An analog to digital converter ADC is adapted for low power for use in an
imaging array. The ADC is a digital inverter with feedback to convert an
asynchronous ramp voltage to an output count at each crossing of a
voltage threshold. A separate circuit generates a voltage ramp that is
coupled through a capacitor to a photocurrent from a detector, generating
an integrating voltage that is raised at a source follower circuit. The
integrating voltage from the source follower circuit is converted to
another voltage ramp and inverted at the ADC. A global count from an
array of such ADCs is stored in a grey counter. The ADC is sufficiently
power-efficient that each unit cell of an array of photo detectors can
have its own ADC. Circuit and device-level embodiments are disclosed.