In order for a computer or other electronic device to interpret human speech, various processing techniques need to be applied to the audio signal. The study of speech sounds enables researchers to develop ways to recognize words, as well as identify a speaker by matching voice traits specific to the speaker. Audio processing is also used to watermark music and other audio content as well as transcribe music, to name but a few uses.

Conventionally, different signals need different transceiver hardware to process the signals correctly. However, by doing most of the signal processing in software, one can design a generic processing block capable of handling a wide range of different signals by merely changing the software. Research in this field aims to optimize and improve the digital processing capabilities of such generic devices.

Communicating over a distance is an ever changing, yet ever important need. The study of processing signals at receiver and transmitter side helps create devices that communicate faster and better. Cellphones, satellites and wifi devices, to name a few, all benefit from better telecommunication techniques.