Title :
Wide dynamic range snapshot APS for ultra low-power applications
Author :
Fish, Alexander ; Belenky, Alexander ; Yadid-Pecht, Orly
Author_Institution :
VLSI Syst. Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
Abstract :
A novel wide dynamic range (WDR) snapshot active pixel sensor for ultra-low power applications is presented. The proposed imager allows capturing of fast moving objects in the field of view and provides WDR by applying adaptive exposure time to each pixel, according to the local illumination intensity level. Driven by low-power dissipation requirements, the proposed pixel is operated by dual low voltage supplies (1.2 and 1.8 V) and utilizes an advanced low-power sensor design methodology. A test chip of a 32*32 array has been implemented in a standard 0.35-μm CMOS technology. A single pixel occupies 18*32 μm area and is expected to dissipate 18.5 nW at video rate. System architecture and operation are discussed and simulation results are presented.
Keywords :
CMOS image sensors; integrated circuit design; low-power electronics; 0.35 micron; 1.2 V; 1.8 V; 18.5 nW; adaptive exposure time; dual low voltage supplies; local illumination intensity level; low-power dissipation; snapshot CMOS imager; snapshot active pixel sensor; ultra low-power applications; wide dynamic range sensor; CMOS image sensors; CMOS technology; Dynamic range; Image sensors; Layout; Lighting; Low voltage; Marine animals; Pixel; Very large scale integration; Active pixel sensor (APS); low-power sensor; snapshot CMOS imager; wide dynamic range (WDR) sensor;
Journal_Title :
Circuits and Systems II: Express Briefs, IEEE Transactions on
DOI :
10.1109/TCSII.2005.852193