Introduction and overview [parallel signal processing]

Discusses how Parallel processing is a necessity for modern signal processing systems. At the algorithmic level, due to the communication intensive nature and high degree of data dependencies, low grain concurrency via tightly coupled processing elements is most appropriate. At the system level it is proposed that a heterogeneous system based on a synchronous message passing model, supporting a dynamic process structure is the most appropriate. Such a combination can offer significant transparency between software and hardware modules which is essential for upgrading. A formalised parallel processing environment capable of supporting heterogeneous processing modules, communicating through high speed channels and controlled via an efficient real-time run-time environment is essential or attaining what the advanced VLSI devices have to offer. More importantly such an environment is essential for modern complex systems