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Welcome to the March 2007 edition of MicroController
Pros Corporation's Embedded News Digest, your source for microcontroller and
embedded system news.
-
New product
additions at the MicroControllerShop:
ARM:
ARM-USB-Tiny: small, low cost ARM USB-Jtag interface, OpenOCD supported.
AVR:
2x5 pin to 2x3 pin AVR In-system programming adapter. Allows you to
connect AVR ISP programmers with standard 2x5 connector to boards that only have a 2x3 ISP
connector (AVR Butterfly board...., E-Blocks).
MSP430:
MSP430F2131 Prototyping Board, 2Mbit serial Data Flash, 12-bit DAC, RS232.
MSP430F2131 28-pin DIP Module, Jtag interface.
PIC:
Microchip PIC16F876A Board with Bootloader, RS232. Allows you to download
code via PC serial port without dedicated ICSP programmer.
Programming PIC microcontrollers just got easier: Flowcode - flowchart based
programming software bundles with hardware at significant discounts. Available bundles:
Flowcode with PIC USB Multiprogrammer;
Flowcode with PIC Training Board;
Flowcode with PIC USB Multiprogrammer and LCD, LED and Pushbuton E-blocks
modules.
Communication:
2.4GHz Transceiver Module with NRF24L01 chip, SPI interface, 125 RF
channels, up to 2Mbit data rate.
10Mbps
Ethernet to RS232/422/485 Device Server.
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Let your friends, colleagues or customers know about the Embedded News Digest.
This month's issue:
ARM
Extends Cortex Family with First Processor Optimized for FPGA
ARM has announced the availability of the ARM Cortex-M1 processor -– the first
ARM processor designed specifically for implementation on FPGAs.
The ARM Cortex-M1 processor is a streamlined three-stage 32-bit RISC processor
that implements a subset of the popular, high-density Thumb-2 instruction set.
This enables both the processor and software footprint to meet the area budget
of the smallest FPGA devices, while retaining compatibility with Thumb code for
any ARM processor from the ARM7TDMI processor upward. The Cortex-M1 processor is
capable of more than 170 MHz, while occupying less than 15 percent of the area
compared to popular low-cost FPGA devices. Despite being the smallest processor
in the Cortex family, the Cortex-M1 processor can deliver 0.8 DMIPS/MHz. Typical
applications for the Cortex-M1 processor on FPGAs include embedded control,
communications, networking and aerospace.
Free of license and royalty fees, Actel's implementation of the Cortex-M1
processor will be available for early access in April via the Actel website. The
M1-enabled ProASIC3 and Actel Fusion PSC devices will sample in Q3 2007.
The ARM Cortex-M1 processor RTL and associated EDA views optimized for a range
of FPGA vendor devices including Actel, Altera, Lattice and Xilinx will be
available for license by OEMs in Q2 2007.
Atmel Doubles On-Chip Flash on ARM7 Microcontrollers, Adds AES
Atmel Corporation announced 512-kByte dual-bank Flash memory extensions to its
AT91SAM7S, SAM7X and SAM7XC microcontrollers based on the ARM7TDMI processor
core. Atmel has also doubled the density of the zero-wait-state, 32-bit wide
SRAM on its AT91SAM7X512 and SAM7XC512 from 64 to 128 kBytes.
The Flash memory on the AT91SAM7S512, SAM7X512 and SAM7XC512 is arranged in two
separate banks that allow the device to be programmed simultaneously with
application execution. A dual-bank implementation protects the application
against potentially catastrophic failure resulting from unexpected power outages
during firmware updates.
Peripheral DMA increases bandwidth by a factor of 6. Like all of Atmel's SAM7
MCUs, the new devices have 11 to 13 dedicated peripheral DMA channels (PDC) that
increase on-chip bandwidth from a maximum of 4 Mbps, on conventional ARM7 MCUs,
to 25 Mbps or more. By off-loading peripheral-to-memory transfers from the CPU,
the PDC actually increases the number of CPU operations available to the
application.
Another derivative, Atmel's AT91SAM7XC, provides encryption capability by
integrating a hardware crypto engine that can be configured to do 128-, 192- or
256-bit AES or triple-DES encryption.
Pricing for the 512K Flash variants of the SAM7S, SAM7X and SAM7XC devices start
at US$6 in quantities of 10,000 units. The AT91SAM7S512 is available in 64-pin
LQFP and 64-lead QFN green packages. The AT91SAM7X512 and AT91SAM7XC512 are
available in 100-pin LQFP and 100-ball BGA green packages.
Atmel Introduces Optimized AVR Flash MCUs for USB Full-Speed Peripherals
Atmel has expanded its family of AVR microcontrollers with two new devices for
high-volume USB applications ranging from high-performance Human Interface
Devices (HID) to wireless adapters.
Based on the 8-bit AVR core, the new AT90USB82 and AT90USB162 feature a
full-speed USB (12 Mbits/s) controller and have 8 and 16 kBytes of Flash memory
respectively, allowing in-system programming directly through their USB
interface. Thanks to the full-speed bandwidth, programming the AT90USB162's
Flash memory can be achieved in 0.5 seconds. The program can be loaded at the
end of the manufacturing line without the need for a dedicated connector to
accommodate in-system programming, which lowers costs and proves invaluable when
space is a premium. This gives flexibility for concurrent engineering, OEM/ODM
customization, or even to upgrade products by the end user. On-chip EEPROM of
512 bytes allows for parameter settings without interfering with the
application.
Communication with external components is ensured with SPI and UART interfaces.
A 100 mA on-chip voltage regulator can also power companion devices such as
laser sensors for high-performance mice or RF transceivers for wireless
adapters.
The AT90USB82/162 are available in 32-pin packages including a tiny 5x5mm QFN.
In addition, they offer an extensive 21 general-purpose IOs that can be used to
detect interrupts. The AT90USB162 is offered in 32-pin QFN and TQFP packages,
and the AT90USB82 in QFN. The AT90USB162 is available now while production of
the AT90USB82 will start in Q3 2007. AT90USB162 is available at $1.65, and
AT90USB82 at $1.45 for 10k pieces.
Atmel Introduces 8051 Microcontrollers For High-Volume USB Applications
Atmel announced the addition of three ROM devices to its family of standard
8051-based USB microcontrollers. Complementing the available Flash versions, the
new devices are especially suited for high-volume applications where cost
matters more than flexibility and where the code is stable.
Based on Atmel's 8051 X2 core which executes an instruction in 6 clock periods,
the new AT83C5134, AT83C5135 and AT83C5136 have 8, 16 and 32 kBytes of ROM code
memory, respectively. In addition, two variants of the 32-kByte version are
available: AT83EC5136 and AT83EI5136 which include 512 Bytes and 32 kBytes of
EEPROM data storage, respectively. The products feature a USB Full-Speed
controller, UART, SPI and a Two-Wire Interface allowing an easy connection to
companion devices.
The existing AT89C5130 and AT89C5131 devices, with 16 and 32 kBytes Flash, can
be used for development, flexibility and pre-production, as pin-to-pin and
binary compatibility are preserved when migrating to the new ROM devices. These
devices are available with 3.3V supply voltage and support six programmable USB
endpoints.
Offered in 32-pin 5x5mm and 48-pin 7x7mm QFN packages, the new ROM devices
provide a broad range of memory sizes for the lowest cost and the smallest
physical dimensions.
The AT83C5134, AT83C5135 and AT83C5136 are available now in 32-pin QFN packages.
Pricing starts at US$1.30, US$1.40 and US$1.55 for 10,000 units. The AT83C5136
is also available in a 28-pin SOIC package, 48-pin QFN package and a 64-pin VQFP
package.
Freescale Launches Single-chip ZigBee Platform-in-Package Solution
Freescale's MC1322x is available in a Platform in Package (PiP) solution that
integrates the essential components of a ZigBee application within a single
package, thereby reducing component count and system cost. The MC1322x platform
contains a 32-bit microcontroller (MCU), a fully compliant IEEE 802.15.4
transceiver, balun and RF matching components -- all integrated into a
small-footprint land-grid array (LGA) package that virtually eliminates the need
for external RF components. The platform solution also features a TurboLink
technology mode, engineered to increase data rates by up to 2 megabits per
second between nodes.
ZigBee technology currently targets industrial, commercial and medical
applications, such as energy management and asset tracking. Freescale's
proprietary TurboLink technology mode boosts the data rate up to 2 Mbps,
providing an ideal platform to support diverse applications, such as voice,
wireless headsets and compressed audio, as well as large data transfers. For
healthcare-related applications, such as patient monitoring systems, TurboLink
technology also enables real-time data collection from sensors on the body. That
data then can be sent via a ZigBee network to a central location for monitoring.
The MC1322x devices will switch automatically between the IEEE 802.15.4 protocol
and TurboLink technology packets, allowing the developer to take advantage of
the high-speed capabilities, while simultaneously controlling and monitoring a
ZigBee mesh network.
The MC1322x platform was designed from the ground up to support battery-powered
applications. Optimized for Lithium-ion or NiCad batteries, the MC1322x is
designed to support batteries as small as coin cells or use standard alkaline
batteries that can provide up to 20 years of system life.
Freescale plans to offer MC1322x device samples to key OEM customers in May
2007. General market sampling is planned for December 2007. The company plans to
offer the MC1322x device in two package options: a 9.5mm x 9.5mm LGA and a 7mm x
7mm QFN. The devices also are planned to be available in standard mode or
TurboLink technology mode. Suggested resale pricing for the standard mode
devices in LGA packaging is $5.50 in 10,000-unit quantities.
Fujitsu Expands
32-bit Microcontroller Lineup
Fujitsu Microelectronics has announced the availability of the latest addition
to its FR family of 32-bit microcontrollers: the MB91480 series. The new series
is designed for high-performance control functions of home appliances such as
refrigerators, washing machines and dryers. MB91480 series provide inverter
control of two motors with one chip that enables higher functionality in a
smaller space.
The first product in this series, MB91F487, has two multi-function timer units
for motor inverter control that allows two-motor operation in one chip. It
provides a highly sophisticated functionality in home appliances by supporting
highly accurate and speedier control.
With 3 A/D converter units, there is a total of 18 channels which allows for the
sensing of the minute changes in a maximum of 18 sensors. Together with PWM
control, smoother and more minute control is possible.
The embedded FR60 CPU core operates at a speed of 80MHz, which provides
high-speed processing enabling most information to be processed in real time.
Also, for inverter control computation, special product-sum operation circuits
are included that divide high-speed processing with the CPU thus reducing the
burden on the CPU.
The MB91F487, which includes 512 kBytes of Flash ROM and 32 kbytes RAM, operates
at voltages from 4V to 5.5V. The MCU comes in 100-pin LQFP packages, and samples
are available now at $13.00 each. Volume pricing starts at $9.20 each in
10,000-unit quantities.
Fujitsu Introduces
FlexRay-based MB91F465X
Fujitsu Microelectronics has introduced the MB91F465XA FlexRay controller.
Designed for driver-assistance applications, the MB91F465XA is built around a
Fujitsu FR70 32-bit CPU, with an internal clock speed of 100MHz and voltage
range of 3.0V to 5.5V. Based on the E-Ray core licensed from Robert Bosch GmbH,
the device uses VHDL code certified by TÜV Nord, supports 2-channel and FIFO
operations, and supports 218 different identifiers by providing more than 8
kBytes of message buffer memory.
The controller enables implementation of the FlexRay protocol without the need
for companion devices. FlexRay-based technology provides approximately 10 times
the throughput of CAN, and is expected to replace CAN gradually as automakers
and their suppliers adopt x-by-wire solutions. In addition to the two-channel
FlexRay bus interface, one I2C, two CAN and three LIN-USART interfaces are
incorporated onto the controller, enabling communication with all automotive bus
systems. The device operates from a single supply ranging from 3V to 5.5V.
Internal frequencies of up to 100 MHz are generated via the on-chip PLL using
external 4 MHz quartz crystals as the clock input. A total of 544KB of Flash
memory with read-out protection and 32KB of RAM is available, making the
MB91F465XA meet AUTOSAR (AUTomotive Open System ARchitecture) requirements.
Other features include hardware watchdog, 17-channel 10-bit ADC, reload timer,
stopwatch function, and an RTC module that can operate on external 4 MHz or 32
kHz quartz crystals.
The new controller is part of Fujitsu's "FlexRay Made Easy" program, which
includes the hardware, driver and operating systems software, application
software, development tools, and support required for application development.
Samples of the MB91F465XA are available in 100-pin FPT packaging with prices
starting at $8.27 each.
Fujitsu Announces
16-bit 16FX Series MCU
The new Fujitsu 16FX series includes four devices based on a new central
processor that significantly increases internal bus bandwidth compared with the
Fujitsu 16LX microcontroller series. The 16FX series provides five times the
computing power, increases on-chip functionality, and can execute programs
approximately three times faster at the same clock frequency. For example, at
24MHz, the 16FX series achieves more than 11 real MIPS (Dhrystone 2.1). The new
technology and improved design allow CPU frequencies up to 56MHz, enabling
processing performance equivalent to 32-bit processors.
While the 16FX series is compatible with the 16LX microcontrollers, the new
series reduces power consumption by an impressive 80 percent. This is achieved
through Fujitsu's new 0.18um CMOS process technology, a lower internal CPU
voltage of 1.8V, a peripheral clock speed that is selectable independently from
the CPU speed, and a reduced number of clocks per instruction (CPI).
On-chip oscillators enable the devices to be operated at speeds of either 100kHz
or 2MHz without external resonators. Applications that require a precise clock
supply and an external resonator benefit from the fast (less than 1ms) and safe
start-up (guaranteed even if the external resonator strikes). The MCUs can
utilize the on-chip oscillator to monitor the external clock source.
The devices also have an extended supply voltage range of 3V to 5.5V. If the
supply voltage drops below 3V, the on-chip low-voltage detection reset ensures
that the 16FX application will not hang up.
Optional alarm comparators also are available for monitoring analog parameters
without disturbing the CPU. If the on-board voltage leaves a defined range, an
interrupt is generated, allowing the CPU to take counter-measures, such as
deactivating low-prioritized loads.
The 16FX retains pin compatibility with most of the 16LX devices. With the same
instruction set, the assembler and C-compiler are unchanged when users move from
the LX to the FX CPU, and several peripherals from the LX are available on the
FX, simplifying software conversion. The same starter kit, the
Flash-CAN-100P-340, can be used. On-chip debugging is supported via USART.
The new devices include the MB96350 in 64-pin FPT packaging and the MB96320 in
80-pin FPT packaging, along with the MB96340 100-pin FPT packages and the
MB96386/7 in 120-pin FPT packages. Prices start at $7.00 each in samples. Flash
memory incorporated in the new 16FX series ranges from 128kB to 544kB. Fujitsu
plans to continue enhancing the new 16FX series, providing devices with between
48 and 144 pins for automotive and industrial control designs.
HI-TECH Software Releases
PICC v9.60
Version 9.60 of the
PICC C compiler incorporates fixes for reported bugs, adds support for new
PIC devices and introduces new optimizations and many new features.
This release introduces a number of significant enhancements over the previous
version. Some of the noteworthy features incorporated in this release are:
* Support for 14 new devices (including the 16F887 family) is now available.
* An updated plug-in is now available to provide improved support for this
compiler from within the MPLAB environment.
* A new driver option to generate and embed a checksum result from the command
line.
* A new driver option to build in and perform a RAM integrity test at startup.
* A new bootloader which is now more compact and more reliable is included with
the compiler.
Infineon Introduces Scalable XC2200 Microcontroller Family
The new XC2200 family includes more than 60 products. Specifically designed to
fulfill the requirements of present and future body/gateway applications, the
XC2200 family operates at up to 80 MHz. The power consumption is very low with
less than 60 mA at maximum performance and 50 uA in stand-by mode with a running
on-chip voltage regulator. This includes brown-out detection, an ultra-low-power
clock for a short wake-up time, a wake-up timer and stand-by SRAM.
Peripherals include two synchronizable A/D converters with up to 30-channels,
optional data pre-processing and a conversion time down to 1.2 us. The A/D
converter is triggered by the flexible PWM unit and is then handed over to the
CPU to initiate the reaction needed on a different peripheral. The flexible
USICs (Universal Serial Interfaces) of the XC2200 family can be used as UART
interface, LIN interface, buffered SPI, IIC Bus interface, and IIS interface. A
MultiCAN Interface (Rev. 2.0B active) provides up to 256 flexibly assignable
message objects on up to six CAN nodes and gateway functionalities. Infineon
supports software standardization for interfaces and software modules for
automotive systems by offering AUTOSAR software drivers for all XC2200 products.
All family members are software- and pin-compatible. They are based on the C166S
V2 architecture and offer DSP-level performance. The XC2200 products come in a
wide range of memory configurations from 32 kBytes to 1,280 kBytes embedded
Flash, allowing easy upgrades when the application is short of memory or I/O
functionality.
Samples of the XC2200 family are available for dedicated automotive customers.
Volume production of all family members is scheduled to start in April 2008.
Sample pricing varies according to product specification. For instance, the
XC2267 with 448 kBytes of Flash memory, a temperature range of -40 to +125
degrees C is priced at approximately $7.35 per piece in quantities of 20,000.
Microchip Releases New
8-bit MCU Family
Microchip Technology has announced the 12-member PIC18F87J11 general-purpose,
high-performance 8-bit microcontroller family, which offers up to 20% greater
performance with 12 MIPS (48 MHz), enhanced peripherals and lower sleep power
consumption. With its breadth of family members, the PIC18F87J11 also provides a
wide range of program memory and peripherals, ranging from most cost-effective
to feature-rich.
Microchip is expanding its 3V PIC18F J-series of 8-bit microcontrollers to
address cost-sensitive markets requiring high performance. Additionally, the
PIC18F87J11 general-purpose family includes nanoWatt Technology for low power
consumption in sleep mode, as low as 100 nA, which is ideal for battery-powered
applications. Finally, the PIC18F87J11 is the first 8-bit microcontroller to
offer the Parallel Master Port for connection to external memory and displays.
Members of the family contain 8 to 128 kBytes of self-programmable Flash in 64-
and 80-pin TQFP packages, with up to 10k erase-write cycles. They include
multiple communication channels including up to 2 SPI/I2C, 2 UART and 5 PWM
modules, and have an 8 MHz Internal Oscillator and 4x PLL for up to 32 MHz
operation without an external clock source.
The 12-member PIC18F87J11 family is offered in 64- or 80-pin TQFP package
options, and all are available now for sampling. Volume production is expected
in March, starting at $2.27 each in 10,000-unit quantities.
Renesas
Releases SH7670 Group 32-bit SuperH Family
Renesas Technology has announced a total of eight new products in four groups in
the SH7670 series of the SuperH Family . These microprocessors each incorporate
an Ethernet controller and USB 2.0 host on a single chip and are intended for
applications such as digital audiovisual, office automation, and factory
automation systems requiring network connection functionality. Sample shipments
will begin in April 2007 in Japan.
The SH7670 has a maximum operating frequency of 200 MHz, a 60% increase over the
current SH7619. The SH7670 implements a IEEE802.3-compliant Media Access
Controller (MAC) that makes it easy to develop systems supporting 10 Mbps/100
Mbps Ethernet LAN connections. It also incorporates USB 2.0 high-speed (480
Mbps) host and function module capabilities, simplifying development of USB
functionality.
The SH2A-FPU CPU core incorporates the 32-bit SH-2A and a built-in
double-precision FPU. The architecture of the CPU core has been enhanced to
achieve processing performance that is approximately double that of the SH7619.
The host interface (HIF) enables easy connections between the SH7670 and another
processor. This function enables the SH7670 to be recognized and controlled as
an SRAM-equivalent device by a main microprocessor performing system control.
The SH7670 has a 16-bit bus, allowing high-speed command transmission and rapid
transfer of large amounts of data. This facilitates its integration into
existing systems. Also, use of the HIF boot function eliminates the need for
external nonvolatile memory such as Flash, reducing the number of parts
required.
In addition to the above, an audio (voice) codec can be connected via the serial
sound interface. This makes it easy to implement a VoIP system. The
comprehensive other on-chip peripheral functions include an SD host interface
and I2C bus interface. The package is a compact 256-pin BGA (17 mm x 17 mm). An
on-chip debugging function is included that enables real-time debugging at the
maximum operating frequency.
Silicon Labs Announces New
8-bit MCU
Silicon Laboratories has announced its most highly integrated 8-bit MCU,
combining a 25 MIPS CPU, 10-bit 500 ksps ADC, and an internal ±2% oscillator in
a 3x3 mm package. In addition it incorporates 8 kB of OTP memory, PWM,
timers, SMBus and UART. The C8051T60x product family is ideal for consumer
and industrial applications including toys, camera modules, cell phone
accessories, portable devices, home appliances and motor controllers.
The C8051T60x is pin-compatible with the C8051F30x Flash-based MCU family to
allow both upgraded and lower-cost product versions without requiring the
designer to develop multiple hardware platforms. In addition, the C8051T60x
provides a full-featured development kit containing all the hardware and
software required to develop an embedded system, including a socket-to-program
one-time programmable memory.
The C8051T60x Small Form Factor MCU family is available now with pricing
beginning at $0.45 in quantities of 10,000.
STMicroelectronics Unveils Two New Configurable SPEAr SoCs
STMicroelectronics has announced two new additions to its SPEAr family of
configurable System-on-Chip ICs. The dual-core SPEAr Plus600, complemented with
a single-core variant, SPEAr Head600 provide the possibility to choose between a
single- and a dual-processor device with the same footprint and architecture.
Manufactured in 90nm process technology, ST's new SPEAr SoCs integrate one or
two advanced ARM926 processor cores with 16k (data) + 16k (instruction) of cache
memory running at 333MHz (worst case conditions) and 600,000 gates (ASIC-equivalent)
of embedded configurable logic, complemented with memory interface supporting
DDR/DDR2 memories and a large connectivity IP (intellectual property) portfolio.
The DDR/DDR2 memory interface is compatible with DDR2-666 (333MHz) memories,
allowing the same physical pins to drive DDR or DDR2 memories. The connectivity
IP includes an IrDA interface supporting fast IrDA, Gigabit Ethernet MAC and
three USB2.0 ports (1 device and 2 hosts). The new set of features also includes
a XGA LCD controller supporting up to 1024x768-pixel resolution in true color
(24-bit) and a JPEG codec.
Additionally, ST's designers paid special attention to electromagnetic
compatibility (EMC) by using a dithered PLL with programmable frequencies and
jitters and LVDS I/Os operating up to 600MHz for high-speed communication links.
Libraries of IP and hardware accelerators are available to be embedded in the
configurable logic. The devices include 136 Kbyte of SRAM and 32 Kbyte of ROM
completely available for customers' applications.
With the dual-core SPEAr Plus600, customers can run two different operating
systems on the same chip. This enables, for example, the integration of the
typical functions of a multifunction printer or copier on a single chip: Linux,
or a similar complex operating system, runs on one processor and handles
connectivity and system management, while a RTOS (Real-Time Operating System) on
the second processor manages control functions, such as motor control or timing
of critical interfaces. This flexibility also allows a processor to function as
an accelerator coprocessor for critical image functions. A dual-core solution
also allows designers to use a common software stack, developed on one
processor, and implement upgrades or additional features on the second
processor.
Both the SPEAr Plus600 and the SpearHead600 come complete with a dedicated
development board that allows developing and testing of the customer system with
minimum time and resource requirements. By using an external FPGA that mirrors
the SoC's internal configurable logic block, designers can proceed with the
software and hardware development without waiting for the final validation. Once
the customer SoC passes the functional qualification, full production can ramp
up in eight weeks' time from the final RTL availability.
Both devices will start sampling for high-volume OEMs by the end of March 2007.
The price is $12 for the SPEAr Plus600 and $10 for the SPEAr Head 600, in
quantities of 20,000 pieces.
STMicroelectronics announced a new motor control kit, built around the
recently-announced 32-bit STR750 microcontroller, which enables the rapid
development of high-performance vector-control applications, using both
Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM) and 3-phase AC Induction Motors. The
kit includes all the necessary firmware and hardware, including a 24V DC
permanent magnet motor for initial evaluation.
The same hardware platform can be used for both PMSM and AC induction motors,
operating at up to 48V; schematics are provided to minimize hardware design
time. The kit allows real-time control and monitoring via a PC-based graphical
user interface (GUI), or standalone operation using on-board push buttons and
trimmers.
The Kit includes a Segger J-Link ARM in-cricuit debugger/programmer, Opto
isolation board, ST750 controller board, inverter board for the motor and a
24VDC permanent magnet motor.
The STR750-MCKIT with the DC motor is available now, priced at $895. An AC
induction motor for use with the evaluation board can be ordered separately.
TI Announces Two New DSPs
Texas Instruments Incorporated announced the immediate availability of samples
of two new digital signal processors (DSPs) -- the TMS320C6424 DSP and the
TMS320C6421 DSP -- that deliver more than 2.5X price/performance improvement.
TI's new C642x DSPs start at only $8.95 in 10,000-unit quantities.The devices
are 100 percent upward code-compatible with existing TMS320C6000 DSPs and can be
programmed utilizing TI's proven eXpressDSP software that supports open-source
and third-party software. The processors are supported by new C6424 DSP
evaluation module (EVM) and development tools, helping to simplify system
development and encourage innovation.
The C642x DSPs provide high DSP performance at an affordable price. Based on
the TMS320C64x+ DSP core, the performance of the C6424 DSP and C6421 DSP peaks
at 4800 MMACs at 600 MHz. Powerful I/O capabilities are enabled by the EDMA 3.0
with 4.8 GB/s throughput and the 333 MHz DDR2 memory interface. The C6421 DSP at
400 MHz is the lowest cost C64x DSP, and is pin for pin compatible with other
C642x DSPs allowing scalability in performance, feature set and price. The
on-chip Ethernet MAC reduces the bill of materials for networked DSP
applications. The large on-chip memory further reduces BOM cost by reducing the
need for external memory. The C6424 and C6421 DSPs deliver a 1.6X to 2X boost in
raw DSP processing power (e.g. peak 16-bit MMACs), and with a 50 percent price
reduction, enable more than a 2.5X price/performance improvement over previous
generation DSPs.
Both new DSPs are available in 400, 500 and 600 MHz speeds. The C6421 DSP
provides 16 KB of L1D and 16 KB of L1P and 64 KB of L2 SRAM cache for a total of
96 KB. The C6421 DSP also includes two EMIF interfaces, a 16-bit 266 MHz DDR2
and an 8-bit EMIFA, and a VLYNQ and McBSP and McASP interface. The C6424 DSP
features 80 KB of L1D, 32 KB of L1P, and 128 KB of L2 SRAM cache for a total of
240 KB. The C6424 includes a 32-bit 333 MHz DDR2 and a 16-bit EMIFA, a PCI 33
MHz or VLYNQ interface for an optional FPGA interface and two McBSP or a McASP
interface. The C6424 and C6421 DSPs also feature an EMAC (RMII/MII) or HPI /
RMII, two UARTs, I2C, GPIO, three PWM and two 64b-timers. The two chips are pin
compatible with each other so they can be swapped out to increase performance or
reduce cost. Both new DSPs are available in two sizes: a 16 mm by 16 mm (the
smallest package size ever offered for a C64x DSP), and a 23 mm by 23 mm BGA
package at 0.8 mm pitch and 1.0 mm pitch respectively.
The C6424 EVM, priced at $495, is available today containing all necessary
development tools, software and more. In addition to Code Composer Studio IDE,
DSP/BIOS kernel, Chip Support Library (CSL) and audio codecs, the EVM also
includes VirtualLogix's uCLinux. TI is continuing its multi-operating system
offering for DSPs by providing the field-proven DSP/BIOS kernel and uCLinux for
no additional charge. Developers can choose the OS of their choice, and if they
require a hybrid combination of both, VitrualLogix also offers VLX software that
enables DSP/BIOS kernel and its applications to run concurrently with uCLinux
and its applications on a single DSP. This is an effective RISC replacement
option; the performance of the DSP allows real-time DSP tasks with uCLinux
applications like the network stack. The EVM also includes TI's TCP/IP Network
Developer's Kit (NDK), which is an easy-to-use development environment for
integrating TI's TCP/IP stack with DSP applications.
The TMS320C6424 and TMS320C6421 DSPs are available now in sample quantities and
will be available in production quantities in the fourth quarter of 2007. The
C6424 DSP is priced at $15.95 for 400 MHz, $19.95 for 500 MHz and $24.95 for 600
MHz parts. Pricing for the C6421 DSP is $8.95 for 400 MHz, $11.95 for 500 MHz
and $16.95 for 600 MHz parts.
MicroController Pros Corporation (µCPros) is an authorized
distributor for many microcontroller tool vendors, which enables us to offer you
a large selection of Microcontroller Development Tools for almost any major
microcontroller architecture.
The
MicroControllerShop (http://microcontrollershop.com) puts convenient and
secure online shopping, feature- and price-comparison on your computer's
desktop. Microcontroller Development Tools featured at the
MicroControllerShop
include: Emulators, EPROM programmers, FLASH programmers, microcontroller C-
compilers, assemblers, emulator accessories, pin adapters, pin converters,
microcontroller starter kits and embedded evaluation boards for various
microcontroller architectures and manufacturers.
copyright 2007 by
MicroController Pros Corporation
visit our web
http://www.ucpros.com
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