DSPs Raise Performance Bar

Three new DSPs are seen as playing key roles in the development of next-generation digital video, imaging and wireless/telecomm infrastructure products. The TMS320C6414/15/16 DSPs operate at speeds of 720 MHz—120 MHz faster than existing TMS320C64x devices—yet are code-compatible with preceding generation parts. In addition, the new DSPs contain 1 MB of on-chip high-speed memory and high-speed peripherals that accelerate development of applications and support processing of data in real-time. The C6414 DSP features a 64-channel enhanced direct memory access (EDMA) controller and three multi-channel buffered serial ports (McBSPs), each supporting 128 time-division multiplex (TDM) channels, as well as AC97 and IIS audio interfaces. The C6415 adds to C6414's list of features 33-MHz, 32-bit PCI and HPI circuitry for inter-processor communications, as well as support for 50-MHz Utopia Level II ATM connectivity. The C6416, the third and most highly integrated member, also features on-chip Viterbi and Turbo coprocessors to further improve channel capacity of 3G wireless basestations. The C6414, C6415 and C6416 DSPs cost $199, $261 and $277 each/10,000, respectively. TEXAS INSTRUMENTS, Dallas, TX. (972) 644-5580