Self-timed vertacolor dichromatic vision sensor for low power pattern detection

This paper proposes a simple focal plane pattern detector architecture using a novel pixel sensor based on the dichromatic vertacolor structure. Additionally, the sensor transfers dichromatic intensity values using a self-timed time-to-first-spike scheme, which provides high dynamic range imaging. The intensity information is transmitted using the address event representation protocol. The spectral information is sampled automatically at each intensity reading in a ratioed way that maintains high dynamic range. A test chip consisting of 20 pixels has been fabricated in 1.5 um 2P 2M CMOS and characterized. The combined pattern detector/ imager core consumes 45 uA at 5 V supply voltage.