A low-cost and low-power multi-standard video encoder

Video encoders are an important IP block in mobile multimedia systems. In this paper, we describe a low-cost low-power multi-standard (MPEG4, JPEG, and H.263) video/image encoder. The low-cost and low-power aspects are achieved by the right choice of algorithms and architectures. In the algorithm front, an embedded compression technique for reducing the size of loop memory has enabled a single-chip low-cost realization of the encoder. In the architectural front, an efficient hardware-software partitioning has contributed to the design of a low-power encoder. Further, the hardware components that accelerate the kernels of encoding are implemented as application specific instruction-set processors (ASIPs) thereby providing flexibility to address multi-standard encoding. The power and area estimates for the encoder for QCIF@15fps in 0.18mum CMOS technology are 30mW and 20mm(2) respectively including the loop memory.