A generator-based method for designing application specific DSPs

A top-down generator-based method for designing application-specific digital signal processors (ASDSPs) has been developed as a first step towards an automatic synthesis of digital signal processing integrated circuits. An ASDSP design environment for fast development based on the use of predesigned hierarchical layout generators has been created. A library of parametrized layout generators was constructed to prove in the overall technique. Data flow graphs pertaining to an ASDSP are mapped into equivalent digital hardware blocks. Data communication is done asynchronously between the blocks using a simple handshake protocol. Using this technique the authors have designed finite-impulse response filter layout generator whose control section remains invariant with the change of order of the filter. Users can get a layout of the desired filter by specifying only its frequency characteristics.<>