HOUSTON (May 8, 1995) -- DSP market leader Texas Instruments today introduced a new generation of digital signal processors (DSP) which brings the cost of high performance DSP to less than $5 (in 250,000 unit quantities) for the first time.
The new 16-bit, fixed-point TMS320C2xx DSP generation enables high-volume, emerging consumer, telephony, industrial and computer applications like set top boxes, feature-phones, power-line monitors, solid-state relays, hard-disk drives, CD ROMS and modems.
The new generation is based on TI's T320C2xLP DSP core CPU which enables this unprecedented price/performance point -- 40 MIPS for less than $5 -- to allow high volume emerging applications to move to DSP. TI developed the core for custom solutions which have been shipping in volume since 1994.
"The C2xLP core clearly becomes the foundation of our roadmap for increasing the available DSP performance for emerging high-volume applications," said TI fixed-point DSP applications manager Jim Larimer.
The 'C2xLP core is an area-efficient, 16-bit, fixed-point DSP that is source code compatible with the industry-standard TMS320C25 and upward compatible with TI's TMS320C5x generation. The core has 544 words of dual-access RAM (288 words of data RAM and 256 words that store either program or data) and an IEEE standard JTAG scan path test port to allow use of the same development tools as 'C5x DSPs. The submicron, triple-level-metal CMOS fabrication process provides a faster, lower cost CPU with lower power requirements.
The first discrete, off-the-shelf TI devices using the 'C2xLP core are the TMS320C203 and the TMS320C209. The 'C203 DSP includes the core and a 16-bit timer, a software wait-state generator, 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.
According to TI fixed-point DSP marketing manager Mark Mattson, "The 'C203 is truly an application enabler. In addition to its incredible performance, its integrated peripherals really help lower a design's chip count. For example, in a feature-phone application requiring high performance to combine several capabilities into one phone like data modem for LCD phone display, caller ID, DTMF, voice mail and Centrex modem, the system requires 20 MIPS and peripherals to do the job. By using the 'C203 DSP, customers have the performance -- 20 MIPS -- and the peripherals -- a UART on-chip, necessary for a direct connection to the PC. This eliminates the need for a separate UART chip and results in a lower chip and system cost."
Available immediately for new designs, prototyping and software development, the 'C209 features 4K words each of on-chip RAM and ROM. The 'C209 enables cost-sensitive applications like small form factor hard disk drives which can take advantage of the larger on-chip RAM and ROM.
The 'C209 is currently available in an 80-pin TQFP package at 40 Mhz (20 MIPS) and 57 MHz (28.5 MIPS) from TI and through distribution. Suggested high-volume pricing for the 40 MHz 'C209 is $9.50 each for 100,000 unit quantities and $9 each for 250,000 unit quantities.
The 'C203 is expected to sample and to be available through TI-authorized distributors in fourth quarter of 1995 at 40 MHz, 57 MHz and 80 MHz in a 100-pin TQFP package. Estimated high-volume production pricing for the 40 MHz (20 MIPS) 'C203 is targeted for $4.75 each for 100,000 unit quantities and $4.50 each for 250,000 unit quantities. Estimated high-volume production pricing for the 80 MHz (40 MIPS) 'C203 is targeted for $5.26 each in 100,000 unit quantities and $4.95 each for 250,000 unit quantities.
TI's 'C2xLP core CPU allows customers using the 'C203 and the 'C209 an easy migration path for customizable DSP (cDSP) solutions. The cDSP option enables lower system costs and maximum system integration.
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