Date: 30/06/2009

TI's new TMS320C6000 series DSPs consume only 420 mW power

Texas Instruments has launched 4 new low power consuming DSPs coded TMS320C6742, TMS320C6746, TMS320C6748 and OMAP-L138 with ample high-speed connectivity features. These new DSPs are capable of both fixed point and floating point. TI has brought down the power consumption of these processors down to 420 mW in active mode and 7mW in standby mode.

The applications suggested include industrial, communications, medical diagnostics and audio. TI says these processors offer cost saving solutions. For instance, power protection systems benefit from the OMAP-L138 device's fixed/floating-point DSP, ARM9, Ethernet MAC (EMAC) and LCD controller for up to $14 cost reduction compared to current solutions.

These processor feature universal parallel port (uPP) and integrated Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) making them suitable for applications that need high-speed data transfer and high-capacity storage, such as test and measurement, public safety radios, music effects and intelligent occupancy sensors.

The other key features include,

1. Feature EMAC and multimedia card/secure digital (MMC/SD) and high-speed USB 2.0/1.1 for desktop, network or portable connectivity or storage
2. Video port interface provides the ability to input/output raw video while a LCD controller allows developers to easily connect video graphics array (VGA) resolution displays
3. Multiple operating points facilitated through DVFS, powering off unused peripherals and selectable I/O voltages enable portability and reduce heat dissipation in products
4. Complementary TI TPS65070 power management device implements all sequence and default options as well as supports the devices' power modes
5. C674x core up to 300 MHz provides floating-point operations for high-precision and wide dynamic range as well as fixed-point operations for higher performance
6. Pin-for-pin compatibility (C6742, C6746, C6748 and OMAP-L138)
7. 128 KB to 448 KB on-chip memory to reduce external memory access and power usage

OMAP-L138 processor features are:
Dual-core processor that builds on the C6748 DSP with a 300 MHz ARM9 gives developers the flexibility to add intuitive human machine interfaces, touch screens or networking capability to their applications
ARM9 allows developers to implement high-level operating systems, such as Linux
Windows Embedded CE and Integrity support is expected in 4Q09
Low power usage with 440mW total power and 15mW in standby mode in use case scenarios

For details visit www.ti.com