VLSI design and implementation fuels the signal-processing revolution

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the history of how signal-processing researchers have been effectively transforming signal-processing algorithms into efficient implementations. Starting from the early days of analog circuits for signal processing, to digital signal processors (DSPs), to application specific DSPs and programmable DSPs, and to the trend of integrating a complete system on a single chip, this article provides a thorough coverage of the past and the present of design and implementation technology for signal processing systems. Moreover, it presents the exciting challenges faced by the study of the design and implementation of current and future signal processing applications. Topics covered include milestones in signal-processing integrated circuits, the past and future of the signal processor, signal processing in consumer applications, and design automation for signal processing.