Abstract: Apparatus and method receives and reorders a multi-dimensional signal transmitted through a communication channel using a slicer/encoder coupled to a pair-swap and symbol alignment module. The slicer/encoder uses a code that reduces the number of bits for each symbol in the multidimensional signal as required to pass through the pair-swap and symbol alignment module that detects and corrects pair-swap and symbol misalignment in the multidimensional signal. Decoders reverse the encoding done on the multidimensional signal by the encoder, and correct errors that occurred in the transmission of multidimensional signal over the communication channel. Serialized circuitry and performance of symbol alignment and pair-swap reordering in one pass significantly reduce circuitry and power consumption.

Abstract: An active pixel sensor having an amorphous silicon sensing layer and a semiconductor readout layer. A plurality of P-I-N photodiodes are disposed in the sensing layer. The photodiodes define subpixels that are arranged in a hexagonal grid layout. The subpixels can have a hexagonal shape or a circular shape. The sensing layer can include color filters for implementing a color pattern, an infrared filter to absorb infrared radiation, and a microlens for focusing an image on the subpixels. The subpixels can be arranged in a triangular configuration to form a pixel and adjacent pixels can be arranged in the hexagonal grid layout. The readout layer includes a plurality of readout rectangular readout cells that correspond to the subpixels in the sensing layer. The readout cells can be arranged in a triangular configuration to match the subpixels in the sensing layer. The P-I-N photodiodes have an output for generating an output signal that is communicated to the readout cells in the readout layer.