DSP Systems

In the field of electronics, the last two decades belonged to the microprocessor. It led the evolution from a computing model of multiple users sharing a single mainframe CPU to the commonplace expectation of an individual processor on each desk, networked to others over wires. The PC was the icon of progresses in semiconductor technology and software.

The future, however, is being claimed by the Digital Signal Processor. Smaller, cheaper, running cooler, and specifically tuned for the purpose, DSPs are what are enabling the next revolution. Multiple CPUs to an individual, embedded in a range of equipment that go along with you, allowing you to communicate and share content with others over high bandwidth channels.

Little surprise then that the Digital Signal Processor market was $5 Billion in the year 2000, growing at 30%. On top of this, the DSP application software market was estimated to be $9 Billion, growing at 50%.

The 2009 worldwide DSP market is projected to be larger than the PC processor market.

This explosive growth is fuelled by the proliferation of DSP applications such as High speed networking/switching/routing, Voice/Fax Modems, xDSL and Cable Modems, Broadband, Wireless, Digital and Internet Audio, Digital Imaging and Video, Digital Audio and Video Broadcast, Set top boxes and Internet TVs.

Very unlike the Personal Computer, which remained virtually the single application for general-purpose microprocessors.

New killer applications continue to evolve in the DSP space. Are you up to the challenge of inventing the next one?