Issue
110, September 1999
Talking
Back: Adding Speech to Embedded Applications
by
Rodger Richey
Training
embedded apps to process speech may be as easy as
finding the right 8-bit micro. Don't let what Rodger
has to say about using an ADPCM algorithm and PWM
output to generate speech to go in one ear and out
the other.
TALK
ABOUT POTENTIAL
Although
some applications need the high bit rate and high-quality
speech algorithms, most can use one like mine. Don’t
underestimate the power of the 8-bit microcontroller.
Given the right device, the medium bit-rate algorithms
can be implemented successfully without a DSP or specialized
audio device.
Improvements
to the 8-bit architecture, operating speed, instruction
set, and memory sizes that have allowed the migration
of low-end DSP applications to the 8-bit world. If you’ve
never used a PWM module to generate speech, try it.
You might be surprised.
Rodger
Richey has worked for Microchip for more than four years
in principal engineer and senior applications engineer
positions. You may reach him at rodger.richey@microchip.com.
