Near-sensor and in-sensor computing

The number of nodes typically used in sensory networks is growing rapidly, leading to large amounts of redundant data being exchanged between sensory terminals and computing units. To efficiently process such large amounts of data, and decrease power consumption, it is necessary to develop approaches to computing that operate close to or inside sensory networks, and that can reduce the redundant data movement between sensing and processing units. Here we examine the concept of near-sensor and in-sensor computing in which computation tasks are moved partly to the sensory terminals. We classify functions into low-level and high-level processing, and discuss the implementation of near-sensor and in-sensor computing for different physical sensing systems. We also analyse the existing challenges in the field and provide possible solutions for the hardware implementation of integrated sensing and processing units using advanced manufacturing technologies. This Perspective examines the concept of near-senor and in-sensor computing in which computation tasks are moved partly to the sensory terminals, exploring the challenges facing the field and providing possible solutions for the hardware implementation of integrated sensing and processing units using advanced manufacturing technologies.