Programmable implementations of xDSL transceiver systems

After a background on digital subscriber line (DSL) technology, this article evaluates the trade-offs between programmable and custom implementations of communications products with an emphasis on xDSL modems. These trade-offs include time to market, risk, flexibility, power consumption, and cost. A key issue is the processing power required to implement the modem. The article takes a detailed look at the processing power required to implement an ADSL or VDSL modem on a programmable platform. It is demonstrated that today´s digital signal processors meet the processing power requirements for an ADSL modem, and it is estimated that the processing requirements of a VDSL modem will be met in the near future