Current state-of-the-art in one of the EECS - Research Paper Example

The move is driven by the existing gap between designer’s productivity and DSP increased complexity. As microprocessors, digital signal perform data manipulation and mathematical calculations and are characterized by real time digital signal processing competencies as data is processed in real time, high throughput, software re-programmability and deterministic operation. Despite appearing in the market in the early 1980s, DSP have numerous applications and have become key enabling technology for numerous electronics products in fields like automotive, instrumentation and military, multimedia and electronics products.

Since the 1980s, DSPs have undergone extreme evolution namely in terms of hardware features, software development tools and integration. Hardware evolution occurred in two phases which are the development phase and the consolidation phase. The development phase took place until 1990 when DSP was characterized by fixed width instruction set. From 1990 to date, DSP hardware consolidation has seen development of parallel architectures, multiprocessing support, fewer manufacturers, specialized families and improved debug potential.

Very Long Instruction Word VLIW and Single Instruction Multiple Data or SIMD emerged during DSP consolidation period and introduced parallelism that enhanced DSP performance. Conversely, DSP software tools have improved in a spectacular way as code compilers have evolved to effectively deal with the underlying hardware complexity and increased DSP architecture. The enhanced code compilers enable the developer to efficiently use high level languages to program more and at improved efficiency. Today, advanced programming tools like Matlab and LabView DSP module, enable the graphical DSP programming through interconnection of pre-defined blocks that are later converted into DSP code while high performance simulators, debugging and emulator facilities provide the developer with high DSP visibility with little or no interference on the execution of program.

Through their recent associated numerous changes, programmable DSPs have become not only a rising star but also one of the fastest growing segments within the industry of processors. New developments in DSP that will influence future chip designs Today’s automobiles are experiencing a revolution that has seen gradual elimination of systems that are purely analog electronics and mechanical. Consequently, the automobile industry is gradually turning digital and incorporating dozens of embedded processors whose connection is through multiple digital networks that are optimizing and controlling nearly all operations. Hori (1) reveals that the automobile industry will experience more advancement in future car generations while the development of complex algorithms for signal processing will contribute in advancing emission and engine control, safety, driver interfaces, and in-cabin information and entertainment or infotainment.

Despite the increasing applications of DSPs in automotives, the selection of automotive processor is influenced by factors such as automobile qualification, on-chip integration, prices, performance, and efficiency of energy use. The automotive DSPs selection is also