Wide dynamic range snapshot APS for ultra low-power applications

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-um CMOS technology. A single pixel occupies 18 * 32 mu m area and is expected to dissipate 18.5 nW at video rate. System architecture and operation are discussed and simulation results are presented.