DSP Processors Optimized For Power-Constrained Applications

Analog Devices, Inc. introduced the ADSP-BF70x Blackfin® processor family, a high-performance DSP series that delivers a class-leading 800 MMACS of processing power at less than 100 mW - double the performance or half the power of competing devices.

Sept. 30, 2014

2 min read

The ADSP-BF70x Blackfin® processor family from Analog Devices, Inc. delivers 800 MMACS of processing power at less than 100 mW - double the performance or half the power of competing devices. The cost-effective eight-member Blackfin processor family includes up to 1 MB of internal SRAM, eliminating external memory in many applications, while a second configuration features an optional DDR memory interface. The combination of performance, power efficiency, integration and value allows designers to incorporate 16- and 32-bit processing in a range of new embedded vision use cases, including industrial imaging and building controls as well as portable and automotive audio. The ADSP-BF70x family offers designers' unparalleled flexibility and functionality through an array of advanced connectivity options (including USB, SDIO, CAN, ePPI, SPORT, QuadSPI) while enabling power sensitive bus-powered applications and extending the life of battery-powered devices.

The ADSP-B70x Blackfin family provides a scalable design approach for commercial-, industrial- and automotive-grade equipment where systems engineers must maintain high performance while designing for environmental regulations, portability, extended battery life, Analog Devices latest processor line extends ADI leadership position for high-performance, ultra-low-power DSPs by delivering up to 400 MHz with single-cycle, dual-16-bit, 32-bit and complex fixed-point math capability all while operating on a 95-mW core power budget.

The ADSP-BF70x Blackfin processors are designed for a range of industrial and building automation applications, including intelligent lighting and occupancy sensing and industrial imaging in cameras, barcode readers and biometric sensors. The processor family's low-power consumption, new 32-bit math and large on-chip SRAM also suits it to portable audio and automotive audio, where deterministic real-time processing is critical for high-fidelity sound.

With software IP protection a growing industry security concern, the ADSP-B70x Blackfin processor family additionally includes an onboard crypto hardware accelerator that features fast secure boot with decryption and authentication. For always-on safety critical applications, the BF70x series also provides high data integrity with parity and error-correction code (ECC)-protected memory circuitry. The processors come in single 12 — 12, QFN or 12 — 12 BGA packages priced starting at under $4.00/1k units.