Real-time MPEG2 encoding and decoding with a dual-issue RISC processor

A single chip system for real-time encoding and decoding for MPEG2, except for motion estimation, can be created by integrating two 250 MHz dual issue RISC processor cores with a small dedicated hardware for the variable length encoding/decoding (VLC/VLD) and block loading process. The estimated area for the encoder, 27.7 mm/sup 2/ using a 0.3-micrometer CMOS process, is 20% smaller than that of the dedicated hardware approach. An approach that uses dual issue RISC processors has the advantage of a smaller chip area and also that of being very easy to program for multimedia applications.