A median filter device is provided with a reordered circuit, a comparison circuit and a data refresh circuit on the basis of the conventional data buffer circuit and data register circuit. The reorder circuit re-sorts the signal data stored in the data buffer circuit in a preceding clock cycle according to their numerical values. The comparison circuit compares the new signal datum entered in the current clock cycle with the signal data already stored to generate a median. The data refresh circuit updates the signal codes stored in the data register circuit with the signal codes corresponding to the new signal data, for calculation of the median in a following clock cycle. The length of the data buffer circuit and data register circuit can be reduced from N signal data to N-1 signal data, which achieves less data storage capacity, smaller circuit area, easier data processing and higher operation efficiency.

A median filter device is provided with a reordered circuit, a comparison circuit and a data refresh circuit on the basis of the conventional data buffer circuit and data register circuit. The reorder circuit re-sorts the signal data stored in the data buffer circuit in a preceding clock cycle according to their numerical values. The comparison circuit compares the new signal datum entered in the current clock cycle with the signal data already stored to generate a median. The data refresh circuit updates the signal codes stored in the data register circuit with the signal codes corresponding to the new signal data, for calculation of the median in a following clock cycle. The length of the data buffer circuit and data register circuit can be reduced from N signal data to N1 signal data, which achieves less data storage capacity, smaller circuit area, easier data processing and higher operation efficiency.

A scalable rank filter and method that performs rank filtering based on input data samples are disclosed. In one embodiment, the rank filter comprises a pipeline that receives input data samples and generates an output based on the input data samples as a result of completing execution of the pipeline. The rank filter includes output logic to determine the output prior completing execution of the pipeline and outputs an indication of a median.