DSPs Boost Performance, Slash Power Dissipation

Touting twice the performance and half the power consumption of conventional DSPs and embedded processors, the new Blackfin processor family includes the 600-MHz ADSP-BF533 delivering up to 1.2 GMACS while consuming 280 mW and the 300-MHz ADSP-BF531 delivering up to 600 MMACs. Both processors integrate a switching regulator that allows programmable control of the core voltage from 0.7V to 1.2V from a single I/O supply. They also permit fully programmable D1/VGA real-time video and multi-channel audio without the need for dedicated hardware or dual cores. Operating system support includes Embedded Linux, ThreadX and Nucleus. The new DSPs are pin-for-pin and code compatible with other members of the Blackfin family. The ADSP-BF533 comes in 500-MHz/1-GMACs and 600-MHz/1.2-GMACS versions housed in 160-ball mini BGAs costing $16.95 and $19.95 each/10,000, respectively. The ADSP-BF531 comes in a 400-MHz, 160-ball mini BGA costing $5.95; the 300-MHz version in a LQFP will be available in the third quarter for $4.95. ANALOG DEVICES INC., Norwood, MA. (800) 262-5643.