EvalWare: web resources and recommendations for DSP hardware design [Best of The Web]

In this issue, "Best of the Web" focuses on web resources that are useful for understanding the features of digital signal processor (DSP) devices and using DSPs to build systems and applications. Most readers of this magazine are well versed in the theory and algorithms of digital signal processing. However, making the transition from DSP theory to DSP hardware can be quite a challenge, especially for people whose computer engineering background is not particularly extensive. The saying "the devil is in the details" was probably coined by a DSP hardware engineer! For example, an algorithm that performs beautifully in MATLAB can, when implemented in DSP hardware, fail to run or--worse yet--seem to run fine but provide incorrect output. There are many implementation paths for DSP hardware, with many large differences and many more subtle nuances that are keys to a successful design. We hope the reader won't underestimate the pitfalls that can wreak havoc on a DSP hardware project.