DSPs versus Microprocessors

DSPs differ from microprocessors in a number of ways. Microprocessors are typically built for a range of general purpose functions, and normally run large blocks of software, such as operating systems like Windows or UNIX. Although today's microprocessors, including the popular and well-known Pentium family, are extremely fast-as fast or faster than some DSPs-they are still not often called upon to perform real-time computation or signal processing.

Usually, their bulk processing power is directed more at handling many tasks at once, and controlling huge amounts of memory and data, and controlling a wide variety of computer peripherals (disk drive, modem, video display, etc). However, microprocessors such as Pentiums are notorious for their size, cost, and power consumption to achieve their muscular performance, whereas DSPs are more dedicated, racing through a smaller range of functions at lightning speed, yet less costly and requiring much less space (size) and power consumption to achieve their purpose.

DSPs are often used in "embedded systems", where they are accompanied by all necessary software (stored in onchip ROM or offchip EEPROM), built deep into a piece of equipment, and dedicated to a group of related tasks. In computer systems, DSPs may be employed as attached processors, assisting a general purpose host microprocessor.

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