Active quenching for single-photon avalanche diode using one- shot circuit
US10852399B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 30, 2018 |
| Grant date | Dec 1, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 5, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01J2001/4466
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A sensor circuit having a Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) and an active quenching circuit including a quenching transistor controlled by a one-shot (or similar) circuit is disclosed. The quenching transistor applies a reverse-bias voltage level on the cathode of the SPAD. During photon detection events, pulses generated by the SPAD's avalanche breakdown trigger the one-shot circuit to de-actuate the quenching transistor, allowing the cathode potential to drop below the SPAD's breakdown voltage. After a delay period, which is defined by the one-shot's configuration, allows reliable completion of the avalanche breakdown process, the one-shot circuit re-actuates the quenching transistor such that the SPAD's cathode is refreshed to the reverse-bias voltage level. The one-shot circuit is optionally coupled by way of capacitors to the SPAD and the quenching transistor to facilitate implementation using standard CMOS elements. The sensor is suitable for use in a LIDAR system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.