REAL-TIME OPERATING SYSTEM AND VIRTUAL DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSOR FOR THE CONTROL OF A DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSOR

A data processor, such as a digital signal processor, that has augmented memory, I/O and math units for real-time performance of complex functions, is placed under the control of a group of abstract object-oriented modules arranged with an underlying operational nucleus that includes a real-time kernel. The modules are hierarchically configured, with the lowest being an array object type that references memory allocations. A stream object type, based on the arrays, defines channels between application software and data devices. A vector object type, also based on the arrays, establishes structure within allocated blocks and also enables vector math functions to be undertaken by the vector module. Matrix and filter object types utilize the arrays and vectors in sequences controlled by the corresponding matrix and vector modules. The system provides a model of DSP functionality that is hardware independent, and an interface between high level language calls and highly efficient routines executed in assembly language. With this arrangement a large library of math functions is held available for use in real-time operations of complex nature.