Date: 19th Oct 2010

New ARM based DSP and control processors in single core and new Sitara MPUs from TI

Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) has introduced the C6A816x Integra DSP + ARM generation of processors offering single-core floating- and fixed-point DSP performance of up to 1.5 GHz using the 1.5GHz single core ARM Cortex-A8 core. The combined Integra DSP + ARM architecture enables the DSP to handle signal processing needs, complex math functions and image processing algorithms, while the ARM is available for graphical user interfaces (GUIs), network connectivity, system control and application processing under multiple operating systems such as Linux, Microsoft Windows Embedded Compact 7 and Android.

The C6A816x Integra DSP + ARM generation includes two new devices, the C6A8168 and C6A8167 processors. The C6A816x Integra DSP + ARM peripherals include PCIExpress Gen2, SATA 2.0, dual Gigabit Ethernet and dual DDR2/DDR3 interfaces.The C6A816x Integra DSP + ARM processors are equipped with an on-chip display engine allowing for output of two different streams of content for dual, simultaneous high-resolution displays. The C6A8168 and C6A8167 Integra DSP + ARM processors supports high-quality displays at up to 1920 x 1280 resolution with an SGX530 graphics accelerator up to 333 MHz (C6A8168 only) to render 3D graphics.

TI is also offering a free software package for evaluating this device, TI calls this 'out-of-box experience' within minutes and development in less than an hour.

Price:
C6A8167 Integra DSP+ ARM processor: US$46 for 1K pieces
C6A8168 Integra DSP + ARM processor: US$49 for 1K pieces

Availability:
DDR2 version: Now
DDR3 version: Expected to begin shipping in 1Q2011
TI EZ SDK versions for Android and Windows Embedded Compact 7: 1Q 2011.
C6A8167 Integra DSP+ ARM processor and C6A8168 Integra DSP + ARM processor: Now

On the low cost front Texas Instruments has also unveiled the AM389x Sitara ARM MPUs adding on to its portfolio of Sitara ARM microprocessors (MPUs). These MPUs use a 1.5GHz single-core ARM Cortex-A8 . The AM389x Sitara ARM MPUs is suitable for applications such as single-board computers, gateways, routers, servers, industrial automation, human machine interfaces (HMIs) and point-of-service data terminals. These AM389x Sitara ARM MPUs can run multiple applications simultaneously for multiple operating systems, such as Linux, Microsoft Windows Embedded Compact 7 and Android.

The AM389x Sitara ARM MPU includes two new devices, the AM3892 and the AM3894. Both devices pack peripherals such as PCIExpress Gen2, SATA 2.0, dual Gigabit Ethernet and dual DDR2/DDR3 interface. These MPUs also offer an on-chip display engine that can output two different streams of content for dual, simultaneous high-resolution displays, which is suitable for applications requiring graphical, dual-screen experience. The AM389x Sitara ARM MPU also supports up to two displays at up to 1920 x 1280 resolution with an SGX530 graphics accelerator up to 333 MHz (AM3894) to render 3D graphics.

Both the new Sitara ARM MPUs and the Integra DSP + ARM processors are supported by a single hardware evaluation module (EVM) and a single TI EZ Software Development Kit (EZ SDK), allowing customers to evaluate their devices in minutes and begin development in less than an hour. The Sitara ARM MPUs and Integra DSP + ARM processors also share a common development environment to accelerate time to market and reduce development costs.

Price:
DDR2 version (TMDXEVM8168DDR2): US$1,895
XAM3894CYG Sitara ARM MPU: Starts at US$43.10 for 1K pieces

Availability:
DDR2 version: Now
DDR3 version: Expected to begin shipping in 1Q2011
TI EZ SDK versions for Android and Windows Embedded Compact 7: 1Q 2011.
XAM3894CYG Sitara ARM MPU: Now