Array of single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) microcells and operating the same

US11340109B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Infineon Technologies AG · DE

Inventors

• Marcus Hennecke · Ulm, DE
• Boris KIRILLOV · Graz, AT
• Thomas Thurner · Kirchheim unter Teck, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: May 6, 2020
• Grant date: May 24, 2022
• Expiry date: May 6, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01J2001/4466
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A digital light detector includes a clock signal generator configured to generate a clock signal comprised of clock pulses generated at a predetermined frequency; a single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) configured to turn on and generate an avalanche current in response to receiving a photon, the SPAD including an internal capacitor coupled internally between an anode terminal and an cathode terminal; and an active quenching-recharging circuit that is triggered by the clock signal. The active quenching-recharging circuit is configured to be activated and deactivated based on the clock signal, where the active quenching-recharging circuit is configured to recharge the internal capacitor on a condition the active quenching-recharging circuit is activated, and where the active quenching-recharging circuit is configured to discharge the internal capacitor on a condition the active quenching-recharging circuit is deactivated.