VLSI implementation of edge detector and vector quantizer for very low bitrate video encoding

A VLSI video encoder core is implemented dedicatedly for a very low bitrate coding, with the main theme focused on an edge detector and a vector quantizer. A new mechanism is devised so as to seek horizontal and vertical edges simultaneously, which can achieve a high throughput for the edge detector. A new scheme is also introduced into the PE (Processing Element) array so as to be shared by the vector quantizer and the motion estimator. Owing to these sophisticated concepts, specific functional macrocells have been implemented for the edge detector and vector quantizer in the total area of 55.3 mm² by a 0.6 μm triple-metal CMOS technology