Abstract
We present a high-performance hardwired context-based adaptive binary arithmetic decoder (CABAD) for H.264/AVC. Based on an analysis of decoding time for different types of syntax elements, we propose three parallel processing techniques. Our decoder takes 309 clock cycles to decode a typical I-type macroblock. It needs to run at only 45MHz for 1080HD application. Therefore, our architecture is suitable for low power mobile applications. © 2007 IEEE.