A high speed current-mode median filter for real-time signal processing

A design approach for current-mode median filters, based on sorting networks, is proposed in this paper, by using high speed and accuracy current maximum and minimum selectors. The proposed circuit structure is regular and modular, so it can be easily expanded to meet the requirements of different applications. In order to verify this design methodology, a nine-input median filter has been implemented, and simulation results show that high speed and high accuracy can be obtained. To develop the concept further, the proposed filters can be directly incorporated with smart sensors.