AIStorm and Tower Semiconductor Launch Cheetah HS: World's First Up-to-260K FPS AI-in-Imager Chip for High-Speed Imaging Applications

AIStorm and Tower Semiconductor have introduced Cheetah HS, a chip capable of capturing up to 260,000 frames per second, outpacing traditional CMOS sensors by 2,000 to 4,000 times. This technology combines charge-domain AI with low cost and power requirements, targeting various industrial applications. The Cheetah HS is now available for deployment in robotics, security, and sports analytics.

AIStorm and Tower Semiconductor have introduced Cheetah HS, a groundbreaking chip that can capture up to 260,000 frames per second, significantly outperforming traditional CMOS sensors by 2,000 to 4,000 times [1]. This innovative technology combines charge-domain AI with low cost and power consumption, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial applications.

The Cheetah HS, which is available now in both chip form and full reference-camera systems, is designed to address the need for ultra-slow-motion analysis of real-time events in various fields. Its unique charge-domain architecture converts incoming photons to charge, computes the first neural-network layer in analog form, and outputs a pulse train that can be processed by downstream networks. This allows for adjustable frame rates, enhanced low-light performance, and a dramatic cost advantage over competitors [1].

Key advantages of Cheetah HS include:
- Adjustable frame rate up to 260,000 frames per second (fps)
- Integrated LED driver (programmable up to 40 mA)
- Enhanced low light performance
- Integrated charge-domain neuron layer outputting pulse streams for downstream neural-network layers or raw high-speed video
- Dramatic cost advantage over competitors

By combining ultra-high-speed imaging with charge-domain AI, Cheetah HS slashes system power requirements and bill-of-materials cost for designers of robotics, drones, vibration- and structure-health monitors, high-speed security and surveillance tracking systems, manufacturing and assembly lines, barcode readers, PCB-inspection equipment, biometric unlock systems, vehicle-speed detectors, and even golf-swing analyzers [1].

The Cheetah HS architecture is made possible by Tower Semiconductor’s unique charge-domain imaging platform, which is leveraged by AIStorm’s proprietary charge-domain-based analog AI neurons [1]. This collaboration has resulted in a platform with inherent low-power, low-cost, and high-performance virtues, enabling a family of affordable, high-volume products in the near future [1].

References:
[1] https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/08/12/3131504/0/en/AIStorm-Tower-Semiconductor-Introduce-Cheetah-HS-World-s-First-Up-to-260K-FPS-AI-in-Imager-Chip-for-Inspection-Robotics-Sports.html