Embedded Signal Processing with the Micro Signal Architecture

Chapter 1

Introduction

1.1    EMBEDDED PROCESSOR: MICRO SIGNAL ARCHITECTURE

Embedded systems are usually part of larger and complex systems and are usually implemented on dedicated hardware with associated software to form a computational engine that will efficiently perform a specific function. The dedicated hardware (or embedded processor) with the associated software is embedded into many applications. Unlike general-purpose computers, which are designed to perform many general tasks, an embedded system is a specialized computer system that is usually integrated as part of a larger system. For example, a digital still camera takes in an image, and the embedded processor inside the camera compresses the image and stores it in the compact flash. In some medical instrument applications, the embedded processor is programmed to record and process medical data such as pulse rate and blood pressure and uses this information to control a patient support system. In MP3 players, the embedded processor is used to process compressed audio data and decodes them for audio playback. Embedded processors are also used in many consumer appliances, including cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDA), portable gaming devices, digital versatile disc (DVD) players, digital camcorders, fax machines, scanners, and many more.

Among these embedded signal processing-based devices and applications, digital signal processing (DSP) is becoming a key component for handling signals such as speech, audio, ...