Replaceable image sensor array

摘要

An image sensor array and method of fabrication which facilitates replacement of a defective one in a series of arrays butted together to form a longer scanning array in which a (110) silicon wafer having a row of photosites has separation lines etched thereon by orientation dependent etching along the (111) planes, with the separation lines for the opposite ends of the array each consisting of first and second partial boundary lines longitudinally offset from one another connected by a third boundary line so that the ends of the array have a has a generally L-shaped offset permitting bi-directional separating and aligned inserting movement when replacing a defective array. In a second embodiment, the arrays are formed on (100) silicon with alternating 'nail' head and 'mesa' head shapes to facilitate removal and replacement of a defective array.