Now sampling, new DSP-based digital media processors offer improved video performance with a 50 percent cost reduction over previous generations
*** See TI’s DM643x H.264 Encode Demo at Electronica and Embedded Technology***
MUNICH (November 14, 2006) – Continuing to expand the availability of digital video, Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE: TXN) is now sampling four new digital signal processor (DSP)-based digital media processors priced as low as $9.95. These DaVinci™ processors are tuned for specific markets, including automotive vision, video security and video telephony. For more information see www.ti.com/dm643xpr.
“Vision-based driver assistance and active safety systems, residential IP netcams and consumer-class videophones are just a few of the digital video applications that will change how we experience our car and beyond,” said Gerard Andrews, DSP marketing manager, TI. “We have created these parts to ensure our customers are able to capture these exploding markets, while new low price points will allow the implementation of digital video in a completely new realm of applications.”
Improved Video Performance, 50 Percent Cost Reduction
The four new TMS320DM643x processors, the first DSP-only devices for DaVinci technology, are providing greater processing power at a lower price point than ever before. Moore’s Law combined with improvements to the DSP core and the addition of a video processing subsystem (VPSS), allow the DM643x processors to offer improved video performance of up to H.264 video encode at D1 resolution and a 50 percent cost reduction over TI’s previous DSP digital media processors.
All four processors feature the new TMS320C64x+™ core and operate between 300 and 600 MHz. The VPSS provides up to a 40 percent performance lift by integrating a preview engine, resizer and on-screen display accelerator, which leaves headroom on the DSP for additional functionality. Further, the integration of up to four DACs reduce the system bill of materials by up to $4. For many applications, the TMS320DM6437, TMS320DM6435, TMS320DM6433 and TMS320DM6431 will have enough headroom for networking, user interface and other tasks required to run the complete system on the DSP.
Right Performance, Peripheral and Cost Options for Target Video Markets
Three of the new processors (DM6431, DM6435 and DM6437) offer special features that make them suitable for automotive vision applications, such as lane departure warning and collision avoidance. They support the CAN (controller area network) bus interface, a network that enables multiple microcontrollers to communicate with each other and has become a standard in the automotive industry. These devices will meet the AEC-Q100 automotive quality standard, which means they will pass a series of specific stress tests required for automotive qualification.
“By offering processors specifically suited for video applications and with automotive-specific interfaces incorporated, TI will help drive the growth of the automotive vision market. The DM643x devices incorporate features, such as CAN bus interface and AEC-Q100 qualification, which will allow us to incorporate DSP performance into our vision sensors for driver assistance systems,” said Roger Appelo, global strategy manager, Active Safety, Sensata Technologies.
The four processors provide 32 KB L1P cache/SRAM, and either 32 KB or 80 KB L1D and 64 or 128 KB L2 cache/SRAM memory and an asynchronous 8-Bit wide EMIF to support NOR flash and NAND flash interfaces. The DM643x devices also include a 32-Bit DDR2 SDRAM (333 MHz) memory controller, which is important for digital video applications which require higher memory bandwidth. Other peripherals offered by all four processors include a 10/100 Ethernet media access controller (MAC), UARTs, I2C, SPI, GPIO, McASP and three PWMs. The DM6433 and DM6437 also incorporate 32-bit PCI (33 MHz). The processors are available in 16 mm and 23 mm square packages and are pin compatible.
The four DM643x processors take full advantage of the DaVinci software and
development infrastructure by allowing designers to focus on the application functionality. Developers are able to implement video, imaging, speech and audio technology through simple calls to the DaVinci application programming interface (API) that manages the implementation of specific codec engines and matching screen resolution. For example, the developer can use a simple function call without being concerned with the details of the actual codec implementation. The DM643x devices can also be programmed using conventional DSP programming methods with TI’s best-in-class eXpressDSP™ software and development tools, including Code Composer Studio™ Integrated Development Environment.
Samples Available to Begin Development Today
Samples are available today and devices will be in volume production in 2Q 2007, priced from $9.95 to $22.95 in 10,000 units. A complete, robust digital video development platform that leverages the entire DaVinci technology ecosystem, including the codec engine, eXpressDSP™ Data Visualization Technology and digital media software for the DM643x devices will be released in 2Q 2007. The DM643x H.264 encode demonstration is in the TI booth at Electronica (Booth #125, Hall A4) in Munich and at Embedded Technology 2006 (C-29) in Tokyo.
For more information about TI’s DaVinci technology offerings, including digital media software, authorized software providers and video system development tools, see www.thedavincieffect.com.
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About Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP and analog technologies to meet our customers’ real world signal processing requirements. In addition to Semiconductor, the company includes the Educational & Productivity Solutions business. TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and has manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25 countries.
Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TXN. More information is located on the World Wide Web at www.ti.com
Trademarks
DaVinci, TMS320DM64x, TMS320C64x+, eXpressDSP and Code Composer Studio are trademarks of Texas Instruments. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Additional Customer Comments
“The cameras in our ground-breaking home and small business video security system, LükWerks, have successfully used TI’s TMS320DM64x™ digital media processors. TI’s new offering of the lower cost, higher performing DM643x processors ensures that we will be able to continue offering our customers the highest-quality video security for the most affordable price on the market,” said Andrew Hartsfield, chief executive officer, WiLife.
“TI continues to advance the availability of digital video applications with DaVinci technology. By offering an affordable digital media processor that can manage the core processing required by an IP videophone, TI’s technology allows us to continue to expand our offerings for this growing market,” said Stuart Griffin, director, Red Embedded Design.