RGB and Z photo-diode pixel array kernel organization
A sensor array includes pixel kernels, wherein each pixel kernel includes RGB pixels, the RGB pixels being configured to provide a plurality of color signals, and Z pixels each having a single memory element, the Z pixels being configured to provide a single TOF signal. Each pixel kernel includes two to four Z pixels. The RGB and Z pixels can be integrated together on a single sensor array.
1. A pixel kernel comprising:
a plurality of RGB pixels;
a first Z pixel having a single memory element at a first location within the plurality of RGB pixels; and
a second Z pixel having a single memory element at a second location within the plurality of RGB pixels,
wherein at least one of the plurality of RGB pixels are located between the first Z pixel and the second Z pixel, wherein the single memory element at the first location is configured to be accessed during a first time period, wherein the single memory element at the second location is configured to be accessed during a second non-overlapping time period, and wherein the first Z pixel and the second Z pixel are combined to provide a single time of flight signal.
2. The pixel kernel of claim 1 , further comprising a third Z pixel having a single memory element at a third location within the plurality of RGB pixels.
3. The pixel kernel of claim 2 , wherein the first and second Z pixels are located in a first row of the pixel kernel, and the third Z pixel is arranged in a second row of the pixel kernel.
4. The pixel kernel of claim 2 , further comprising a fourth Z pixel having a single memory element at a fourth location within the plurality of RGB pixels.
5. The pixel kernel of claim 4 , wherein the first and second Z pixels are located in a first row of the pixel kernel, and the third and fourth Z pixels are located in a second row of the pixel kernel.
6. The pixel kernel of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of RGB pixels comprise a photosensitive element and a transfer transistor.
7. The pixel kernel of claim 1 , wherein the first and second Z pixels comprise a photosensitive element and a transfer transistor.
8. A sensor array comprising:
a plurality of pixel kernels, wherein each pixel kernel comprises:
a plurality of RGB pixels, the plurality of RGB pixels being configured to provide a plurality of color signals; and
a plurality of Z pixels each having a single memory element, the plurality of Z pixels being configured to provide a single time of flight signal,
wherein at least one of the plurality of RGB pixels are located between the plurality of Z pixels, wherein the single memory element of one of the plurality of Z pixels is configured to be accessed during a first time period, wherein the single memory element of another one of the plurality of Z pixels is configured to be accessed during a second non-overlapping time period, and wherein at least two of the plurality of Z pixels are combined to provide a single time of flight signal.
9. The sensor array of claim 8 , wherein the plurality of Z pixels comprises a first Z pixel at a first location and a second Z pixel at a second location.
10. The sensor array of claim 9 , further comprising a third Z pixel at a third location.
11. The sensor array of claim 10 , wherein the first and second Z pixels are located in a first row of each pixel kernel, and the third Z pixel is arranged in a second row of each pixel kernel.
12. The sensor array of claim 10 , further comprising a fourth Z pixel at a fourth location.
13. The sensor array of claim 12 , wherein the first and second Z pixels are located in a first row of each pixel kernel, and the third and fourth Z pixels are located in a second row of each pixel kernel.
14. The sensor array of claim 8 , wherein at least one of the RGB pixels comprises a photosensitive element and a transfer transistor.
15. The sensor array of claim 8 , wherein at least one of the Z pixels comprises a photosensitive element and a transfer transistor.
16. A method comprising:
providing a pixel kernel including a plurality of RGB pixels and a plurality of Z pixels each having a single memory element;
configuring the plurality of RGB pixels to provide a plurality of color signals; and
configuring the plurality of Z pixels to provide a single time of flight signal,
wherein at least one of the plurality of RGB pixels are located between the plurality of Z pixels, wherein a single memory element of one of the plurality of Z pixels is accessed during a first time period, wherein a single memory element of another one of the plurality of Z pixels is accessed during a second non-overlapping time period, and wherein at least two of the plurality of Z pixels are combined to provide a single time of flight signal.
17. The method of claim 16 , wherein providing the plurality of Z pixels comprises providing a first Z pixel at a first location in the pixel kernel and placing a second Z pixel at a second location in the pixel kernel.
18. The method of claim 17 , further comprising providing a third Z pixel at a third location in the pixel kernel.
19. The method of claim 18 , further comprising providing a fourth Z pixel at a fourth location in the pixel kernel.
20. The method of claim 16 wherein providing the single time of flight signal comprises combining a first signal from a first Z pixel with a second signal from a second Z pixel.