Method and integrated circuit to generate a signal to operate a sensor array

An apparatus comprising:

• means for providing a first signal to means for sensing an ultrasonic signal, wherein the means for sensing the ultrasonic signal includes means for generating an ultrasonic wave in response to the first signal and includes means for detecting a reflection of the ultrasonic wave;
• means for receiving a second signal from the means for sensing the ultrasonic signal in response to providing the first signal;
• and
• means for biasing the means for detecting the reflection of the ultrasonic wave using a first voltage associated with generation of the ultrasonic wave, using a second voltage that is distinct from the first voltage to cause the means for detecting to generate the second signal in response to the reflection of the ultrasonic wave, and using a third voltage that is distinct from the first voltage and the second voltage to cause the means for detecting to provide the second signal to the means for receiving, wherein the first voltage is greater than the third voltage, and wherein the third voltage is greater than the second voltage, wherein the means for sensing the ultrasonic signal is included in a first integrated circuit, and wherein the means for providing the first signal to the means for sensing the ultrasonic signal, the means for receiving the second signal from the means for sensing the ultrasonic signal, and the means for biasing the means for detecting the reflection of the ultrasonic wave are included in a second integrated circuit that is distinct from and in communication with an application processor.

A method comprising:

• generating a first voltage, at a biasing circuit, to bias at least one of a plurality of transistors of a sensor array;
• providing a first signal to the sensor array to cause an ultrasonic transmitter of the sensor array to generate an ultrasonic wave;
• generating a second voltage, at the biasing circuit, to cause the at least one of the plurality of transistors to generate a second signal in response to a reflection of the ultrasonic wave, the second voltage distinct from the first voltage;
• generating a third voltage, at the biasing circuit, to bias the at least one of the plurality of transistors to cause the at least one of the plurality of transistors to provide the second signal to a receiver circuit, the third voltage distinct from the first voltage and the second voltage, wherein the first voltage is greater than the third voltage, and wherein the third voltage is greater than the second voltage;
• and
• receiving the second signal, at the receiver circuit, from the sensor array based on the reflection of the ultrasonic wave.