Adapter card implementing a time-shared digital signal processor

An adapter card for use with a computing apparatus capable of executing program elements for processing an audio signal and requiring a DSP resource, said adapter card comprising:

• a) a first interface means for connection to at least one line carrying an audio signal;
• b) a switch means coupled to said first interface means, said switch means being operative for receiving an audio signal from said first interface means and routing the audio signal toward a selected destination;
• c) a digital signal processor means coupled to said switch means for processing the audio signal when the switch routes the audio signal to said digital signal processor means, said digital signal processor means being a time shared resource for the program elements executed by the computing apparatus;
• d) a second interface means for connection to the computing apparatus permitting an exchange of data and control signals between the computing apparatus and said adapter card.

A call processing apparatus, comprising:

• a) a line interface for connection to at least one line carrying an audio signal;
• b) a switch coupled to said line interface, said switch being operative for receiving an audio signal from said line interface and routing the audio signal toward a selected destination;
• c) digital signal processor coupled to said switch for processing the audio signal when the switch routes the audio signal to said digital signal processor;
• d) a plurality of call-related functional units for processing audio signals at said line interface and requiring a DSP resource, said digital signal processor being a time-shared resource for said call-related functional units.