A high-throughput memory-based VLC decoder with codeword boundary prediction

In this paper, we present a high-throughput memory-based VLC decoder with codeword boundary prediction. The required information for prediction is added to the proposed branch models. Based on an efficient scheme, these branch models and the Huffman tree structure are mapped onto memory modules. Taking the prediction information, the decompression scheme can determine the codeword length before the decoding procedure is completed. Therefore, a parallel-processor architecture can be applied to the VLC decoder to enhance the system performance. With a clock rate of 100 MHz, a dual-processor decoding process can achieve decompression rate up to 72.5 Msymbols/s on the average. Consequently, the proposed VLC decompression scheme meets the requirements of current and advanced multimedia applications.