Light-to-digital converter arrangement and method for light-to-digital conversion
US11418208B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 16, 2019 |
| Grant date | Aug 16, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 11, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03M1/66
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method for light-to-digital conversion includes setting a time integrator circuit into a reference condition and starting to integrate charge from a sensor device for the duration of an integration time. An integration signal is generated and is indicative of the integrated charge. The integration signal is compared with an adjustable reference signal. A first count is generated when the comparison indicates that the integration signal has reached an integration range, wherein the integration range is defined by a low and a high voltage. A second count is generated when the comparison indicates that the integration signal has reached the adjustable reference signal. The adjustable reference signal is incremented in discrete steps when a second count has been generated. Then, the time integrator circuit is reset into the reference condition, when the comparison indicates that the integration signal has reached the integration range. The generated first counts is collected as first count signal and the generated second counts are collected as second count signal. Finally, a digital output signal is generated depending on the first count signal and the second count signal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.