What is a digital signal processor (DSP)?

A digital signal processor (DSP) is a specialized microprocessor designed specifically for manipulating signals in order to modify or enhance them. DSP technology is utilized in a variety of applications such as audio processing, telecommunications, and image processing. It performs mathematical operations on digital data rapidly, allowing for real-time changes to the signals being processed.

For example, in telecommunications, a DSP can filter out noise from a signal, improve speech clarity, or compress data to reduce bandwidth usage. This high level of functionality is crucial in scenarios that involve complex algorithms and significant amounts of data, thereby streamlining processing and enhancing the quality of the output signals.

The other options describe different components or functions that do not accurately capture the specific role and capabilities of a DSP. Communication satellites, encryption algorithms, and amplification devices all serve distinct purposes within the broader field of communications, but they do not fall under the definition of a digital signal processor.