Sobel edge detection processor for a real-time volume rendering system

This paper describes a novel fast and low-power Sobel edge detection processor targeted for image processing and volume rendering applications. The Sobel processor was built as a part of the real-time shear-warp factorization volume rendering system to compute a gradient. Sobel operator processor was designed and implemented in 0.18 μm CMOS technology. Optimizations made at the mathematical model led to a simple regular architecture. High speed and low power consumption were achieved due to implementation of pipelining and parallelism at the components level. Employing the non-full swing CPL to design the Sobel processor sub-components reduced the power-delay product up to 40%. Simulation results showed that processor achieved the worst-case delay time of 4.61 ns and dissipates an average of 8.24 mW at 1.8 V and 200 MHz.