Digital signal processor (DSP)
From The Glossary of Digital Photography
A special-purpose microcomputer designed to process signals in real time. A DSP is often a dedicated microprocessor that operates at high speeds to handle a real-time task. It first converts the analog signal to a digital one before beginning its operations. DSPs are used to improve signal quality by reducing noise. They are found in modems, sound cards, and high-capacity hard drives, among other devices.
