Computer based and dedicated hardware projects for the teaching of digital signal processing

The learning of digital signal processing (DSP) involves both the understanding of various theoretical concepts, and the practical development and implementation of algorithms and functions. The latter can be taught by either computer-based exercises or a hardware laboratory which uses either algorithm specific integrated circuits, or DSP microprocessors. The use of algorithm specific integrated circuits can be considered as a by-product of learning digital hardware design and DSP theory. Hence, it can be used to illustrate the implementation of certain concepts, not necessarily in a laboratory environment but rather as the basis of final year and MSc projects. Since it provides an interactive environment and graphs can be readily plotted, MATLAB based exercises are being developed. A brief comparison is made between the various computer-based teaching techniques. This is followed by a description of the assignments of the modular course and some of the DSP projects.