Embedded Processor Watch

Editor: Jim Turley

In This Issue:

• TI 'C6202, '6211 Extend High-End DSP Range
• Atmel Comes Out of the ARM Closet
• Industry Resources: Embedded Processor Forum Oct 15-16
• Industry Resources: EE Encyclopedia
• New Embedded IC Announcements

TI 'C6202, '6211 Extend High-End DSP Range

Texas Instruments has released details of the next two chips in its high-end superscalar DSP family, the TMS320C62xx. First introduced last year (see Microprocessor Report 2/17/97, p. 14), the 'C6201 is based on an eight-way superscalar DSP core running at 200 MHz and up. The ferociously fast--and expensive--'C6201 is now joined by an even faster 'C6202 and a much less expensive 'C6211. Both new chips will enter production late next year.

The new TMS320C6202 has the same DSP core as its predecessor but triples the amount of on-chip memory, with 256K of program RAM and 128K of data RAM. The 'C6202 also has a second 32-bit external expansion bus, allowing the chip to reach external FIFOs and peripherals at the same time it's accessing main memory. Maximum clock frequency increases to 250 MHz while the package size shrinks somewhat, a combination that leads TI to sell the 'C6202 on the basis of "double the MIPS per board area." Quantity pricing will be in the $120-$150 range when the chip enters production in 3Q99. Samples are slated for 1Q99.

The 'C6211 offers a less-expensive spin on the 'C62xx design, running at just 150 MHz and replacing the separate program and data memories from the original 'C6201 with an unconventional (for a DSP) two-level cache structure. The 'C6211 DSP core is tied to a pair of 4K caches, which are backed by a unified, 64K level-two cache. Programmers can optionally configure portions of the L2 cache as RAM, providing at least some stable memory with deterministic access characteristics. The 'C6211 has not yet taped out, though TI expects to have samples in its 0.18-micron process by 2Q99. In production quantities, the chip will sell for $20ö $40 by the second half of 1999.

The high-end 'C6202 is aimed at high-density DSP installations like telephone central offices, where space constraints are tight and extra performance is always welcome. The 'C6211, on the other hand, is priced to undercut even TI's midrange competitors, bringing DSP users into the TI fold, perhaps for the first time. With these new parts, plus others in the works, TI hopes to head off StarCore (see Embedded Processor Watch #2) before it ever gets started, in 1999.

Atmel Comes Out of the ARM Closet

Peripatetic PLD producer Atmel (http://www.atmel.com) has finally made visible use of its ARM license, producing the first of a promised series of ARM7-based microcontrollers for the general-purpose embedded market.

The AT91M40400 includes an ARM7TMDI core, 4K of SRAM, two UARTs, four timers, an interrupt controller, and some programmable I/O pins. The whole assembly runs at 33 MHz, from a nominal 3.3-V supply. Its 16-bit external bus means the chip will execute faster if it's running in Thumb (16-bit compressed) mode rather than normal ARM7 mode.

The '400 is a lot like Samsung's standalone ARM7 chip, the KS32C6200 (see Microprocessor Report 5/11/98, p. 10). Unfortunately, it's also a bit pricey, like Samsung's chip, at $11.35 in 10,000-unit quantities. Atmel includes 4K of SRAM versus Samsung's 2K of cache, but doesn't have either the DRAM or DMA controllers that make the '6200 easier to integrate.

Given Atmel's background in nonvolatile memory, flash-based ARM chips should be close at hand. As the company expands its line of standalone chips, developers without the budget for an ASIC will find it easier to design their own ARM-based systems.

Industry Resources: Embedded Processor Forum Oct 15-16

Our annual Embedded Processor Forum will focus on three technology areas: integrated microprocessors, hybrid CPU/DSP chips, and ASIC cores. In the ASIC session, attendees will witness first-time announcements of ARM's ARM10, a new dual-issue MIPS core from SandCraft, and a high- performance CPU from IBM, rumored to be a PowerPC with new features.

Come see Robin Saxby, the founder and CEO of ARM, give the morning's keynote address. Michael Slater and Embedded Processor Watch editor Jim Turley will host other sessions throughout the day. An evening reception, including food and drinks, will be followed by "birds of a feather" affinity sessions on embedded benchmarks and the state of embedded development tools.

Details on the schedule, plus more first-time chip announcements, can be found at http://www.MDRonline.com/events/epf99/em_conf.html. The Forum is followed by your choice of optional one-day seminars, on embedded processors or DSP chips. You can register on the Web, or by calling MicroDesign Resources (Sebastopol, Calif.) at 707.824.4004.

Industry Resources: EE Encyclopedia

Publishers J. Wiley & Sons have compiled the "Encyclopedia of Electrical and Electronics Engineering," a stupendously exhaustive work in 22 hardbound volumes containing 19,000 pages. It's difficult to imagine any subject or discipline not contained in the Encyclopedia, from pacemakers to video telephony, neural networks to forecasting theory.

The entire set costs $7,995 (shipping is included for prepaid orders). For information on site licenses, or to order, contact Wiley (New York) at 800.225.5945 or address your e-mail to custserv@wiley.com.

New Embedded IC Announcements

IX9816, IX8134 (ITeX) Two-chip set for ADSL modems relies on Windows 98 PC for host processing; compatible with G.Lite and T1.413 standards. Price: $40/1,000; Samples: 4Q98; Production: 1Q99; Call ITex at 408.980.8689.

HN29W64AH05TE (Hitachi) Controller for flash memory cards serves both CompactFlash and PCMCIA form factors, from a single 3.3-V or 5-V power supply. Price: $15/1,000; Production: Now; Call Hitachi at 800.285.1601.

TLV1562 (TI) Programmable-resolution analog-to-digital converter can be set for 4, 8, or 10 bits of precision at 2, 3, or 7 million samples/s. Price: $4.50/1,000; Production: Now; Call TI at 800.477.8924.

CS4334 (Crystal) Digital-to-analog converter has 24-bit precision; supports 96-kHz sample rate for audio applications, with 96-dB dynamic range. Price: $1.95/1,000; Production: Now; Call Crystal at 512.912.3113.

SN65LVDS050, SN65LVDS051 (TI) Low-voltage differential-signaling driver and receiver are part of LVDS family of interface chips; each has two drivers and receivers with enable pins. Price: $3.73/1,000; Production: Now; Call TI at 800.477.8924.