Digital Signal Processing in Electrical Engineering

Do you have a passion for mathematics and computer science? Do you believe enhancing technology’s performance is a good idea? Then a career in signal processing might be the perfect fit for you.

Signal processing entails manipulating or transforming information such that we can perceive things in it that aren’t possible through direct observation.

The technique of examining and transforming a signal to maximize or enhance its effectiveness or functionality is known as digital signal processing (DSP), which is a subfield of signal processing. It involves incorporating several mathematical and computational algorithms into analog and digital signals to create a signal of more refined quality than the original one.

Signal processing is included in the FE examination curriculum and is covered in most FE exam preparation courses.

In this article, we will discuss the components and advantages of a DSP electrical engineering system. Furthermore, we will also go over the applications of digital signal processing.

Let’s get started.

Types of Digital Signal Processing Applications

Following are the types of digital signal processing applications:

• Audio compression
• Video compression
• Image compression
• Data compression
• Speech processing
• Voice recognition
• Photo manipulation
• Digital image processing
• Spectral density estimation
• Digital communications
• Radio detection and ranging systems
• Seismology
• Sound navigation and ranging systems

Applications for Engineering Devices in Digital Signal Processing

Sonar is an application of digital signal processing (DSP), which utilizes sound propagation to maneuver, interact with, or detect objects below the water’s surface. Sonar typically uses two different sorts of technologies: passive sonar and active sonar. Active sonar is used to emit sound pulses and listen to echoes, while passive sonar is used to hear the sound of the vessels. Acoustic assessments may also be performed with sonar.

Radar is an object-detection system that employs radio waves to regulate an element’s distance, angle, or speed. Radar is used to transmit radio waves to far-off items and assess their reflections. Radar is utilized for air traffic control to prevent mid-air accidents and to forecast the weather situation. Meteorology also makes use of radar to help predict the weather.

The Components of Digital Signal Processing

Effective DSP electronics systems are made up of several different components, including the following:

DSP Chip – It is referred to as a DSP system’s “brain.” Here, all essential computations and algorithms are carried out.

Input and Output – This serves as the connection between other devices and the outside world. To put it simply, analog signals are converted to digital, processed, and then transferred to the analog domain to communicate with headphone users again.

Computer Engine – This component of the DSP accesses the program from the program memory and the data from the data memory to evaluate all of the arithmetic operations that occur during communication.

Program Memory – The programs required for data translation are stored in a DSP’s program memory, just like any other memory program. The processor manipulates or compresses information using the program memory.

Data Memory – It functions with program memory and serves as a storage place for any data that may need to be processed.

Advantages of Digital Signal Processing

Following are the main advantages of electrical engineering signal processing:

Flexibility: DSP fosters flexibility. Many functions are provided when DSP systems are used, including upgrades, modifications, and alterations.

Information: Data can be utilized to augment or strengthen desired signal features or even to minimize unwanted aspects.

Power: Real-world signals are transformed into a realm where mathematical and scientific abstractions are subsequently implemented. As a result, a solid processing system is created.

Efficiency: DSP enables customers to complete tasks swiftly, practically, and affordably.

Adaptability: Data is processed by DSP adaptively. This approach is crucial in dynamic applications like audio and speech, mainly when deployed in industrial settings.

Here are some other advantages of DSP electrical engineering systems:

• Signal processing electrical engineering system considerably boosts the overall worth of hearing protection.
• DSP reduces noise without obstructing the speech signal.
• DSP systems safeguard people from harmful noise exposure without affecting communication.
• DSP electronics systems operate over a wider frequency range.
• The DSP can be cascaded in a digital system without any loading complications.
• A complex signal processing algorithm can be quickly developed by applying the DSP methodology.
• DSPs are compact and lighter.

Conclusion

DSP electrical engineering systems examine and process real-world or analog signals, the type that humans communicate with, such as speech. These signals are processed after being transformed into a format that systems can comprehend, i.e., digital.

Wasim Asghar – P.E, P.ENG, M.ENG

Licensed Professional Engineer in Texas (PE), Florida (PE) and Ontario (P. Eng) with consulting experience in design, commissioning and plant engineering for clients in Energy, Mining and Infrastructure.

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