A compact block-matching cell for analogue motion estimation processors

This paper describes a block-matching cell suitable for use in analogue implementations of motion estimation processors for digital video coding. The compact eight-transistor circuit makes use of the inherent square-law characteristic of the MOS transistor in saturation to realize the most computational demanding part of the processor. Measured results from fabricated samples of the cell were used to simulate the performance of an analogue motion estimation processor. The results of the simulations show the suitability of the analogue approach in this application. The use of analogue circuits is expected to reduce size, complexity, and power consumption without degrading video quality.