They are capable of doing 2 data moves, a 16x16 multiply, a 40 bit accumulate and a prefech of the next instruction all in 100ns.
This is where a DSP really shines, since it's the fundamental operation in digital filtering; indeed it wouldn't be a DSP if it couldn't do a multiply/accumulate in a single clock cycle.
But I wouldn't be too surprised if general purpose CPUs eventually get the same capability. And once they are, the distinction between a "DSP" and a "general purpose" CPU will pretty much vanish. DSPs are notoriously harder to program than general purpose CPUs, and being lower volume items they won't be able to compete in price or clock speed with general purpose CPUs made in the millions.
Phil
How hard is it to reprogram the DSP that comes with a cellular phone right now? I've never opened one up. Can you just unsolder a rom, read it, insert your own code for DH key exchange, add some encryption, burn a new ROM and have a secure phone?