This whitepaper by Phil Verghese, CTO of RidgeRun, takes a close look at the growing trend of combining Embedded Linux with digital signal processors (DSPs) in smart devices and embedded systems used in a wide range of consumer and commercial applications. Verghese writes . . .

“Digital Signal Processors (DSPs) are at the core of multimedia, wireless, and broadband devices that require significant real-time processing such as digital cameras, cellular phones, MP3 players, VoIP phones, and DSL/cable modems. Many of these devices will be running embedded Linux for its flexibility, reliability, and ease of Internet connectivity.”

“Today, consumers are beginning to expect handheld devices to incorporate the latest multimedia functionality, matching what they are accustomed to on their desktop systems. Some embedded device manufacturers simply run their processors at higher and higher clock speeds, at the cost of reduced battery life. However, since DSPs execute multiple instructions per clock tick, they are able to deliver far more MIPS at lower clock speeds — resulting in increased battery life.”

“Multimedia is not the only place where DSPs excel. They are also well suited to voice processing, wireless communications, compression, and encryption tasks.”

“Many devices, therefore, will incorporate DSPs together with Linux, as manufacturers work to keep up with consumer demand for Internet-enabled mobile devices.”

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