ASPA: Focal Plane digital processor array with asynchronous processing capabilities

In this paper we present implementation and experimental results for a digital vision chip that operates in mixed asynchronous/synchronous mode. Mixed configuration benefits from full programmability (discrete-time mode) and high operational performance in global image processing operations (continuous-time mode) thus extending the application field of smart sensors from low- to medium-level processing. A 19×22 proof-of-concept chip was fabricated and tested. At peak operational frequency (150MHz) each cell provides 9.6 MOPS thus achieving area utilization 820.8 MOPS/mm
²
and power efficiency 29 GOPS/W.