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Abstract

A system in accordance with the invention allows a signal processing system to be configured to perform almost any signal processing function. Such a system includes a redefinable signal processing subsystem and a function-specific module. The system can be defined to perform a particular function by attaching a function-specific module to the redefinable subsystem and downloading function-defining code into the subsystem. The redefinable subsystem includes at least a DSP, a local memory interface, a host interface, and a function module interface. The function-specific module includes at least a subsystem interface, an identifier storage unit, a signal format converter, and a communication adapter. In operation, after a function-specific module is coupled to the subsystem, the subsystem receives a function identifier from the identifier storage unit on the module. The subsystem then requests and receives function-defining code from a host. The function-defining code is maintained in an auxiliary memory and portions thereof are periodically distributed to a local memory, coupled to the subsystem via the local memory interface, at which time the code modules are available for execution by the DSP. When engaged in communications, the module receives data from the DSP through a high speed digital serial channel. The module converts the data format with its signal format converter and then passes the converted data to the communication adapter. The communication adapter conditions the data for conveyance to an external communication signal delivery media.

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First Claim