ABSTRACT
During the last few years, signal processing integrated circuits have always introduced the newest lowpower digital design techniques. Two main factors motivate this design trend. The first is the abundant proliferation and market penetration of cellular phones. During the first phase in the life cycle of cellular systems, programmable digital signal processors (DSPs) were used to implement the voice coding component. As DSPs became more powerful and flexible, they took over most of the baseband tasks within a cellular handset such as channel coding (convolutional coding and decoding), encryption/decryption, and demodulation/equalization [1]. Consumer preferences placed significant importance on handset size and battery life and this in turn created pressure in the design community to produce higher performance and lower power signal processors. The second motivating factor is the introduction of a new breed of consumer electronic devices such as digital cameras, portable digital video and audio players, and wireless-enabled personal digital assistants that require substantial signal processing capability and at the same time are battery-powered and can benefit substantially from reduced energy consumption.
