Patent Document

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     (1) Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a solid-state imaging device and a camera, and specifically to a technology of performing a high-speed imaging. 
     (2) Description of the Related Art 
     High-speed cameras are used in analyzing: (a) car crash test; (b) product drop test; (c) combustion state in internal combustion; (d) phenomena, such as chemical reactions, in the fields of physical chemistry; and so on. 
     Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-165750 discloses a CCD type imaging device capable of performing a high-speed imaging, where a plurality of charge accumulation devices are arranged in the circumference of each photoelectric conversion device, and information is written into the charge accumulation devices when writing is performed. 
     However, the technology disclosed in the above-mentioned document is limited to a CCD type imaging device which is apt to consume an enormous amount of power, compared with a CMOS type imaging device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a solid-state imaging device that is applicable to a CMOS type imaging device, and is capable of performing a high-speed imaging. 
     The above object is fulfilled by a solid-state imaging device comprising a plurality of pixels each of which includes: a photoelectric conversion device operable to perform a photoelectric conversion and output signal charges; a plurality of signal charge holding units operable to hold the signal charges output from the photoelectric conversion device; a write target switching unit operable to select, from among the signal charge holding units, one to which to write a signal charge that is output at a first time point, and switch from the selected one to another one among the signal charge holding units to which to write a signal charge that is output at a second time point after the first time point; and a read target switching unit operable to select, from among the signal charge holding units, one from which to read a signal charge. 
     The above-stated structure enables, for example, a CMOS type imaging device with reduced amount of power consumption to perform a high-speed imaging by writing signal charges, which are output at different time points, to different signal charge holding units. 
     Also, the above-stated structure makes it possible to extract an image in correspondence with a predetermined time point, by selectively reading a signal charge from a signal charge holding unit of each pixel that holds therein the signal charge output from the photoelectric conversion device at the predetermined timing, without reading signal charges from all the signal charge holding units of each pixel. 
     In the above-described solid-state imaging device, an order in which the read target switching unit selects the signal charge holding units may be equal to an order in which signal charges are written thereto. 
     With the above-stated structure, it is possible to simplify the circuit structure for reading. 
     In the above-described solid-state imaging device, the write target switching unit may continue to switch between the signal charge holding units at a regular time interval after the second time point until all the signal charge holding units have been selected. 
     With the above-stated structure, it is possible to perform an imaging with a high frame rate, by setting the regular time interval to be short. 
     The above-described solid-state imaging device may further comprise an imaging operation unit operable to cause all pixels to start performing an imaging operation simultaneously. 
     The above-stated structure produces an effect of an electronic shutter, for example. Also, the above-stated structure enables all pixels to start imaging at the same time. That is to say, it is possible to perform an all-pixel simultaneous exposure to achieve an imaging in which there is no difference between the times when different portions of the image are imaged. 
     In the above-described solid-state imaging device, each pixel may further include: a pre-writing amplifier device operable to amplify a signal output from the photoelectric conversion device before the signal is written to one of the signal charge holding units; a post-reading amplifier device operable to amplify the signal read from the signal charge holding unit; and an output device operable to output the signal, which was amplified by the post-reading amplifier device, to outside the pixel. 
     With the above-stated structure, it is possible to obtain signals having a high signal-to-noise ratio. 
     In the above-described solid-state imaging device, each pixel may further include an amplifier circuit that is shared by the pre-writing amplifier device and the post-reading amplifier device, and use of the amplifier circuit is switched between the pre-writing amplifier device and the post-reading amplifier device, for writing and reading, respectively. 
     With the above-stated structure, it is possible to reduce the area occupied by the amplifier circuits. 
     In the above-described solid-state imaging device, the signal charge holding units may be nonvolatile storage devices. 
     With the above-stated structure, it is possible to achieve a safe imaging device that keeps imaging information therein even if a power-off occurs suddenly, by using, for example, ferroelectric capacitors as the nonvolatile storage devices. 
     In the above-described solid-state imaging device, the signal charge holding units may be gate capacitance type capacitors. 
     With the above-stated structure, it is possible to reduce the area by using, for example, MOS type capacitors using the gate capacitance of the transistor, as the nonvolatile storage devices, and applying a common potential to diffusion areas of a plurality of capacitors. 
     In the above-described solid-state imaging device, each of the signal charge holding units may be a capacitor formed between wiring layer metals. 
     With the above-stated structure, it is possible to form high-accuracy capacitors with relative ease by using, for example, capacitors formed between wiring layers, in which metal layers as the wiring are used as electrodes, as the nonvolatile storage devices. 
     In the above-described solid-state imaging device, the signal charge holding units may be capacitors having metal electrodes, such as trench type capacitors. 
     With the above-stated structure, it is possible to use a memory process that is used for DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or the like. This makes it possible to form highly-integrated, large-capacity signal charge holding units at relatively low cost. 
     In the above-described solid-state imaging device, the signal charge holding units may be capacitor arrays formed on a sub substrate that is different from a main substrate, and the main substrate and the sub substrate are connected to each other by an external contact terminal. 
     The above-stated structure may be formed as follows, for example. First, vias passing through a substrate are formed respectively in correspondence with pixels of the solid-state imaging device. Then, contact points are formed on a back surface of another substrate at positions corresponding to the vias. And the two substrates are bonded with each other. This method makes it possible to form the main and sub substrates indifferent, most suitable processes respectively. Also, with this method, the pixels can be made smaller since there is no need to form a capacitor array in the pixel. Integration of the capacitor array becomes easier by using a dedicated process, making it possible to provide a large-capacity storage unit. 
     The above-described solid-state imaging device may further comprise: a storage device that is located outside the plurality of pixels, and stores therein a dark signal output from the photoelectric conversion device, when a signal is read from one of the signal charge holding units to outside a pixel; and a noise removing circuit operable to remove a variation in the pixels by calculating a difference between the dark signal stored in the storage device and a signal charge held by the one of the signal charge holding units. 
     With the above-stated structure, it is possible to obtain high-quality information by setting a noise removing circuit for each column so that the noise removing circuit can decrease the variation of the devices when reading information from the storage device of each pixel. 
     The above object is also fulfilled by a digital camera comprising the solid-state imaging device defined above. 
     With the above-stated structure, it is possible to provide a small digital camera that can perform imaging at a high speed, with appropriate number of pixels maintained. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and the other objects, advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description thereof taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate a specific embodiment of the invention. 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  shows an outlined structure of a solid-state imaging device  1 . 
         FIG. 2  is a functional block diagram showing a structure of the solid-state imaging device  1  in Embodiment 1. 
         FIG. 3  shows an example of the circuit structure for achieving the functions shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  shows another example of the circuit structure for achieving the functions shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  is a functional block diagram showing a structure of the solid-state imaging device  1  in Embodiment 2. 
         FIG. 6  shows an example of the circuit structure for achieving the functions shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a functional block diagram showing a structure of the solid-state imaging device  1  in Embodiment 3. 
         FIG. 8  shows an example of the circuit structure for achieving the functions shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIGS. 9A to 9C  show an outline of sharing an amplifier. 
         FIG. 10  shows another example of the circuit structure for achieving the functions shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 11  shows an all-pixel simultaneous imaging operation. 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic diagram showing a digital camera  100  that includes the solid-state imaging device  1  of Embodiment 1. 
         FIG. 13  is a flowchart showing how imaging using the digital camera is performed. 
         FIG. 14  shows a capacitor formed between wiring layer metals. 
         FIG. 15  shows a trench type capacitor  70 . 
         FIG. 16  shows an example in which capacitors are formed by bonding chips together. 
         FIG. 17A  shows a circuit structure of the NC unit (CDS circuit)  22 . 
         FIG. 17B  is a timing chart corresponding to the circuit shown in  FIG. 17A . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The following describes a preferred embodiment of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings. 
     Embodiment 1 
       FIG. 1  shows an outlined structure of a solid-state imaging device  1 . 
     The solid-state imaging device  1  includes a plurality of pixel units  10  that are arranged in a matrix. 
       FIG. 2  is a functional block diagram showing a structure of the solid-state imaging device  1  in Embodiment 1.  FIG. 2  shows only unit pixels in the pixel units arranged in a matrix, for convenience of explanation. 
     The solid-state imaging device  1  includes the pixel unit  10  and a transfer unit  20 . 
     The pixel unit  10  includes a photodiode (PD)  12  that is a photoelectric conversion device, a memory group  14 , and an amplifier (Amp)  16 . 
     The memory group  14  includes an N pieces of memories being storage devices. Each memory stores a signal charge output from the photoelectric conversion device, as an amount of analog. 
     The memory group  14  writes signals selectively to the N pieces of memories, and reads signals selectively from the N pieces of memories. This makes it possible to extract a given image without wasting the power consumption. 
     A specific example of the circuit structure will be described in detail later with reference to  FIG. 3  and onwards. 
     The amplifier (Amp)  16  amplifies the signals that have been selectively read from the memories constituting the memory group  14 . 
     The transfer unit  20  includes a noise canceling (NC) unit  22  and a horizontal shift register (H-SR)  24 . 
     The noise canceling unit  22  removes noise components from the signals transferred from the amplifier  16  of the pixel unit  10 . 
     EXAMPLE 1 OF CIRCUIT STRUCTURE 
       FIG. 3  shows an example of the circuit structure for achieving the functions shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     The circuit structure shown in  FIG. 3  includes a light receiving unit  30 , selective storage units  31 - 0 ,  31 - 1 , and  31 - 2 , a storage unit  32 , an amplifying unit  34 , the noise canceling (NC) unit  22 , and the horizontal shift register (H-SR)  24 . 
     The light receiving unit  30  includes a photodiode (PD) that is a photoelectric conversion device. 
     The first selective storage unit  31 - 0  includes switches SW 0 - a  and SW 0 - b , and a gate capacitance type capacitor M 0  that is a memory. The switches SW 0 - a  and SW 0 - b  are controlled to perform switching by control signals sent from a word line WL 0  and a transistor line TRAN 0 , respectively. 
     The second and third selective storage units  31 - 1  and  31 - 2  have the same structure as the first selective storage unit  31 - 0 . It should be noted that there are N pieces of selective storage units and that out of the N pieces, only three selective storage units are shown in the drawing. The value “N” as the number of selective storage units is, for example, in a range of 8 to 32. 
     The storage unit  32 , having a capacitor MA, temporarily stores the signal charge read out from the selective storage unit  31 . 
     The amplifying unit  34 , having a reset transistor QR and an amplify reset transistor QA, resets the signal charge stored in the storage unit  32 , and amplifies the signal charge. This enables highly accurate signals to be output. 
     With the circuit structure shown in  FIG. 3 , a signal charge obtained by a photodiode (PD) in accordance with a control signal sent from the word line WL 0  is written sequentially to the N pieces of capacitors (M 0  to M(n−1)) provided in a pixel. 
     For example, when an imaging is performed at a high-speed rate of 1000 frames per second, a signal that represents image information is written to the M th  capacitors in all the pixels, in parallel. With this structure, a high-speed writing operation is realized. 
     When reading, it is possible to read given capacitors selectively among the capacitors M 0  to M(n−1), by performing a signal control via the transistor line TRAN 0 . 
     In the case of the circuit structure shown in  FIG. 3 , one capacitor and two transistor switches are required per storage device. However, a reading operation and a writing operation can be performed simultaneously since the routes for writing and reading are separated from each other. Accordingly, a reading operation can be performed while a writing to another storage device is performed, for example. 
     According to the solid-state imaging device of the present invention, all pixels can perform imaging at the same time. The information obtained by the imaging is stored in the storage devices in the pixels, and the stored information can be extracted sequentially. 
     EXAMPLE 2 OF CIRCUIT STRUCTURE 
       FIG. 4  shows another example of the circuit structure for achieving the functions shown in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 4  includes common constituent elements with  FIG. 2 . The common constituent elements are assigned with the same reference signs and description thereof is omitted (This also applies to the subsequent drawings). 
     The circuit structure of  FIG. 4  includes the light receiving unit  30 , a selective storage unit  40 , and the amplifying unit  34 . 
     In the case of the circuit structure shown in  FIG. 4 , one capacitor and one transistor switch are required per storage device. The structure suits for a large storage capacity since the storage devices have the simple structure. 
     &lt;Signal Amplifier&gt; 
     The embedded signal amplifier may be a source follower type, an inverter type or the like. Due to the structure of the photoelectric conversion device, nMOS transistors are easier to form in the circumference of each photoelectric conversion device than pMOS transistors. Accordingly, it is possible to form the storage device selection switches, amplifiers and the like using only nMOS transistors so as to reduce the occupying space since it can omit, for example, the well separation for the pMOS transistors. Conversely, if there is no problem in increasing the area, the pMOS area may be formed to realize CMOS because it provides advantages such as eliminating the need for the boosting power supply. Also, the amplifiers may be achieved by CMOS inverters because it realizes high accuracy and low power consumption relatively easily. 
     Embodiment 2 
     The present embodiment is aimed to achieve writing and reading operations with a reduced amount of signal deterioration by providing amplifying circuits that are respectively dedicated to writing and reading to/from a memory being a storage device. 
       FIG. 5  is a functional block diagram showing a structure of the solid-state imaging device  1  in Embodiment 2. 
     An amplifier (Amp)  17  amplifies the electric charges obtained by the photodiode (PD)  12 , on the upstream side of the memory group  14 . The amplifier (Amp)  16  amplifies the electric charges that have been read from the memory group. 
       FIG. 6  shows an example of the circuit structure for achieving the functions shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     The circuit shown in  FIG. 6  includes the light receiving unit  30 , an amplifying unit  40  for amplifying a signal before the signal is written to the storage device, an amplifying unit  41  for amplifying a signal read out from the storage device, an output selective storage unit  45 , a storage unit  42 , and selective storage units  44 - 0  and  44 - 1 . 
     The above-described circuit structure achieves writing and reading operations with a reduced amount of signal deterioration by providing amplifying circuits that are respectively dedicated to writing and reading to/from a storage device. 
     Embodiment 3 
     The present embodiment is aimed to reduce the area occupied by the amplifying units by sharing an amplifying unit when writing and reading. 
       FIG. 7  is a functional block diagram showing a structure of the solid-state imaging device  1  in Embodiment 3. 
     The pixel unit  10  includes the photodiode (PD)  12 , the memory group  14 , and an amplifier (Amp)  18 . 
     The amplifier (Amp)  18  amplifies signals when writing and reading to/from a storage device. 
     Since, in general, writing and reading are not performed at the same time, the area occupied by the amplifying units can be reduced by sharing an amplifying unit when writing and reading. 
     EXAMPLE 1 OF CIRCUIT STRUCTURE 
       FIG. 8  shows an example of the circuit structure for achieving the functions shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     An amplifying unit  46  amplifies signals when writing and reading to/from a selective storage unit being a memory. 
     Here, an outline of sharing an amplifier will be described with reference to  FIGS. 9A to 9C . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , by operating the switches SWA and SWB, it is possible to share an amplifier (Amp) when writing and reading. 
       FIG. 9C  shows an example of changing the gain of the amplifier (Amp). 
     In the case of the structure shown in  FIG. 8 , one capacitor and one transistor switch are required per storage device. With this structure in which a signal from the photoelectric conversion device is amplified using the amplifier before the signal is stored in a storage device, the anti-noise characteristic is improved. Also, a signal is amplified using the amplifier before the signal is output from a pixel. This enables a signal output with a high S/N ratio to be obtained with more ease. Since, writing and reading to/from a storage device are not performed at the same time, the area occupied by the amplifying units can be reduced by sharing an amplifying unit when writing and reading. 
     EXAMPLE 2 OF CIRCUIT STRUCTURE 
       FIG. 10  shows another example of the circuit structure for achieving the functions shown in  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 10  shows substantially the same circuit structure as  FIG. 8 , but is different therefrom in that it includes a CP control line for driving the electrode of the capacitor. With this structure, it is possible to read a read signal with a high voltage by driving the CP when reading. 
     &lt;Others&gt; 
     The following describes modifications and supplementary notes of Embodiments 1-3. 
     (1) Amplifiers 
     In  FIGS. 6 ,  8  and  10 , source follower type amplifiers are shown. However, inverter type amplifiers may be used. Also, the amplifiers may be assigned to a plurality of levels of operations to increase the amplifying ratio. 
     To reduce the variation in the characteristics of the amplifiers in pixels, it is preferable to perform outputting based on the difference between (i) the dark signal that is output when the pixel is dark and (ii) the signal that is output when the image is input. However, the process requires a certain amount of time, and a very large scale of circuit is required to perform the process for all the pixels at the same time. For these reasons, in the stage of writing into the storage device, the present invention stores the output signal from the photoelectric conversion device as it is, or stores it after amplifying it by the amplifier. And in the reading stage, the circuit provided in each column calculates the difference from the dark signal output when each pixel is dark. This structure makes it possible to reduce the variation in the characteristics for each pixel, and to achieve a high-quality image with reduced fixed pattern noise. 
     (2) All-Pixel Simultaneous Imaging Operation 
       FIG. 11  shows an all-pixel simultaneous imaging operation. 
     It is possible to obtain an image without a distortion, by imaging all the pixels simultaneously. 
     When reading is performed by a conventional sequential scan method, such as the CMOS, the image is distorted. For example, when an imaging device, which scans a screen from top to bottom, is used to image an object that is moving from right to left, the object appears to be distorted diagonally, due to a slight difference between the times at which the upper portion and the lower portion of the image are respectively imaged. The distortion becomes more prominent as the object moves at a higher speed in the screen. 
     In contrast, in the case of the all-pixel simultaneous imaging operation, when, for example, an object moving at a high speed towards the right as shown in  FIG. 11  is imaged, operations of transferring signals to the storage devices in the pixels can be performed simultaneously. Basically, there is no difference between the times when different portions of the image are imaged. This makes it possible to obtain an image without distortion. 
     (3) Imaging System 
       FIG. 12  is a schematic diagram showing a digital camera  100  that includes the solid-state imaging device  1  of Embodiment 1. It should be noted here that the solid-state imaging device  6  of the present embodiment is also applicable to a video camera. The application will realize a video camera that can image at a high speed. 
       FIG. 13  is a flowchart showing how imaging using the digital camera is performed. 
     In await state (step S 11 ), if a trigger signal instructing to start imaging is detected (YES in step S 12 ), a signal charge as image information starts to be stored into a storage device in a pixel (step S 13 ). 
     Each time the storage (capture) is performed, the memory address is incremented (step S 14 ). When imaging is performed as many times as the number of storage devices, the capture operation is completed (step S 15 ). 
     After the capture operation is completed, the imaging operation is stopped, and the control moves to the output mode in which the imaged data is output sequentially (an image is output) (step S 16 ). 
     After all data is completely output, the control returns to the wait state in step S 11 . 
     This flowchart shows that it is possible to perform imaging at a high speed as many times as the number of storage devices (until all the storage devices are filled with data). Then, after the data is completely read out from the storage devices, the high-speed imaging becomes possible again. That is to say, the high-speed imaging can be performed continuously, though intermittently. 
     More specifically, imaging at a high-speed rate of more than 1000 frames per second is performed as many times as the number of storage devices, and the data is transferred to outside. The imaging can be repeated intermittently by repeating this process. 
     It should be noted here that writing to free memories is possible even while the data is being transferred to outside. 
     (4) Storage Device 
     In the above-described embodiments, a gate capacitance type capacitor is used as a storage device. However, not limited to this, other types of capacitors may be used. 
     (4-1) Capacitor Formed between Wiring Layer Metals 
       FIG. 14  shows a capacitor formed between wiring layer metals. 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , an MIM (Metal Insulator Metal) type capacitor  60  includes an upper electrode  61 , a lower electrode  62 , and a capacitance insulation film  64  sandwiched by the two electrodes. 
     Such an MIM type capacitor has characteristics: (a) high accuracy, high capacity possible; (b) three dimensional shape, easy to integrate; and (c) relatively easy to laminate in layers since a diffusion layer is not used. 
     (4-2) Trench Type Capacitor 
       FIG. 15  shows a trench type capacitor  70 . 
     The trench type capacitor  70  shown in  FIG. 15  has a structure that is adopted in DRAM or the like. The structure provides high integration. 
     A selection transistor  72  is a transistor that selects a capacitor to read. 
     (4-3) Bonding Chips 
     Another structure is shown in  FIG. 16 . This structure is formed by preparing: an imaging device substrate  80  in which solid-state imaging devices have been formed; and a memory substrate  90  in which capacitor arrays (memory arrays)  92  have been formed, and connecting the two substrates  80  and  90  to each other. 
     As one example, the structure is formed as follows. First, vias passing through the imaging device substrate  80  are formed respectively in correspondence with pixels  82  of the solid-state imaging devices. Then, terminals are formed on a back surface of the imaging device substrate  80 . Capacitor arrays  92  are formed in the memory substrate  90  with the same pitch as the pixels  82 . Then, terminals of the capacitor arrays  92  are formed with the same pitch as the terminals having been formed on the back surface of the imaging device substrate  80 . The two substrates having been formed in this way are connected to each other by gold bumps  102 , or by bonding the terminal metals of the substrates with each other. 
     This method makes it possible to form the solid-state imaging devices and the capacitor arrays, with most suitable processes respectively, and thus makes it possible to realize a high-speed camera having a high-capacity storage devices with use of highly-integrated capacitors. 
     (4-4) Nonvolatile Memory 
     Nonvolatile memories may be used as recording devices. For example, it is possible to store information in a nonvolatile manner by using devices, such as ferroelectric capacitors, that can store, in a nonvolatile manner, the amount of polarization that is obtained by applying a voltage between electrodes. This makes it possible to keep the information stored even if a power-off occurs. Such a structure may be used for the security purpose or for recording an accident. For example, a solid-state imaging device (camera) having a nonvolatile memory may be attached to an automobile, where, when a sensor in the camera detects a shock of an accident, the camera starts imaging and recording an image immediately after the accident. Here, if an amount of power enough to drive the camera for several seconds is supplied, the imaging can be completed and the information can be stored in the nonvolatile memory. This makes it possible to see the information later. Alternatively, the imaging may be performed continuously by overwriting the information in the memory, and the imaging is stopped when the sensor detects a shock of an accident. This structure makes it possible to record images of before and after an accident. 
     (5) NC Circuit 
     An example of the circuit structure of the NC unit  22 , which is shown in  FIG. 1  or the like, will be described. 
       FIG. 17A  shows a circuit structure of the NC unit (CDS circuit)  22 .  FIG. 17B  is a timing chart corresponding to the circuit shown in  FIG. 17A . 
     As shown in the timing chart of  FIG. 17B , at timing t 1 , switch SW 1  is turned on, switch SW 2  is turned off, and a signal from a pixel is input to Vin. 
     Then, at timing t 2 , switch SW 1  is turned off, switch SW 2  is turned on, and a pixel signal of a reset is input to Vin. This makes it possible to read, from Vout, a difference between a pixel signal after an exposure and the pixel signal of a reset. 
     Not limited to the structure shown in  FIG. 17A , the NC unit  22  may be structured variously. 
     (6) Imaging Device 
     In the above-described embodiments, the imaging devices are of a type in which MOS transistors are used to select images. However, not limited to this, the imaging devices may be if the CCD type. 
     (7) Circuit Structure 
     In the above description, circuit diagrams are used to explain the structure of the pixel. However, the number of storage devices, the arrangement of storage devices and the like are not limited to those shown in the diagrams. 
     Although the present invention has been fully described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, unless such changes and modifications depart from the scope of the present invention, they should be construed as being included therein.

Technology Category: h