TI Introduces Easy-to-Use DSP Starter Kit for High Performance
Fixed-Point DSPs
HOUSTON (Dec. 9, 1996) -- A digital signal processor (DSP) starter
kit (DSK) that supports high performance fixed-point DSPs was
announced today by Texas Instruments (TI). A DSK is a design tool
that gives designers a working knowledge of DSP code and enables
them to begin building complete DSP systems. This new DSK incorporates
a true Windows® based debugger to offer more flexibility in
software code development and serves as an architecture evaluation
platform for beginning or experienced designers.
The TMS320C54x DSKplus software development tool from TI, the
world's leading DSP solutions provider, extends TI's existing
tools line of the 'C2x, 'C5x and 'C3x DSKs and uses the same proven
technology. Featuring the TMS320C542 16-bit, fixed-point DSP performing
40 million instructions per second (MIPS) on the PC-linkable board,
the 'C54x DSKplus is the most powerful DSK development tool on
the market. It is a high-functioning, yet low-cost development
tool that enables designers to quickly start learning the 'C54x
DSPs. The 'C54x DSKplus board also takes advantage of the 'C542's
host port interface, buffered serial port, and standard serial
port for interfacing to a variety of other devices.
What makes the TMS320C54x DSKplus an easy-to-use DSK is the true
Windows based debugger, which provides a visual environment that
enables easier code development and reduces time-to-market. Created
by GO DSP Corp., the Code Explorer™ is the first Windows
based debugger to be integrated into a low-cost development tool.
Other features include a graphical user's interface, an algebraic
assembler, and symbolic debugging.
| Key Features | Benefits
|
| Code Explorer debugger | An easy-to-use, true Windows based nterface.
|
| Supports symbolic debugging, breakpoints, graphical animation, variable watch windows, file input/output (I/O) algebraic/mnemonic disassembly, and on-line help.
|
| TLC320AC01 analog interface circuit (AIC) |
Low power dissipation.
14-bit linear resolution.
|
| Programmable sampling rates, programmable anti-aliasing filter, rogrammable input gain.
|
| Selectable auxiliary input.
|
| Data read-back capability.
|
| Universal power supply and cable | Eliminate the need to change adapters for different voltages worldwide.
|
| Ideal for powering daughter cards.
|
| Filtered and regulated and no need for on-board voltage regulation.
|
| Algebraic assembler | Bypasses learning new DSP mnemonic instruction set specifics.
|
| Makes coding easier and more straightforward.
|
| Easy one-step assembly and linking process.
|
| Full featured code expression analysis for easier coding.
|
| Symbolic debugging | Enables easy programmability by using labels for referencing constants, variables, matrices by name.
|
| Socketed programmable array logic (PAL®)
| Allows experienced designers to re-program PAL and change the way the host port interface works on the 'C54x DSKplus.
|
The 'C54x DSKplus package contains:
· A 40-MIPS TMS320C542 DSP with
10K words of on-chip Dual-Access RAM
· A parallel printer port supporting
4-bit/8-bit ports
· Two standard mini-plug input
and output jacks that provide direct connections to a pre-amplified
microphone and multimedia speakers
· Socketed programmable array
logic (PAL)
· All of the data, address, control
signals, and peripherals signals are brought out to headers at
the periphery of the board for expandability purposes
· A TMS320C542-based board with
TLC320AC01 AIC
· A Code Explorer Windows based
debugger and sample programs
· A parallel printer port cable
(25-M to 25-F)
· A universal power supply (5V
DC)
· A TMS320C54x DSKplus User's
Guide
· A TMS320C54x CPU and Peripherals
Reference Guide
· A TMS320C54x Algebraic Instruction
Set Reference Guide
· A TLC320AC01 Analog Interface
Circuit Datasheet
· A $149 coupon toward the purchase
of the 'C54x evaluation modules (EVM)
· Two 3.5" diskettes with
software which includes the Code Explorer debugger, algebraic
assembler, application loader, self-test and application demo
software
Pricing and Availability
The TMS320C54x DSKplus is priced at US$149 and available through
TI's authorized distributors.
Free TMS320C54x Training and Documentation CD-ROM Available
A free comprehensive training and technical documentation CD-ROM
is also available to further the ease-of-use advantages of the
TMS320C54x. The CD-ROM, available from TI, features a complete
product and applications training module, product family overviews
and device specifications, a complete online user's guide, and
additional documentation supporting the 'C54x generation.
