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/Services/Engineering
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