Abstract:
A CMOS image sensor formed on a chip has a ROM disposed on the chip for recording pixel defect locations, chip-by-chip variations such as bias, and other manufacturing production data. Testing results and repair solutions are written to the ROM after production testing. A simple circuit for writing information to the ROM also is provided on the CMOS chip. During operational use of the image sensor, data is read from the on-chip ROM to assist in compensating for manufacturing process variations.

Description:
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/222,827, filed on Aug. 19, 2002 now U.S. Pat No. 7,023,031, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to CMOS image sensors and in particular to a CMOS image sensor provided with an on-chip Read Only Memory (ROM). 
     2. Brief Description of the Related Art 
     Image sensing devices are known that employ light detecting elements such as photodiodes or photo-transistors formed using complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) techniques. The imaging devices generally include an array of pixels containing the light detecting elements arranged on a chip. 
     Typically, an integrated circuit imaging device formed using a CMOS process has an image sensor pixel array with associated row and column conductors and decoders, an analog signal path including a sample and hold circuit for reading pixel signals from the column conductors, a digital to analog converter for digitizing the analog pixel signals, a controller for controlling array read out operations, a pixel processor for processing digital pixel signals, and an input/output (I/O) port all fabricated on a single chip. The controller manages operation of the read out of the image sensor array, the analog signal path and the analog digital converter, and may also operate as the pixel processor. 
     During manufacture, each imaging pixel array is usually tested individually. Tests detect defective pixel circuits, pixel signal level, and other array attributes, and the information is stored based on lot and individual device identification numbers. The information developed during testing can be utilized to enhance the operation of the device by, for example, compensating for defective pixels, differing pixel signal levels, and other tested pixel attributes. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,396,539 to Heller et al. discloses a CMOS imager with an on-chip programmable memory for storing pixel and identification information for a CMOS sensor array. The preferred embodiment disclosed by Heller et al., is based on a flash memory, which is complex and bulky. It would be desirable to provide an image sensor having on chip programmable read only memory employing a simple and compact circuit for reading and writing data, and which requires no difficult processing for forming the memory. A simple and easy way to store pixel array information on-chip for later use is also desirable. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a CMOS image sensor formed on a chip and having a simplified ROM circuit disposed on the same chip for recording pixel information, for example, identification numbers, pixel defect locations, chip-by-chip variations such as pixel signal bias, and/or gain values and other manufacturing and/or test data. Testing results and repair solutions can be written to the ROM during post-production testing. A simple circuit for writing information to, and reading information from, the ROM is also provided. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, each memory cell of the ROM includes a fusible conductor. The fusible conductors are arranged in an array of rows and columns, with each being connected between a row line and a column line. Preferably, the fusible conductor is formed of polysilicon. Write circuitry is arranged to apply a write voltage selectively to each memory cell through associate row and column conductors, the write voltage being sufficient to break the fusible conductor. Read circuitry applies a read voltage selectively to each memory cell through the associated row and column conductor and determines whether or not the fusible conductor is broken. The write voltage is higher than the read voltage, the read voltage being insufficient to break the fusible conductor. The write circuitry and the read circuitry include an address decoder for the row and column lines for memory cell selection. 
     In operation, information about the image sensing array such as identification numbers and pixel data obtained during manufacture and/or testing of the pixel array is saved to the on-chip ROM by applying high voltage/current to selected bits. The applied voltage breaks the polysilicon fuse. The broken and unbroken fuses define bit patterns representing the stored information. 
     These and other features and advantages of the invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description which is provided in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a simplified block diagram of an imaging sensor with an on-chip ROM in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of on-chip ROM and a read/write circuit as used in the imaging sensor of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic representation of a memory cell fuse used in the imaging sensor of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention, and it is also understood that structural, logical, or procedural changes may be made to the specific embodiments disclosed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , a block diagram is shown of an image sensing device  2  with an on-chip pixel sensor array  8 , controller  10 , input/output port and associate interface  16  and a ROM  4  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Imaging sensor  2  preferably is formed by a CMOS process on a semiconductor substrate  6  (e.g., silicon substrate). The pixels within a sensor array  8  may be formed with photodiodes as the light sensing element. Controller  10  operates the row and column decoders and other signals to enable read out of analog pixel read out and charge accumulation signals row-by-row and column-by-column within a row to sample and hold circuit  9  as known in the art. The output of sample and hold circuit is amplified by amplifier  11  and is converted to digital signals by analog-to-digital converter  13 . A pixel processor  21  digitally process the pixel information and supplies it to I/O port  16 . Controller  10  also accesses memory cells of ROM  4  through a row address decoder  12  and a column address decoder  14 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , ROM  4  is included on semiconductor substrate  6  along with imaging sensor  8  and controller  10  and other imager components. 
     A circuit diagram of a portion of ROM  4  is shown in  FIG. 2 . ROM  4  includes an array of breakable fuses arranged in rows and columns. Each breakable fuse represents a memory cell of the ROM  4 . Representative fuses are designated as  20 ,  22 ,  24 , and  26  in  FIG. 2 , although the fuse array can be extended to any number of rows and columns as determined by data storage requirements and space limitations. Each fuse is coupled between a row line and a column line. Fuse  20 , for example, is coupled between row line  30  and column line  34 . The fuse array is formed on-chip during fabrication of the other components shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     An example of an individual fuse (e.g., fuse  20  of  FIG. 2 ) is illustrated in  FIG. 3 . Fuse  20  is a conductor formed of, for example, polysilicon, and includes a narrowed portion  38  which is subject to breakage when a high voltage is applied across the fuse. The fuse  20  is shown as having a polysilicon strip portion  38  necked down by a pair of V-shaped notches, providing a simple, easily manufactured fuse arrangement. Other arrangements which allow for fuse severance using an elevated voltage may also be used. 
     During data storage operations of the ROM  4 , individual fuses are selected for writing by way of row and column switching transistors accessed by controller  10  through row and column address decoder  12 ,  14 . Individual rows are selected by way of row access transistors  40  and  42 , for example, coupled to rows  30  and  32 , respectively. Individual columns are selected by column transistors  44  and  46 , having one source/drain connection coupled to columns  34  and  36 , respectively and the other source/drain connection connected to ground. When a row transistor and a column transistor are both selected, Vprog, representing a voltage which is higher than a read voltage, is supplied to the fuse, through the row transistor, e.g.,  40  and to ground through the column transistor, e.g.,  44 . Vprog is of sufficient magnitude to break the narrowed section of the polysilicon fuse. Programming continues in this manner until all of the data is stored appropriately in the fuse array as fuse elements which are broken or not in a data information pattern. 
     Data stored in ROM  4  is accessed by the row and column decoders  12 ,  14  and reading the selected fuse and/or fuses to determine the stored data. A blown fuse, having a high resistance and a large voltage drop, is read as one logic state (e.g., 1), while a non-blown fuse having a low resistance is read as another logic state (e.g., 0). When a particular fuse is selected for reading, a voltage Vdd is applied to the fuse from the row line, which voltage is lower than the programming voltage Vprog. The contents of the memory cells are (e.g., logic HIGH, or logic LOW) are read column by column onto line  53  by switching transistors  48 ,  50 . Line  53  is connected to inverter  54  which provides a logic output signal in accordance with a broken or unbroken state of read fuses  54 . 
     As best shown in  FIG. 2 , the programming and read out of ROM memory  4  occurs under control of a program and read out circuit which may conveniently be implemented within controller  10  which supplies row and column addresses for programming and read out functions to row  12  and column  14  decoders, and which controls transistor switches  61  to supply either a programming voltage Vprog or a read voltage Vdd to the source terminals of the row select transistors  40 ,  42 , depending on whether a programming or read out operation is to occur. Controller  10  also controls transistor selection switches  63  to supply a selected column line signal from column decoder  14  to one of a programming column select switch, e.g.,  44  or a read column select switch, e.g.,  48 , again depending on whether a programming or read out operation is to occur. The program and read out circuit for ROM memory  4  can also be implemented independently of controller  10 . 
     Pixel formation which can be stored in the ROM according to the present invention includes identification data concerning manufacturing conditions and test results. Test results can include defective pixel location and types of defects. Information on pixel dark currents can be stored, as well as reference temperature at which the pixels generate a desired output voltage under predetermined illumination conditions. Pixels that generate hot spots on dark spots can also be identified in the ROM, along with data indicating signal intensity. Also, package/die information can be stored, along with camera information when the imager is used with a camera. ROM row or column redundancy information can also be stored in the form of programmed replacement rows or columns of memory elements. 
     Although breakable fuses formed of polysilicon have been disclosed above, any conductor used in the CMOS process can be used, as long as it can be configured to break under the noted programming conditions and can be read as described. 
     The present invention provides a simple apparatus and method for storing data regarding a CMOS sensor array  8  in an on-chip ROM  4 . 
     While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated above, it should be understood that these are exemplary of the invention and are not to be considered as limiting. Additions, deletions, substitutions, and other modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. For example, while the fuse conductors are disclosed as being made of polysilicon, any other suitable material may be used in its place. Accordingly, the invention is not to be considered as limited by the foregoing description but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.