Analyzing memory bandwidth requirements of video algorithms

Memory bandwidth is emerging as the fundamental impediment to higher performance and lower power computer and communication systems. In this paper, we present an analysis of memory bandwidth requirements for the H.263 video codec algorithms. We make use of memory traces generated as a result of running Telenor´s H.263 video encoder and decoder software implementations to simulate a large number of cache configurations. In the area of analysis of video algorithms, this paper focuses on the following issues: We provide a study of how varying cache size, block size, associativity, replacement policy, and organization parameters such as split versus unified cache affects memory bandwidth requirements. A comparative study of encoder and decoder bandwidth requirements is presented. We also study various advanced encoding options provided with the H.263 standard in this light. Based on our study, we provide guidelines for traffic-directed memory system design