Real-time video vector quantization encoder using FPGA chip

Vector Quantization has becoming a viable approach in the coding of speech and image data in the last decade. The regularity and simplicity of the VQ process make it feasible for low cost and low complexity hardware implementation, while maintaining an acceptable level of perceived image quality at relatively low bit rate. For real-time video VQ encoder, in order to process the high-speed image data stream, most people are still heavily reliant on systolic and VLSI implementations. This has become a major obstacle in the maturity of today´s hardware VQ encoder. Such design processes are expensive, relatively time consuming, and most importantly, inflexible. In this paper, a real-time video VQ encoder using FPGA chip for implementation is presented. Such design process is low cost, relatively fast, and flexible. The finished VQ encoder chip is running at a system clock of 5 MHz and capable of encoding color SIF images at 30 fps