A Retina-Inspired Image Sensor Array Based on Randomly-Accessible Active Pixel Sensor

Abstract

Human retina is by nature a superior image sensor with a high sensitivity, wide dynamic range as well as low power consumption. In this paper, an image sensor array based on randomly-accessible active pixel design is studied where to mimic retinal photoreceptor, a photodiode-body-biased MOSFET (PD-MOS) with an adjustable gain of 10-420000 (higher than 10 5 ), a wide dynamic range of 140 dB and a spectral responsibility of 3-25000A/W from near UV to near IR wavelengths, is proposed. The image sensor array can capture images under light intensity ranging from 10nW/cm 2 to 3mW/cm 2 and its dynamic range is approximately 110dB.