Trends and challenges for wireless embedded DSPs

Programmable digital signal processors (DSP) are key enablers of rapidly expanding wireless markets. The primary handset market, subject to strict power constraints, also creates substantial process scaling barriers. Nonetheless, DSPs in particular, and hand-held ICs in general, are uniquely situated to utilize emerging circuit and SOC design techniques to their advantage, allowing more aggressive processes despite power barriers. This paper discusses some of the challenges and design opportunities.