A ranked order filter implementation for parallel analog processing

Order statistic filtering, the generalization of which is ranked order filtering, is needed for many image-processing functions including median filtering and mathematical morphology. Combining order statistic functionality with the parallel operation and local connectivity of array processing approaches such as the cellular nonlinear network model, has the potential for very high performance in image processing. This paper examines the implementation of programmable ranked order extraction with a very compact hardware realization of an analog current-mode ranked order filter. The considerable savings in the required circuit area, compared to other circuits, make it possible to use the structure as a building block in a massively parallel signal processing array. The operation of the circuit is analyzed in detail with the help of simulations and measurement results obtained from a test chip manufactured in a 0.18-(mu)m standard digital CMOS technology are also presented. The simulations and measurement results verify the correct operation of the circuit and show that it is very suitable for inclusion in every cell of a large parallel processor array. This makes many grayscale processing functions available with truly parallel operation and therefore very high performance.