On the Use of Virtual Instrumentation Concepts in the Test of Embedded Signal Processing Applications

The paper presents a cheaper alternative to the traditional way to implement experiments in Embedded DSP research or teaching laboratory. In this approach, in the test bench, the classical instruments (signal generator, oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer) are replaced by the computer itself. Simple signal generation and acquisition applications make possible to generate and visualize the signals in DSP, voice and audio experiments. The built in and added components of the PC (desktop or laptop) are less expensive than the traditional test bench. The results are comparable with expensive implementations. The proposed structure is important in environments where the correct understanding of the phenomena and quick evaluation are more important than the relative accuracy of the results. In addition, the possibility to integrate quickly the results in computer environments, complex networks and online is a key advantage in connected educational experiments.