Abstract: Digital filtering algorithms are most commonly implemented using general purpose digital signal processing chips for audio applications, or special purpose digital filtering chips and application- specific integrated circuits (ASICs) for higher rates. This paper describes an approach to the implementation of digital filter algorithms based on field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). The advantages of the FPGA approach to digital filter implementation include higher sampling rates than are available from traditional DSP chips, lower costs than an ASIC for moderate volume applications, and more flexibility than the alternate approaches. Since many current FPGA architectures are in-system programmable, the configuration of the device may be changed to implement different functionality if required. Our examples illustrate that the FPGA approach is both flexible and provides performance comparable or superior to traditional approaches.

Keywords: Digital Filter Module, VHDL (VHSIC Hardware Description Language), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), Electronics Switch.