By BDTI, 10/11/2004
As digital signal processing finds its way into
an ever-broader range of applications, processors that were not
designed with signal-processing applications in mind are often called
upon to perform substantial signal-processing tasks. At the same time,
DSP processors are taking on new types of tasks—for example, processors
designed for audio applications often must handle video as well. Often,
the best way for a processor vendor to meet these expanding, evolving
signal processing requirements is to design a new processor.
Designing a new processor involves difficult
tradeoffs. For example, one way to meet new application requirements is
to abandon the current architecture and start over with a clean slate.
This approach allows maximum flexibility in meeting application
requirements, but it sacrifices compatibility. Other approaches involve
modifying an existing architecture through techniques like extending
the instruction set or adding a DSP coprocessor. These approaches can
maintain compatibility, but may not provide an adequate increase in
performance.
Another complex design tradeoff involves balancing performance
on a specific application against performance on a broad range of
applications. Specialized features may have limited utility outside of
a specific target application, but generic DSP features may provide
insufficient performance for the target application. Designing
application-specific features is especially tricky when the
characteristics of the target application are in flux. In this
situation, overly specialized features may become obsolete as target
application requirements mature.
Determining the best design for a processor requires knowledge
of architectural options and application requirements, and an
understanding of how architectural features map to application needs.
With its extensive knowledge of existing architectures and hands-on
experience in implementing signal processing applications, BDTI has a
unique ability to help processor architects design processors for
digital signal processing applications.
In one consulting engagement, BDTI advised a major semiconductor
manufacturer on expanding the capabilities of a general-purpose
microprocessor family for signal processing-intensive applications.
BDTI analyzed and characterized the demands of the target applications
and weighed the available solutions, including instruction set
extensions, use of a coprocessor, and design of an all-new
architecture. BDTI recommended a strategy that provided practical
solutions in the near term while also mapping out an attractive path
for more powerful future processors.
To learn more about how BDTI can help you optimize your processor for signal processing applications, contact Jeremy Giddings (giddings@BDTI.com) or visit http://www.BDTI.com/products/services_advisory.html
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