A motion estimation processor for MPEG2 video real time encoding at wide search range

We have developed a motion estimation processor, named COMET (COmpact Motion Estimation processor for real-Time MPEG2 encoding) for real-time MPEG2 encoding. COMET contains a full pel resolution estimation processor made up of 256 processing elements, a half pel resolution estimation processor made up of 8 processing elements and an SDRAM interface. This chip searches motion vectors through a full search method in a horizontal and vertical range of -16 pel to +15.5 pel. COMET is implemented by using 0.5 μm-CMOS technology and contains 1.5 million transistors on an area of 12.9 mm×11.1 mm. COMET has a computation power of 42GOPS at 80 MHz and performs real-time motion vector estimation at a speed of 54 MHz for 720 ×480 pel. An MPEG2 real-time encoding system with a high quality image for MP@ML can be realized using COMET