A high-throughput and low-complexity H.264/AVC intra 16×16 prediction architecture for HD video sequences

Intra prediction reduces redundancy by exploiting the similarities between video samples within one video frame and it is characterized by high data dependency, high number of memory accesses and intensive computational complexity. This paper proposes a high-throughput and low-complexity intra 16×16 prediction architecture that supports H.264/AVC high profile. The high speed prediction for H.264 meets the requirement for real time encoding of HD sequences. The architecture is capable of processing all four prediction modes, including highly complex plane mode. Parallel processing of 16 pixels, corresponding to the 4×4 block, is employed. The design is able to encode entire macroblock within 48 cycles. The proposed architecture is synthesized and implemented on Kintex 705 - XC7K325T board and requires 94 MHz to encode 4k×2k at 60 fps in real time.