The Architecture Of VLSI Digital Signal Processors

With the introduction of now VLSI techniques, new levels of integration were possible. These new techniques and higher levels of integration allow the implementation of optimized processors for specific applications with large requirements. Real-Time Digital Signal Processing (RT-DSP) was an area whose requirements were riot achievable by the technology that was available in the mid 1970's. Obviously, the requirements for RT-DSP depend on the application, but in the general case were large enough for most general purpose microprocessors, thus requiring the search for others cost-effective solutions. One of the proposed solutions was the use of specialized processors, highly optimized for digital signal processing tasks. These specialized processors, are often referred as digital signal processors. According to their degree of optimization, digital signal processors had been classified into several generations: first, second, third and possibly a fourth (next) generation. This document presents a survey of digital signal processors, together with a set Of expectations for next generation processors. This document represents an extract of some of the conclusions found in [1] in which a larger and more comprehensive survey and analysis of the optimizations performed in most digital signal processors as well as a set of recommendations, expectations andlor projections for next generation processors were presented.