Date: 02/09/2011

Low cost, low-power OMAP-L1x DSP + ARM processor

Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) has introduced its OMAP-L132 DSP + ARM processor what it claims as the lowest cost and lowest power processor in the OMAP-L1x DSP + ARM processor generation, which enables real-time, fixed- and floating-point signal processing, connectivity and communication starting at $8.55.

TI says the OMAP-L132 processor allows entry into cost-sensitive markets and is well suited for power-efficient communications and industrial applications such as:
Software defined radios: Suitable for public safety radios (PSRs), the integrated DSP core enables support for wireless protocol-specific functions, including signal filtering, modulation/demodulation and modem functions. The ARM allows user system management, control and connectivity. The OMAP-L132 processor offers a cost-effective solution for PSRs, allowing budget-restricted public safety officials to purchase more radios to help protect even more people, as per TI.
Programmable automation controllers (PAC): PACs are compact controllers that combine the powerful mathematical processing and precise real-time response capability of a DSP with a PC or a digital computer to automate factory machine equipment and control the motor movement parameters such as steps, direction and speed. The ARM core enables high-level system control, communications and user interfaces. According to TI, PACs based on the OMAP-L132 processor can help make the factory floor safer and more efficient, reducing factory production costs and also eliminates risk by preventing human exposure to hazardous equipment and materials.


OMAP-L132 processor features and benefits as per TI include:
Feature
Benefit

Low power consumption with 370 mW typical active and 11mW in sleep mode
Allows developers to implement portable or fan-less applications

Integrates a low-power, fixed- and floating-point C674x DSP and ARM9 core at up to 200 MHz each
· DSP offers real-time system performance with floating-point operations for high-precision and wide dynamic range and fixed-point operations for even higher performance

· ARM enables system control, communications and connectivity

Integrated peripherals, including Ethernet MAC (EMAC), multimedia card/secure digital (MMC/SD) port and high-speed USB 2.0
Ethernet MAC enables fast network connectivity and the MMC/SD port and high-speed USB 2.0 allow developers to quickly connect a high capacity storage drive or other portable memory interfaces




Available: Now in samples
Price: $8.55 in 10K units