New generation DSPs boost speed and cut power

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Mar 26, 2003

The next-generation Blackfin processor family is claimed to deliver twice the performance at half the power consumption of conventional DSPs and embedded processors.

The next-generation Blackfin processor family from Analog Devices is claimed to deliver twice the performance at half the power consumption of conventional DSPs and embedded processors.

The ADSP-BF533 is a 600MHz/1.2 billion multiply accumulate operations per second (GMACS) processor.

The low-cost ADSP-BF531 operates at 300MHz/600 million multiply accumulate operations per second (MMACS).

Both Blackfin processors combine best-in-class digital signal processing performance with microcontroller functionality and embedded operating system support to meet the computational demands and power constraints of today's embedded audio, video and communications applications.

The processors require only 0.15mW/MMAC at 300MHz, and at 600MHz performance levels, the power consumption of the ADSP-BF533 is only 280mW.

To optimise the advantages of the Blackfin architecture's dynamic power management capability, the new processors integrate an on-chip switching regulator that permits programmable control of the core voltage - from 0.7 to 1.2V - from a single I/O supply - thereby reducing overall system costs and external power supply components.

The new Blackfin devices also support embedded operating systems such as Embedded Linux, ThreadX and Nucleus.

In addition, the video optimisations within the Blackfin processors enable fully programmable D1/VGA real-time video and multichannel audio without the complexity or inflexibility of dedicated hardware or heterogeneous dual-core approaches.

Using the programmable Blackfin processors enables fast time-to-market and easy support for new and emerging media formats such as MPEG-4, H.264 and Windows Media.

"Our new Blackfin family delivers embedded processing speed and power-efficiency that previously could only be implemented with ASICs or hardwired chipsets", said Brian McAloon, Group Vice President, DSP and System Products, Analog Devices.

"As important, the 600MHz milestone is only the first rung in the performance ladder as we continue to evolve this technology to address the embedded software developer's appetite for higher performance solutions".

"Blackfin is good at media processing, where most microprocessors are weak.

Analog Devices has correctly identified a key growth segment, and with the company's strong reputation in media processing it's well poised to be a major player in this arena", said Jim Turley, president, Jim Turley and Associates.

"The new Blackfin processors mix signal-processing performance with traditional microcontroller capabilities that are right for new multimedia applications and at a price point of only $4.95, it's a very compelling solution".

All three members of the Blackfin processor family are pin-for-pin and code compatible and offer new levels of peripheral integration, including glueless connection to an array of ITU-R656 video encoders and decoders, as well as high-speed A/D and D/A convertors at up to 65Msample/s.

The dedicated video port on all members of the family is supported by an innovative two-dimensional DMA structure that significantly reduces software overhead and system power consumption for real-time video applications.

Two dedicated serial ports support up to eight channels of IIS (I2S) audio.

Samples of all new members of the Blackfin processor family are available now in BGA packages.

All Blackfin processors integrate on-chip memory, a dedicated video port and extensive I/O.

The ADSP-BF533 is offered in two frequency grades - 500MHz (1000MMAC) and 600MHz (1200MMAC) for $16.95 and $19.95, respectively, in quantities of 10,000 units.

Both versions are packaged in a space-saving, 12 x 12mm 160-ball mini-BGA package.

The ADSP-BF531 is available now in 160-ball mini-BGA version, at 400MHz, and is offered at $5.95, while the 300MHz LQFP version, available in Q3, 2003, is offered at $4.95.

Prices are per unit in 10,000-piece quantities.

Previously available at 300MHz, the company also announces today that its ADSP-BF532 is now available at 400MHz in the same 160-ball mini-BGA package, as well as a 300MHz 176-lead LQFP version that will be available in Q3, 2003.

Both versions of the ADSP-BF532 are priced at $9.95 per unit in quantities of 10,000 units.

Programmable in C and C++, all Blackfin processors efficiently execute both signal processing and control code and are supported by Analog Devices' Crosscore tools, which are available now for development.

Samples can be obtained by contacting local ADI sales offices and a free VisualDSP++ development tools test drive can be obtained at the Blackfin processor website.