High speed variable length code detection using a cascaded structure

Abstract

A high speed code word detecting apparatus and method using a cascade structure detects and separates a variable length code from packed data at high speed in accordance with a code word characteristic. The apparatus includes a code length determining unit for determining a plurality of code length values in accordance with a code starting point determination mask for a number corresponding to a maximum code length value when a packet stream is applied, and a code word selecting unit for generating respective code word starting points based upon remaining bits of a code word separated during a just previous clock cycle, and separating a plurality of code words from the plurality of determined code length values during one clock cycle using a cascade structure. The method includes a first step for sequentially determining a plurality of code length values in accordance with a code starting point determination mask for a number corresponding to a maximum code length value when a packet stream is applied, and a second step for generating respective code word starting points based upon remaining bits of a code word separated during a just previous clock cycle, and separating a plurality of code words from the plurality of determined code length values during one clock cycle.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.