Advanced space-qualified downlink image compression ASIC for commercial remote sensing applications
Bernard V. Brower, Michael A. Cosgrove, Donald H. Lewis, Glenn R. VanLare, Thomas J. Fisher, David M. Charneski · Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE · 2000
Eastman Kodak Company developed a rate-controlled adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation (DPCM) image compression algorithm for commercial remote sensing applications. This algorithm is currently being used in a space-qualified ASIC in the Space Imaging Incorporated IKONOS satellite and the soon- to-be-launched EarthWatch QuickBird satellite. This ASIC compresses the raw imagery data (before calibration) at a speed just under 4 Megapixels per second. Kodak has redesigned this ASIC to increase the functionality and throughput while maintaining the power and area. With advancements in ASIC design, the compression algorithm, and fabrication techniques, the new compression ASIC has achieved the operating rate of 22 Megapixels per second. A third option mode has also been added to increase the capability of the ASIC to achieve lossless compression ratios of 2:1 to lossy compression ratios of 5:1. This new ASIC is intended to meet the future commercial remote sensing requirements for increased resolution and greater area coverage.