Intersil Americas Inc.

Zoran Corporation

Hung Chou

Dong Zheng

Daryl Chamberlin

Kevin Chiang

Kouchin Huang

In accordance with an embodiment, a circuit includes a photodetector (PD) array including a plurality of electrically isolated PD sections. Additionally, the circuit includes a switching matrix that includes a plurality of inputs and a plurality of outputs, and that can be selectively configured in a plurality of different switch configurations. Each of the electrically isolated PD sections is adapted to detect light (if any) and provide an electrical output signal, indicative of the light detected by the PD section (if any), to a different one of the inputs of the switching matrix. The switching matrix is adapted to combine the electrical output signals provided by the electrically isolated PD sections in a plurality of different manners, in dependence on which of the plurality of different switch configurations is selected.

Dynamically configurable photodetector arrays

A photodetector integrated circuit (PDIC) capable of being used with at least two different types of optical discs includes a photodetector (PD) array and a switch matrix. The PD array includes a center channel PD and a side channel PD electrically isolated from the center channel PD. The switch matrix, which includes a plurality of inputs and a plurality of outputs, can be selectively configured in a plurality of different switch configurations. The side channel PD includes a plurality of electrically isolated PD sections. Each electrically isolated PD section of the side channel PD is adapted to detect light and provide an electrical output signal, indicative of the light detected by the PD section, to a different one of the inputs of the switch matrix. The switch matrix is adapted to combine the electrical output signals provided by the electrically isolated PD sections of the side channel PD in a plurality of different manners, in dependence on which of the plurality of different switch configurations is selected.

Dynamically configurable multiple wavelength photodetector array for optical storage applications

A dynamically configurable multiple wavelength adapted photodetector (PD) integrated circuit includes a PD array having a center bank of electrically isolated PD sections, and a first and a second side channel bank of electrically isolated PD sections on opposing sides of the center PD bank for receiving light and outputting electrical signals. A dynamically configurable switching matrix having a first plurality of inputs is coupled to outputs of the PD sections and a second plurality of inputs is provided for receiving control signals which select from a plurality of different switch configurations. The switch configurations set which of the PD sections are coupled to particular ones of a plurality of matrix outputs provided by the switching matrix. A structure providing switching matrix configuration information is coupled to the second plurality of inputs of the switching matrix to selects specific ones from the plurality of different switch configurations. An output block comprising a plurality of amplifiers is coupled to the plurality of matrix outputs for providing a plurality of amplified outputs, wherein dynamically adjustable combinations of electrical signals from the PD sections are directed to the plurality of amplifiers based on the switch configuration. The configuration selected effectively centers a location of an incident side beam at a center of the side channel PD banks independent of a wavelength (and resulting position) of the beam.

A system and method for generating sample control signals for a sample and hold circuit used to control access to optical media is provided. The sample control signals are generated with sufficient duration (width) to adequately sample a reflected laser power signal. The sample control signals are defined relative to a laser power command signal generated in response to an internal data stream, rather than directly in response to the internal data stream, thereby allowing for more precise control of the sample control signals. As a result, substantial portions of each pulse of the reflected laser power signal can be sampled, without sampling transition noise that exists when the reflected laser power signal changes states. Generating the sample control signals from a laser power command signal, rather than the input data signal, more accurately time shifts the sampling command to the reflected laser power.

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Fremont, CA, United States of America

Hung Chou