Variable self-powered light detection CMOS chip with real-time adaptive tracking digital output based on a novel...

Area of Science:

• Integrated circuits
• Optoelectronics
• Energy harvesting

Background:

• Accurate light direction detection is crucial for autonomous systems.
• Existing solutions often require external power and lack integrated digitization.
• Photodiode performance can be affected by environmental factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a self-powered, single-chip solution for light direction detection.
• To achieve high accuracy and precise digitized output.
• To enhance system reliability under variable power conditions.

Main Methods:

• Integration of light direction sensors, energy harvesting photodiodes, and digital output circuitry on a 0.18 µm CMOS chip.
• Implementation of a compensation circuit to improve photodiode accuracy.
• Design of an adaptive undervoltage protection circuit.

Main Results:

• Achieved 1.8-degree accuracy over a 120-degree range for light direction sensing.
• Realized a measurement precision of approximately 7 Effective Number of Bits (ENOB).
• Demonstrated a functional adaptive undervoltage protection circuit.

Conclusions:

• The developed chip offers a self-powered, accurate, and integrated solution for light direction detection.
• The compensation and protection circuits enhance performance and reliability.
• This technology enables advanced functionalities in autonomous systems and robotics.