(Shenzhen, China, 29-October-2021) AlpsenTek announced today the release of the ALPIX-Pilatus (APX001), a hybrid bionic event-based vision sensor. The chip marks a technological milestone by integrating conventional image sensor (CIS) capabilities and bionic event-based vision (EVS) technology within a single pixel. AlpsenTek also confirmed that ALPIX-P will launch sampling in mid-November.
The ALPIX-P is designed to integrate image mode and event mode. In its image mode, the chip functions as a global shutter image sensor with a maximum frame rate of 120 fps, ensuring high compatibility with existing vision systems. In its bionic/event mode, the sensor mimics the human eye to capture high-speed motion with a wide dynamic range and high data efficiency.
“The maturity of the hybrid vision technology proves that merging frame-based and event-based sensing at the pixel level is not only possible but commercially potential,” said a spokesperson for the AlpsenTek. “This integration solves a longs-lasting 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 reduces the need for complex dual-camera registration. This alignment at the hardware-level removes the heavy computational burden of synchronizing disparate data types.
Key technical advantages of the ALPIX-P include:
- Reduced system complexity: By replacing two sensors with one, developer could lower hardware and system cost.
- Small pixel size: The chip achieves brings small pixel size to meet the requirement of consumer electronics market.
- High cost efficiency: It is compatible with standard CIS processes. And the price of ALPIX series is competitive, compared with a peer CIS sensor.
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.
