Associative architecture for fast DCT

This paper discusses an associative processor architecture designed to meet the demands of real-time image processing applications. In a single chip, this architecture provides thousands of processors-one for each pixel, in the form of associative memory. This paper focuses on a generic, proprietary associative processor architecture and discusses implementing the discrete cosine transform (DCT) using processors based on this architecture. Associative Computing Ltd. has developed a commercial associative chip based on this architecture, and while the DCT implementation discussed refers to future generations based on this architecture, reference is made throughout to the company´s present processor. Processors based on our associative architecture can process the large amounts of data typically required in real-time imaging applications at a lower cost-performance ratio than conventional processors. The scalable nature of memory-based processor architecture allows developers to rapidly increase processing power without altering the fundamental processor, or system architecture. The underlying technologies used in the company´s present processor can significantly facilitate the development of associative processing as an alternative to conventional processing for video applications including compression and video editing