Semiconductor integrated device for UV-index detection and related calibration system and method

Abstract

An integrated device for detection of the UV-index is provided with: a photodetector, which generates a detection quantity as a function of a detected UV radiation; and a processing stage, which is coupled to the photodetector and supplies at output a detected value of the UV-index, on the basis of the detection quantity. The processing stage processes the detection quantity on the basis of an adjustment factor, to supply at output the detected value of the UV-index and is further provided with an adjustment stage, coupled to the processing stage for adjusting the value of the adjustment factor.

Claims

1. An integrated device for detection of the UV-index of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, comprising: a single photodetector configured to generate an electrical detection quantity as a function of detected UV radiation; a processing stage coupled to the single photodetector and configured to process said electrical detection quantity on the basis of an adjustment factor and to supply at an output a detected value of the UV-index for the detected UV radiation; and an adjustment stage coupled to said processing stage and configured to adjust the value of said adjustment factor.

2. The integrated device according to claim 1, wherein said adjustment stage is configured to adjust the adjustment factor so that said adjustment factor defines a relation between said electrical detection quantity and the UV-index.

3. The integrated device according to claim 2, wherein the value of said adjustment factor is such that the following linear relation applies:
I.sub.puvd=G.sub.trim.Math.I.sub.pid where (G.sub.trim) is the adjustment factor, I.sub.puvd is an electric current that corresponds to said electrical detection quantity and I.sub.pid is an electric current that would be detected by said single photodetector in the case where it had a response, as a function of the wavelength, substantially coinciding with the erythemal-action spectrum S.sub.er().

4. The integrated device according to claim 1, wherein said adjustment stage has an input that is designed to receive from outside said integrated device an adjustment signal and is configured to adjust the adjustment factor as a function of said adjustment signal.

5. The integrated device according to claim 1, wherein said adjustment stage is configured to operate in a calibration mode responsive to a first adjustment signal to adjust the value of said adjustment factor.

6. The integrated device according to claim 1, wherein said single photodetector comprises a semiconductor photodiode.

7. The integrated device according to claim 1, wherein said processing stage comprises: an amplifier with a variable gain, which is a function of said adjustment factor configured to receive said electrical detection quantity and to supply an output signal as a function of the product of said detection quantity and said adjustment factor; and an output block configured to generate said detected value of the UV-index on the basis of said output signal.

8. The integrated device according to claim 1, wherein the UV radiation is generated by a radiation source the spectral irradiance of which has a pattern as the wavelength varies that is substantially invariant in shape.

9. The integrated device according to claim 1, comprising a first die of semiconductor material in which said single photodetector is formed; a second die of semiconductor material in which an ASIC is formed, the ASIC integrating said adjustment stage and said processing stage; and a package housing said first die and second die.

10. A calibration system of an integrated device, said calibration system comprising: a UV-index detection device including, a photodetector configured to generate an electrical detection quantity as a function of detected UV radiation; a processing stage coupled to the photodetector and configured to process said electrical detection quantity on the basis of an adjustment factor and to supply at an output a detected value of the UV-index for the detected UV radiation; an adjustment stage coupled to said processing stage and configured to adjust the value of said adjustment factor; and a calibration subsystem including, a reference UV-index detection device, configured to provide a reference value of the UV-index as a function of detection of a reference UV radiation; and a correlator device, coupled to the reference UV-index detection device for receiving the reference value of the UV-index, and to the processing stage of the integrated device for receiving the detected value of the UV-index as a function of detection by said detection device of said reference UV radiation, wherein said correlator device is further coupled to the adjustment stage of the integrated device to vary the value of said adjustment factor until the detected value of the UV-index corresponds to the reference value, thus carrying out a calibration of said adjustment factor.

11. The calibration system according to claim 10, further comprising a radiation source operating as a reference and configured to generate said reference UV radiation, the spectral irradiance of which has a pattern as the wavelength varies that is substantially invariant in shape.

12. A method for calibrating an integrated device, said method comprising: detecting a reference UV radiation; generating a reference value of the UV-index as a function of the detected reference UV radiation; detecting with a single UV photo detector a value of the UV-index based upon detection of the reference UV radiation; comparing the reference value of the UV-index with the detected value of the UV-index; varying the value of an adjustment factor based on the comparing the reference value of the UV-index with the detected value of the UV-index until the detected value of the UV-index corresponds to the reference value of the UV-index; and setting the value of the adjustment factor to the value where the detected value of the UV index corresponds to the reference value of the UV-index to thereby calibrate the integrated device.

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising generating said reference radiation, the spectral irradiance of which has a pattern, as the wavelength varies, that is substantially invariant in shape.

14. An electronic device, comprising: input circuitry; display circuitry; detection circuitry configured to detect the UV-index of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the environment of the electronic device, the detection circuitry including, a single photodetector configured to generate an electrical detection quantity as a function of detected UV radiation; a processing stage coupled to the single photodetector and configured to process said electrical detection quantity on the basis of an adjustment factor and to supply at an output a detected value of the UV-index for the detected UV radiation; and an adjustment stage coupled to said processing stage and configured to adjust the value of said adjustment factor; and a control unit coupled to the input circuitry, display circuitry, and detection circuitry and configured to control the display circuitry to display a value of the detected value of the UV-index for the detected UV radiation.

15. The electronic device of claim 14 wherein the electronic device comprises a wearable electronic device.

16. The electronic device of claim 15 wherein the wearable electronic device comprises a smart electronic bracelet or a watch.

17. The electronic device of claim 14 wherein the electronic device comprises one of a smartphone, a tablet computer, a personal digital assistant, a digital audio player, a camera, and a video recorder.

18. The electronic device of claim 14 wherein the single photodetector comprises a single photodiode.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) For a better understanding of the present disclosure, preferred embodiments thereof are now described, purely by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is a graph regarding the plot of the erythemal-action spectrum as a function of wavelength;

(3) FIG. 2 is a graph regarding the spectral irradiance for solar UV radiation;

(4) FIG. 3 is a graph regarding the response of a photodiode, appropriately filtered for approximating the erythemal-action spectrum;

(5) FIG. 4 shows the plots of the response of a photodetector, of the erythemal-action spectrum and of the spectral irradiance, where areas subtended by the curves are highlighted;

(6) FIG. 5 is a graph representing the linear correlation existing between the UV-index and the current detected by the photodetector;

(7) FIG. 6 is a general block diagram of a UV-index detection device and of a related calibration system;

(8) FIG. 7 is a flowchart of operations performed by the calibration system of FIG. 6;

(9) FIG. 8 is a circuit block diagram of the detection device of FIG. 6;

(10) FIGS. 9a and 9b are schematic illustrations of respective configurations of a package of the detection device;

(11) FIG. 10 is a graph of the response of a photodiode of the detection device;

(12) FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of a package of the detection device, impinged upon by solar rays;

(13) FIG. 12 is a graph regarding the field of view of the photodiode of the detection device; and

(14) FIG. 13 shows a general block diagram of a portable/wearable electronic apparatus incorporating the detection device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(15) The present solution stems from the realization, by the present Applicant, that, assuming as constant the pattern of the radiation emitted by the source of UV radiation as a function of the wavelength, in particular as regards the corresponding spectral irradiance, and assuming the use of a photodetector for the detection of UV radiation, then it is possible to correlate, via a factor of linear proportionality, the response of the photodetector to the UV-index, as the intensity of the emitted radiation varies.

(16) To clarify what has been set forth above, reference may be made to FIG. 4, which illustrates: the plot, as a function of the wavelength, of the response of the photodetector, in particular a UV photodiode, designated by S.sub.uv.sub._.sub.diode; the plot, already illustrated previously, of the erythemal-action spectrum S.sub.er(); and the plot of the spectral irradiance E.sub. associated with the UV radiation.

(17) In the same FIG. 4, there are further indicated the area A.sub.id, which is the result of the integral of the product E.sub.S.sub.er() and the area A.sub.uvd, which is the result of the integral of the product E.sub.S.sub.uv.sub._.sub.diode.

(18) As will emerge clearly, the area A.sub.uvd indicates the current I.sub.puvd effectively generated by the photodetector upon detection of UV radiation, as a function of its frequency response, whereas the area A.sub.id indicates a current I.sub.pid that would be ideally detected by a photodiode that had a frequency response corresponding to the plot of the erythemal-action spectrum S.sub.er() and thus indicates the value of the UV-index, according to above Eq. [1].

(19) It is consequently possible to identify a correlation factor G.sub.trim, which links the aforesaid areas and thus the aforesaid currents, according to the following relation of linear proportionality:
I.sub.puvd=G.sub.trim.Math.I.sub.pid

(20) In particular, given the invariance of the pattern with respect to the wavelength of the UV radiation emitted by the source, in particular as regards the corresponding spectral irradiance, the aforesaid linear correlation is found to be valid as the intensity of the UV radiation emitted varies.

(21) Consequently, the UV-index and the current I.sub.puvd effectively detected by the photodetector are linked by a linear relation, as illustrated in FIG. 5, that is a function of the correlation factor G.sub.trim.

(22) The present Applicant has further verified, by analyses and tests using laboratory spectrometers, the fact that solar radiation has effectively in the UV band a pattern that may be assumed as being substantially constant and uniform with respect to the variations of place on the Earth's surface (variations of latitude) in which the measurement is made and further with respect to the variations in time.

(23) In particular, the diagram of spectral irradiance as a function of the wavelength is substantially constant, practically unvaried in shape (only the corresponding intensity, or amplitude, varying), as the latitude or the time of measurement varies.

(24) An aspect of the present disclosure thus envisages, as illustrated schematically in FIG. 6, a UV-index detection device, designated as a whole by 1, which comprises: a photodetector stage 2, for example including a photodiode of the silicon carbide (SiC) type, which supplies at output a detection quantity, in particular a current I.sub.puvd, as a function of the radiation detected; an adjustment stage 4, coupled to the output of the photodetector stage 2 and configured to apply a correlation factor G.sub.trim, of a variable value, to the current I.sub.puvd, for generating an adjusted detection quantity Out; and a processing stage 6, coupled to the output of the adjustment stage 4 and configured to process the adjusted detection quantity Out and supplying at output the detected value UV.sub.det of the UV-index.

(25) On the basis of the foregoing discussion, once the correct value has been identified for the correlation factor G.sub.trim, the detection device 1 is able to provide an accurate estimate of the value of the UV-index, for a given source (the radiation of which has a substantially constant pattern as a function of the wavelength), for any intensity of the UV radiation emitted, exploiting for the purpose the linear correlation between the current I.sub.puvd and the UV-index itself.

(26) In order to identify the value of the correlation factor G.sub.trim, the present solution envisages a calibration system 10, which is coupled to the detection device 1 in the production stage, i.e., at the end of its manufacture.

(27) The aforesaid calibration system 10 includes: a reference UV source 11 (the radiation of which has a diagram of spectral irradiance as a function of the wavelength that is practically invariant in shape, and further substantially corresponds to the plot of the radiation emitted by the source the radiation of which is to be detected in use by the detection device 1); a reference UV-index detection device 12, configured to provide a reference value UV.sub.ref of the UV-index of the radiation emitted by the reference UV source 11; the device may, for example, be a known laboratory instrument, including a spectrometer, or else a photodiode with an appropriate filtering system associated thereto, such as to cause the frequency response to correspond to the erythemal-action spectrum S.sub.er(); and a correlator device 14, including a microprocessor, a microcontroller, an FPGA, or a similar processing unit, coupled to the reference UV-index detection device 12, for receiving the reference value UV.sub.ref of the UV-index and further to the processing stage 6 of the detection device 1, for receiving the detected value UV.sub.det of the UV-index.

(28) The correlator device 14 is further operatively coupled to the adjustment stage 4 of the detection device 1 and is configured to compare the reference value UV.sub.ref and the detected value UV.sub.det of the UV-index and for varying the value of the correlation factor G.sub.trim in order to cause these values to correspond (thus obtaining a so-called matching).

(29) For instance, the correlator device 14 may be configured to vary in an incremental manner (or, likewise, in a decremental manner), iteratively in successive steps, the value of the correlation factor G.sub.trim, each time comparing the reference value UV.sub.ref and the detected value UV.sub.det of the UV-index and stopping the calibration operations when these values are equal, or do not differ by more than a given comparison threshold.

(30) In detail and with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7, the calibration algorithm implemented by the calibration system 10 envisages (step 20) generation, by the reference UV-index detection device 12, of the reference value UV.sub.ref of the UV-index, on the basis of the detection of the radiation generated by the reference UV source 11.

(31) Then (step 22), a comparison is made, by the correlator device 14, between the reference value UV.sub.ref and the detected value UV.sub.det of the UV-index supplied by the detection device 1.

(32) In the case where this comparison determines that the aforesaid values are equal (or do not differ by more than a given comparison threshold), the calibration algorithm terminates (step 24) in so far as this means that the detection device 1 is calibrated.

(33) Otherwise (step 26), the correlator device 14 acts on the adjustment stage 4 of the detection device 1 by varying a current value of the correlation factor G.sub.trim, for example in an incremental manner (or, likewise, in a decremental manner) with respect to a previous value.

(34) Next (step 28), the detection device 1 generates a new detected value UV.sub.det of the UV-index, which is supplied to the correlator device 14, for a new comparison with the reference value UV.sub.ref.

(35) The algorithm thus returns iteratively to step 22, for performing the new comparison and the operations proceed as discussed previously up to the end of the calibration procedure.

(36) In particular, advantageously, once calibration has been carried out via the correlation factor G.sub.trim, the detection device 1 will be able to correctly detect the value of the UV-index for any intensity of UV radiation emitted by the ultraviolet radiation sources (for which it has been calibrated).

(37) With reference to FIG. 8, a possible embodiment of the detection device 1 is now described in greater detail.

(38) The photodetector stage 2 in this case includes a UV photodiode 30, in particular of the silicon carbide (SiC) type, which supplies the detection current I.sub.puvd in response to the detected radiation.

(39) The processing stage 6 comprises a variable-gain transimpedance amplifier (TIA) 32, in particular of a fully differential type with common-mode feedback (CMFB).

(40) The adjustment stage 4 comprises: a first variable-resistance adjustment resistor 33a, connected between a first differential input and a first differential output of the transimpedance amplifier 32; and a second variable-resistance adjustment resistor 33b, connected between a second differential input and a second differential output of the transimpedance amplifier 32.

(41) The first adjustment resistor 33a is configured to receive a first adjustment digital signal S1 (a0, a1, . . . , an), on the basis of which to vary its own resistance; likewise, the second adjustment resistor 33b is configured to receive a second adjustment digital signal S2 (b0, b1, . . . , bn), on the basis of which to vary its own resistance.

(42) The transimpedance amplifier 32 generates at output an output-voltage signal V.sub.out as a function of the value of the detection current I.sub.puvd generated by the UV photodiode 30 and further of the variable gain defined by the first and second adjustment resistors 33a, 33b; in particular, this variable gain here corresponds to the correlation factor G.sub.trim defined previously.

(43) The processing stage 6 further comprises, in this embodiment: an analog-to-digital converter 35, connected to the output of the transimpedance amplifier 32 and configured to convert the output-voltage signal Vout into a digital signal S.sub.out; and a processing block 36, which receives the digital signal S.sub.out and processes it for generating the detected value UV.sub.det of the UV-index (in particular on the basis of the aforementioned Eq. [1]).

(44) The processing stage 6 further comprises an interface 38, coupled to the processing block 36 and configured to transmit to the outside, for example to an external control unit of an electronic apparatus incorporating the detection device 1, the detected value UV.sub.det of the UV-index.

(45) According to an aspect of the present solution, the interface 38 is further configured to communicate with the calibration system 10 and in particular for receiving at input a calibration signal S.sub.trim from the correlator device 14, during the step of calibration of the detection device 1.

(46) The processing block 36 receives from the interface 38 the calibration signal S.sub.trim and, as a function of its value, generates the first and second adjustment digital signals S1, S2 for varying the value of the first and second adjustment resistors 33a, 33b and, consequently, the variable gain of the transimpedance amplifier 32, for thereby varying the correlation factor G.sub.trim.

(47) The detection device 1 further comprises a timing block 39, configured to generate a common clock signal for the analog-to-digital converter 35, the processing block 36 and the interface 38 (in a per se known manner, not described in detail herein).

(48) As illustrated schematically in the same FIG. 8, the integrated implementation of the detection device 1 may envisage that: the photodetector stage 2 is provided in a first die 40a including semiconductor material, in particular silicon; and the adjustment and output stages 4, 6 are provided in an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), integrated in a second die 40b including semiconductor material, in particular silicon.

(49) As schematically illustrated in FIG. 9a, the arrangement of the first and second dice 40a, 40b within a corresponding package 42 may be of the so-called side-by-side type, with the two dice arranged side-by-side on a substrate (not illustrated), coated with an appropriate coating, the so-called mold (not illustrated either).

(50) Alternatively, as illustrated schematically in FIG. 9b, the first and second dice 40a, 40b may be stacked on top of one another within the package 42; for example, the first die 40a may be arranged on the second die 40b.

(51) In any case, further aspects of the present solution envisage certain arrangements for manufacture of the detection device 1 and of the corresponding package 42 and in particular envisage: providing, as illustrated schematically in FIG. 10, the UV photodiode 30 in such a way that it is blind (i.e., with a zero response) in regard to visible radiation and so that it has a peak in its response for a wavelength approximately equal to 290 nm; providing, as illustrated schematically in FIG. 11, the package 42, in such a way that the mold, here designated by 46, which coats the dice (here not illustrated) and the substrate, here designated by 48, in addition to protecting the dice, ensures that a desired field of view (FOV) is achieved for the photodetector.

(52) In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 12, field of view may advantageously envisage a substantially cosinusoidal plot as a function of the variation of the angle of incidence of the rays coming from the source of UV radiation (for example sunlight) on the detection surface.

(53) From what has been described so far, the advantages that the present solution affords will emerge clearly.

(54) In any case, it is once again emphasized that this solution provides an effective and low-cost estimate of the UV-index, not envisaging the use of filtering elements or further costly (and cumbersome) optical elements.

(55) In particular, the detection device 1 has compact dimensions and the method for its production is simple and inexpensive.

(56) The solution described is thus particularly advantageous in a wide range of fields of application and in particular for use in a portable and/or wearable electronic apparatus.

(57) For instance, FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of an electronic apparatus 50, of a portable/wearable type, which incorporates the detection device 1.

(58) The electronic apparatus 50 comprises input means 52, including keys or similar actuation elements, which are operated by a user, for example for carrying out desired actions within a user interface (UIUser Interface).

(59) The electronic apparatus 50 further comprises: a control unit 54, for example, a microprocessor (P) control unit, designed to manage general operation thereof; and a display element 56, appropriately controlled by the control unit 54, for example for displaying the aforesaid user interface.

(60) The detection device 1 is set in such a way as to detect the UV radiation in the environment of the electronic apparatus 50 and is coupled to the control unit 54 to supply the detected value UV.sub.det of the UV-index.

(61) The control unit 54 may be configured to display this value on the display element 56 so that it may be read by the user.

(62) Finally, it is clear that modifications and variations may be made to what has been described and illustrated herein, without thereby departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

(63) In particular, it is once again emphasized how the detection device 1 may find advantageous application also in non-portable and/or non-wearable apparatuses, for example in fixed environment-detection stations.

(64) Furthermore, it is evident that the aforesaid detection device 1 may possibly use a different type of photodetector for detection of UV radiation and/or a different circuit configuration for generation of the detected value UV.sub.det of the UV-index.

(65) The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.