Generation 'C2xx: Performance, value for high-volume applications

High-performance digital signal processors are now available for less than U.S. $5 in 250,000-unit quantities, thanks to a new DSP generation introduced by TI. The 16-bit, fixed-point TMS320C2xx, based n TI's TMS320C2xLP DSP core CPU, enables high-volume emerging consumer, telephony, industrial, and computer applications.

"The 'C2xLP core becomes the foundation of our roadmap for dramatically increasing the performance of emerging high-volume applications," according to TI Fixed-Point DSP Applications Manager Jim Larimer. "Now designers can get 40 MIPS, a level of performance previously unachievable at this price."

TI developed the 'C2xLP core, which has been shipping in volume since 1994, as a custom solution for use in applications like hard disk drives. This allows customers using the 'C2xx devices an easy migration path for cDSPs (customizable DSPs). The core is an area-efficient, 16-bit, fixed-point DSP that is source-code compatible with the 'C1x and 'C2x generations and upward compatible with the 'C5x generation.

The first devices to use the 'C2xLP core CPU are the TMS320C203 and TMS320C209. The 'C203, which Larimer calls "a true application enabler," includes the core and a 16-bit timer, one synchronous serial port with a four-word-deep buffer, and a UART, providing the powerful 'C2xLP core with a full complement of application-enabling peripherals.

"In addition to its performance," said Mark Mattson, TI's Fixed-Point DSP -Marketing Manager, "the 'C203's integrated peripherals help to lower chip count and system cost in applications like multi-function feature phones. In this case, the 'C203's on-chip UART provides a glueless connection from the phone to the PC via an RS-232 connection."