Digital signal processing is an exciting, expanding field of technology. This is mainly due to the fact that the applications of digital processing are more frequently replacing conventional analog signal processing, improving the quality and reliability of digital communications. From audio production to medical imagery, it’s clear that the applications of digital signal processing have virtually unlimited potential.
There are countless applications of digital signal processing — some of which may surprise you. Here’s a list of the four most common:
1. Audio routing and production: No matter what, communications circuits will always contain some form of noise or static. Digital signal processing can get rid of most, but not all, of the “noise.” From voice effect processors to digital loudspeaker management systems, there are a wide variety of devices that use digital signal processing to enhance and clarify audio signals. An example of these applications of digital signal processing is during a live concert, when a guitarist uses an effects pedal to distort or clarify the instrument’s sound.
2. Weather forecasting: Meteorologists use several different tools in conjunction with one another to make the most accurate predictions for the weather possible. They can use the applications of digital signal processing to enhance satellite imagery and better interpret the data collected from a variety of other factors, like atmospheric pressure and cloud cover.
3. Medical imaging: Medical imaging such as X-rays, MRIs and CAT scans are some of the most important applications of digital signal processing. DSP helps clarify the signals acquired by these medical scanners to produce an image that accurately depicts the patient’s organs, helping doctors make the most informed assessment of the patient’s condition.
4. Mobile phones: Of all the applications of digital signal processing, this is the one we probably see most often on a day-to-day basis. Without DSP, the person on the other end of a phone call would sound murky and unclear. Digital signal processing helps restore the sound data that is lost over a phone connection, optimizing the quality of sound for both callers.
Understanding digital signal processing is understanding the applications of digital signal processing. The field offers immense potential into improving the technologies we use every day. For more about this, go here.
