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HOUSTON (July 24, 1995) -- Software development support for the industry's highest performing digital signal processor (DSP) from Texas Instruments is now available on standard desktop computers. This new software platform now makes designing high performance DSP-based systems available to more OEMs of videoconferencing, electronic game, imaging and digital switching/networking equipment.
Designing with the TI TMS320C8x DSPs is easier and less expensive with these PC-based software development tools. The new 'C8x tools include code generation tools, a software development board (SDB), and emulation support via a standard TI XDS510. The code generation tools include optimizing C compilers and algebraic assemblers for the parallel processors and master processor, a linker, a multitasking executive, and two new utilities: a register allocator and a code compactor. The software development board permits development, check-out and debugging using an actual 'C8x device, rather than a simulator. Use of the SDB means that designers can execute code in real time before hardware development is complete.
For OEMs exploring 'C8x design for the first time, these tools eliminate the need to purchase expensive workstations. They also reduce the learning curve and training costs because they rely on widely used Windows™ interfaces and commands.
Not only do the new PC tools run under the current version of Windows NT™ (Version 3.5), they will also be compatible with Microsoft's Windows 95™, expected later this year. Designed to plug into a standard Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) slot, the 'C80 SDB provides all of the bus speed needed to develop 'C8x applications in a Windows NT development environment. The PCI interface permits extremely rapid frame memory reading and writing, eliminating the need to write video out to a separate monitor.
Until now, 'C8x development was confined to SPARC™-compatible workstations. According to Julie Gallagher, TMS320C8x marketing manager, SPARC-compatible workstations will continue as the platform of choice for many developers, but the new PC tools will facilitate expanded design teams and new design teams using PC platforms.
"Even people who have invested in the SPARC tools are excited about the PC tools," said Gallagher. "Now they can move their 'C8x lab from one platform to another."
Two industry firsts, a register allocator and a code compactor that significantly speed the writing of efficient parallel processing code, have been added to the TMS320C8x toolset. The register allocator streamlines code development by efficiently managing variable usage of registers. The code compactor allows a programmer to write code in standard linear fashion. The compactor then optimizes the code by identifying instructions that can run in parallel.
"This allows a DSP code writer to immediately begin writing code in a form that is familiar," said Rick Rinehart, TMS320C8x program manager. "The writer can concentrate on implementing the algorithm and let the compactor take care of applying the parallel processing rules that let the code run faster and take less memory."
The new 'C8x code generation tools are available now from Texas Instruments and its authorized distributors for a suggested resale price of $3,500. The 'C8x XDS510 software is also available now for $2,000. The software development board will be available in August from Texas Instruments and its authorized distributors at a suggested resale price of $6,000. One year's worth of software updates is included at no additional charge.
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