How does a softmodem work?

[Kalessian]

How does a softmodem work? I mean, what's the rules for most "winmodems".

I want to understand them better because they're giving me problems.

Apparently, they don't use the RAM/CPU cycles in the same way a game or onboard sound does. A more specific question is, then, what is unique about the way a softmodem uses system resources?

 

[imported_Phil]

The DSP process is performed by the CPU, not the modem itself.


(At least, IIRC it's the DSP process)

 

[itachi]

like phil said.. modulation and demodulation of the signal is performed by the cpu.. winmodems also use a software based controller- it uses the cpu to determine initialization parameters and how to behave when certain events occur.

 

[Peter]

Softmodems work in absolutely the same way as a controllerless sound solution works. The waveforms are generated and analyzed by the system's main CPU, not a dedicated signal processor. Data communication is through a fast, direct chipset connection (faster than PCI) rather than a legacy serial or USB port.