electronics sub-assembly. In some embodiments, at least some portions of the detector unit, such as the electronics sub-assembly, may be formed via a semiconductor fabrication technique. By way of example, an electronics sub-assembly may be formed via a semiconductor fabrication technique and may comprise electronic circuitry which is embedded in a molding compound. In some embodiments, such electronic circuitry may be electrically coupled together via electrically conductive traces and/or vias.
1. A detector unit for a detector array of a radiation imaging modality, comprising:
a radiation detection sub-assembly configured to detect radiation; and
an electronics sub-assembly, comprising:
an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter configured to convert an analog signal generated by the radiation detection sub-assembly into a digital signal; and
a molding compound configured to surround at least a portion of the A/D converter, wherein:
a via is disposed in the molding compound through which the analog signal generated by the radiation detection sub-assembly is transmitted to a backside of the A/D converter facing away from the radiation detection sub-assembly, and
the electronics sub-assembly comprises a plurality of contact pads for electrical contact with a plurality of contacts pads disposed on a substrate to which the detector unit is attached.
2. The detector unit of claim 1 , comprising:
a thermal conduction element positioned under the A/D converter; and
an insulator element disposed below the molding compound, wherein a recess is defined in the detector unit by a surface of the thermal conduction element, a first sidewall of the insulator element, and a second sidewall of the insulator element.
3. The detector unit of claim 2 , the via comprising at least one of copper, nickel, or silicon.
4. The detector unit of claim 1 , comprising an insulator element configured to at least one of:
electrically isolate the A/D converter from the radiation detection sub-assembly, or
electrically isolate a first electrically conductive trace from a second electrically conductive trace.
5. The detector unit of claim 1 , comprising a radiation shielding element positioned between the radiation detection sub-assembly and the A/D converter.
6. The detector unit of claim 1 , the molding compound comprising a polymer.
7. The detector unit of claim 1 , comprising a fiducial for aligning the detector unit on the detector array.
8. The detector unit of claim 7 , the fiducial comprising an optical fiducial for optically aligning the detector unit on the detector array.
9. The detector unit of claim 7 , the fiducial comprising a physical fiducial for physically aligning the detector unit on the detector array.
10. The detector unit of claim 1 , comprising a thermal conduction element configured to dissipate heat generated by the A/D converter.
11. A detector unit for a detector array of a radiation imaging modality, comprising:
a radiation detection sub-assembly configured to detect radiation; and
an electronics sub-assembly, comprising:
an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter configured to convert an analog signal generated by the radiation detection sub-assembly into a digital signal;
an insulator element situated between the radiation detection sub-assembly and the A/D converter; and
a molding compound in which the A/D converter is embedded, wherein:
a via is disposed in the molding compound through which the analog signal generated by the radiation detection sub-assembly is transmitted to a backside of the A/D converter facing away from the radiation detection sub-assembly, and
the electronics sub-assembly comprises a plurality of contact pads for electrical contact with a plurality of contacts pads disposed on a substrate to which the detector unit is attached.
12. The detector unit of claim 11 , the radiation detection sub-assembly comprising:
a scintillator configured to convert radiation energy into light energy; and
a photodetector configured to convert the light energy into the analog signal.
13. The detector unit of claim 11 , the electronics sub-assembly comprising:
an electrically conductive trace coupled to ground and configured to provide for electrical shielding.
14. The detector unit of claim 11 , the electronics sub-assembly comprising:
a radiation shielding element situated between the A/D converter and the radiation detection sub-assembly and configured to mitigate exposure of the A/D converter to radiation.
15. The detector unit of claim 11 , the electronics sub-assembly comprising:
a thermal conduction element positioned substantially diametrically opposite the A/D converter relative to the radiation detection sub-assembly and configured to dissipate heat generated by the A/D converter.
16. The detector unit of claim 11 , comprising:
an insulator element, and
an electrically conductive trace disposed in the insulator element extending from the via to the backside of the A/D converter.
17. The detector unit of claim 11 , comprising an electrically conductive trace configured to electrically couple the A/D converter to the radiation detection sub-assembly.
18. A radiation imaging modality, comprising:
an ionizing radiation source; and
a detector array configured to detect radiation generated by the ionizing radiation source, the detector array comprising a substrate having a raised portion and a detector unit fabricated at least in part using a semiconductor fabrication technique, the detector unit comprising:
an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter configured to convert an analog signal generated in response to detected radiation into a digital signal;
a molding compound configured to surround at least a portion of the A/D converter;
a thermal conduction element positioned under the A/D converter;
an insulator element disposed below the molding compound; and
an electrically conductive trace configured to electrically couple the A/D converter to at least one of a radiation detection sub-assembly or a digital processing component, wherein:
the detector unit defines a recess for receiving the raised portion upon the detector unit being mounted to the substrate, and
the recess is defined by a surface of the thermal conduction element, a first sidewall of the insulator element, and a second sidewall of the insulator element.
19. The radiation imaging modality of claim 18 , wherein the insulator element is in contact with the molding compound.
20. The radiation imaging modality of claim 18 , wherein a via is disposed in the molding compound through which the analog signal generated in response to detected radiation is transmitted to a backside of the A/D converter facing away from the ionizing radiation source.