A DSP for DCT-based and wavelet-based video codecs for consumerapplications

We have developed a video digital signal processor (VDSP1) which performs real-time encoding and decoding for discrete cosine transform- (DCT-) based algorithms such as ITU-T H.261, H.263 and wavelet-based subband encoding algorithms. This LSI is suitable for consumer applications, as it was implemented using 0.5 μm CMOS process technology to realize compactness (one million transistors on 65 mm²) and low power (maximum: 560 mW). It features a processing unit which performs wavelet filtering at high speeds, a compact DCT circuit, and a fast, flexible DRAM interface for low-cost systems. At 40 MHz, a single chip is capable of processing quarter common intermediate format (QCIF) (176×144 pixels) size pictures at a rate greater than 15 frames/s