(29-October-2021, Shenzhen, China) AlpsenTek, a pioneer in bionic vision sensing technology, announced today the release of the ALPIX-Pilatus (ALPIX-P), the industry’s first hybrid bionic event-based vision sensor. The chip marks a significant technological milestone by integrating conventional image sensor (CIS) capabilities and bionic event-based vision (EVS) technology within a single pixel. And the company confirmed that ALPIX-P samples will be available to strategic customers starting in mid-November.
The ALPIX-P is designed to toggle seamlessly between image mode and event mode. In its image mode, the chip functions as a high-performance global shutter sensor with a maximum frame rate of 120fps, ensuring full compatibility with existing commercial vision systems. In its bionic mode, the sensor mimics the human eye to capture high-speed motion with a wide dynamic range and superior data efficiency.
“The maturity of our hybrid vision technology proves that merging frame-based and event-based sensing at the pixel level is not only possible but commercially viable,” said a spokesperson for the AlpsenTek. “This integration solves the longstanding industry challenge of data registration and system compatibility that has previously hindered the adoption of pure event-based sensors.”
ALPIX-P utilizes the company’s patented Hybrid Vision architecture. By outputting both event streams and standard image frames in parallel, the “two-in-one” sensor eliminates the need for complex dual-camera setups. This alignment at the hardware level removes the heavy computational burden typically required to synchronize disparate data types.
Key technical advantages of the ALPIX-P include:
- Reduced system complexity: By replacing 2 sensors with 1, manufacturers can lower hardware costs and reduce the physical footprint of vision modules.
- Industry-leading pixel size: The chip achieves a minimal equivalent pixel size (1.89 μm²), a prerequisite for bringing high-resolution bionic vision to the consumer electronics market.
- High cost efficiency: Fully compatible with standard CIS manufacturing processes, the ALPIX series maintains a price point competitive with traditional CIS sensors, facilitating mass-market adoption.
The sensor is positioned for a wide array of high-growth sectors, including robotics, smartphones, autonomous vehicles, drones, and smart security systems. To accelerate market integration, AlpsenTek has developed a suite of SDKs and system reference designs for VIoT and machine vision, allowing clients to transition quickly from development to “design-in” phases.
The release of ALPIX-P serves as a technical foundation for the company’s 2022 roadmap, which includes the launch of two high-resolution mass-production chips: ALPIX-Eiger and ALPIX-Titlis. These upcoming iterations will utilize 3D-stacked technology to further enhance low-light performance and resolution.
