公开(公告)号：US20230221420A1

公开(公告)日：2023-07-13

申请号：US18093210

申请日：2023-01-04

Applicant: STMicroelectronics (Alps) SAS

Inventor： Xavier BRANCA

IPC: G01S7/4865 ,  G01J1/44 ,  H02M3/155 ,  G01J1/02

CPC classification number: G01S7/4865 ,  G01J1/44 ,  H02M3/1552 ,  G01J1/0219 ,  G01J2001/442 ,  G01J2001/4466

Abstract: A light sensor includes an integrated circuit chip and a boost DC/DC converter. The integrated circuit chip supports an array of pixels, each pixel including a SPAD. The boost DC/DC converter delivers to the SPADs a bias potential capable of placing the SPADs in Geiger mode. The boost DC/DC converter includes an inductive element, a first switch, a second switch, and a circuit for controlling on/off switching of the first switch. The inductive element and the first and second switches are arranged outside of the integrated circuit chip while the control circuit forms part of the integrated circuit chip.