A new processor architecture dedicated to digital modem applications

The aim of this paper is to present a new processor architecture designed to cope with most of the functions of a high rate digital modem application. This work is part of an EURICO European project, whose target is the design of a TV cable modem. The paper introduces many of the aspects of the TV cable digital modem application. Functional solutions for many of the application problems are presented. Then, the processor architecture, based on a core processor (core DSP) and on auxiliary dedicated modules (ADM) is described. The architectural choices and the main advantages are discussed.