Development and fixed-point implementation of a multiband dynamic range compression (MDRC) algorithm

This paper describes the development and real-time, fixed-point implementation of a Multiband Dynamic Range Compression (MDRC) algorithm on a 16 bit fixed-point platform-Texas Instrument's TMS320C54X. This algorithm has been designed primarily for use in hearing aid applications. It has been implemented on a prototype evaluation system that operates by default in a stereo mode with a minimum sampling rate of 20 KHz per channel. The paper also describes a new algorithm development software environment developed at Texas Instruments to facilitate the task of implementing complex Digital Signal Processing (DSP) algorithms on its DSP chips. This tool is known as eXpress DSP Algorithm Standard (XDAIS). Developing an algorithm that is XDAIS compliant facilitates the easy integration of the algorithm into a system. It also simplifies porting the algorithm to other applications or systems. For example, the XDAIS compliant MDRC algorithm, designed originally for hearing aid applications, could easily be ported for other audio or sensor data processing applications.