1.5 TXPS convolver using 5b analog flash for real-time large-kernel image filtering

An analog convolution chip for real-time image filtering with large convolution kernels accepts 2k 1b inputs that can be configured as 2-D sub-images of different sizes and depths, from 64/spl times/32/spl times/1b to 12/spl times/32/spl times/5b. 256 kernels of 2k values each are stored in an analog Flash-EEPROM array. Each kernel element (synapse) consists of 6 bits (5 bits + sign) stored as 5b analog values on a pair of Flash-EEPROM devices. The chip maintains 3 MHz throughput, corresponding to 1.5 TCPS. Convolution with large 2-D kernels allows complex image features to be detected directly, increasing system throughput. The chip is programmed with kernels able to detect road lines (boundaries) and is able to filter road images at video rates (15 Frames/s).