A combined space-time multiplex architecture for a stacked smart sensor chip

We present a fine-grain parallel processor architecture which considers particularly the requirements defined by future 3-dimensional (3D) stacked optoelectronic devices. The architecture concept is well-suited for novel detector arrays which are exploited in data communication applications based on high-speed VCSEL photonic interconnects as well as for optical sensing applications in smart CMOS camera chips. We assume the presence of a two-dimensional optoelectronic interface mounted on top of the stacked device. Such a vertical communication scheme is perfect for the realization of very compact and fast working devices in embedded systems, e.g. in gripper arms of robots.