DSP PROCESSORS HIT THE MAINSTREAM

Authors
Citation
J. Eyre et J. Bier, DSP PROCESSORS HIT THE MAINSTREAM, Computer, 31(8), 1998, pp. 51
Citations number
5
Categorie Soggetti
Computer Science Software Graphycs Programming","Computer Science Hardware & Architecture","Computer Science Hardware & Architecture","Computer Science Software Graphycs Programming
Journal title
ISSN journal
00189162
Volume
31
Issue
8
Year of publication
1998
Database
ISI
SICI code
0018-9162(1998)31:8<51:DPHTM>2.0.ZU;2-Q
Abstract
These days, the once obscure engineering term ''DSP'' (short for digit al signal processing) is working its way into common use. It has begun to crop up on the labels of an ever wider range of products, from hom e audio components to answering machines. This is not merely a reflect ion of a new marketing strategy, however; there truly is more digital signal processing inside today's products than ever before. But why is the market for DSP processors booming? The answer is somewhat circula r: As microprocessor fabrication processes have become more sophistica ted, the cost of a microprocessor capable of performing DSP tasks has dropped significantly to the point where such a processor can be used in consumer products and other cost-sensitive systems. As a result, mo re and more products have begun using DSP processors, fueling demand f or faster; smaller, cheaper, more energy-efficient chips. Although fun damentally related, DSP processors are significantly different from ge neral-purpose processors (GPPs) like the Intel Pentium or PowerPC. The authors explain what DSP processors are and what they do. They also o ffer a guide to evaluating DSP processors for use in a product or appl ication.