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Introduction to DSP

Basics

What is DSP?

Digital Signal Processing (DSP) is used in a wide variety of applications, and it is hard to find a good definition that is general.

We can start by dictionary definitions of the words:

Digital

operating by the use of discrete signals to represent data in the form of numbers

Signal

a variable parameter by which information is conveyed through an electronic circuit

Processing

to perform operations on data according to programmed instructions

Which leads us to a simple definition of:

Digital Signal processing

changing or analysing information which is measured as discrete sequences of numbers

Note two unique features of Digital Signal processing as opposed to plain old ordinary digital processing:

• signals come from the real world - this intimate connection with the real world leads to many unique needs such as the need to react in real time and a need to measure signals and convert them to digital numbers
• signals are discrete - which means the information in between discrete samples is lost

The advantages of DSP are common to many digital systems and include:

Versatility:

• digital systems can be reprogrammed for other applications (at least where programmable DSP chips are used)
• digital systems can be ported to different hardware (for example a different DSP chip or board level product)

Repeatability:

• digital systems can be easily duplicated
• digital systems do not depend on strict component tolerances
• digital system responses do not drift with temperature

Simplicity:

• some things can be done more easily digitally than with analogue systems

DSP is used in a very wide variety of applications.

but most share some common features:

• they use a lot of maths (multiplying and adding signals)
• they deal with signals that come from the real world
• they require a response in a certain time

Where general purpose DSP processors are concerned, most applications deal with signal frequencies that are in the audio range.

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