A
communications system utilizing host
signal processing techniques particularly applicable to
cellular communication systems devices that are integrated with a
system that incorporates a
general purpose CPU running a multitasking
operating system, e.g., a portable or
hand held computer. The
cellular communication system includes a cellular modem, cellular control / protocol function and an
RF module. Additional components include a voice codec, analog modem and optional speaker phone. Conventional
cellular communication systems typically utilize a dedicated
DSP processor, a controller, memory devices and analog circuitry to implement cellular
system functionality. The present invention utilizes the capabilities of the
general purpose CPU within the host system that the cellular communication system device is integrated into. Some of the
processing tasks that are adapted to execute on the host CPU include the modem, voice codec and cellular protocol. A technique known as host
signal processing (HSP), employs the host CPU to reduce the hardware needed for the implementation of the cellular communication system device, thus reducing cost, size and
power consumption requirements. In addition, the use of host
signal processing in the cellular device provides support for different cellular protocols and standards in a single device with little or no additional cost.