Over the last few years, leading-edge data converters have drastically grown in complexity. Configuring them isn't a simple hardware task anymore. Digital techniques have become more pervasive. So has on-board memory for calibration and correction. On-chip interfaces to DSPs or other microprocessors have proliferated as well. And data converters now require equally complex software code for proper configuration.
Selecting the input channels, achieving the filter response, configuring the digital interface, setting the amplifier gain, cancelling the offset, working with integrated FIFOs, and other important functions all require a program that can generate the correct software code. This code also must be written into the registers.
To simplify the configuration of data converters used in conjunction with TMS320 DSPs, Dallas-based Texas Instruments Inc. has developed an applications program that plugs directly into the Code Composer Studio integrated DSP development environment. Using Windows-based navigation, this plug-in tool lets engineers select the data-converter type and then generate the configuration data (see the figure).
By employing this user-friendly Windows-based navigation tool, designers can select the available converter and insert it into the software program for use with TMS320C5000/6000 DSPs. The software also allows designers to set the configuration data, which it embeds into C code for integration with the overall program under development.
In the first release, though, the user has to write the code to set up the serial interface in order to read and write data. This version only has one function—configuring the converter. TI says that the next release should fully support the data converter's I/O functions.
The initial plug-in software includes DSP codecs and ADCs, including those with FIFOs. Support for digital-to-analog converters (DACs) also is under way, as TI prepares to add more members to the initial line of nine converters. The plug-in module can be downloaded from TI at www.ti.com/sc/docs/tools/msp/dataconv/plug_in.htm.