The hardware software mix Of DSP enabled radio

The introduction of modular and flexible processor cores gives engineers the choice of whether DSP functionality should be implemented in hardware or software. Whilst these flexible cores have the benefits that can result in solutions that are efficient in both code size and digital gate count, hardware and software engineers have to be aware of the compromises and issues of the other discipline. This paper describes the criteria of crucial boundaries, design fit, utilisation and fixed implementation that can be used to determine whether a DSP function should be implemented in hardware or software. This paper follows the case study of an FSK radio ASIC development and uses examples to illustrate how these criteria can be used in practice. The case study shows that when applied correctly these criteria can be used to create a DSP solution efficient in both hardware and software.