TI's New Dual-core Processor Brings Real-time DSP Performance and Lower Power Consumption to RISC Developers

The OMAP5910 part delivers integration efficiencies through an optimized interprocessor communication mechanism

HOUSTON (August 5, 2002) - Giving RISC-based developers the benefits of the real-time performance  and power-efficiency required for next-generation multimedia-enhanced applications, Texas Instruments (NYSE:TXN) today unveiled the dual-core OMAP5910 embedded processor. The OMAP5910 delivers the best of both worlds by combining in a single device the real-time processing capabilities and low power consumption of TI´s TMS320C55xTM DSP core, the flexibility and scalability of a TI-enhanced ARM925TM microprocessor and ease of use through an optimized interprocessor communication mechanism. www.ti.com/rd/omap5910p

"The unique combination of both performance and power efficiency that TI has delivered to the wireless markets with previous OMAPTM processors will now be readily available to designers of a wide range of applications with the OMAP5910," said Will Strauss, president, Forward Concepts. "TI´s dual-core OMAP5910 processors allow OEMs and application developers to easily deliver new real-time applications that will be rich with innovative features."

The OMAP5910 is the newest addition to the widely adopted family of OMAP processors, which has garnered strong momentum in the 2.5G/3G handset and PDA markets. The OMAP5910 extends the inherent advantages of the OMAP platform to new consumer, business and industrial applications such as digital media, biometrics, location-based services, enhanced gaming and telematics.

Familiar development environment speeds design cycle

The OMAP5910 enables embedded developers to program using familiar development environments by supporting leading operating systems such as Accelerated Technology NucleusTMPLUS, Microsoft Windows®, CE .netTM, Linux®, Wind River VxWorks® and TI´s DSP/BIOSTM real-time scalable kernel. This familiar development environment makes it possible for designers to deliver innovative products to the market faster, utilizing familiar tools, a standard application programming interface (API) and a seamless interface to the DSP through an optimized interprocessor communication mechanism. The built-in interprocessor communication mechanism eliminates the need for developers to program the RISC and DSP independently, greatly reducing programming time and complexity.

The Right Processor for the Right Task Delivers Optimal Performance

TI´s OMAP5910 addresses the fundamental challenges facing designers, optimizing the performance of both real-time, processing-intensive tasks and control functions. When a RISC processor performs both tasks, performance of each is compromised. However, by combining an ARM RISC processor (suited to orchestrating command and control) with a DSP (ideal for computation-intensive signal processing tasks), system performance can be optimized, with specific tasks performed by the most appropriate device.

"PhatNoise chose the OMAP5910 because it is the ideal combination of hardware architecture and software infrastructure for our next generation car audio systems," said Dannie Lau, co-founder and executive vice president of business and new product development, PhatNoise, Inc. "The integration of the C55x TM DSP and ARM925 microprocessor allows us to partition the right task to the right processor. From this, we get the real-time, high performance processing power required by our systems, as well as the additional headroom to add innovative new features to our products."

The single-chip OMAP5910 also delivers system-on-a-chip functionality with unparalleled peripherals including: 192 Kbytes RAM, USB 1.1 host and client, MMC/SD card interface, multi-channel buffered serial ports, real-time clock, GPIO and UARTs, LCD interface, SPI, uWire and i2s.

Extensive Support Fosters Faster Time to Market

TI has established a worldwide network of independent OMAP Technology Centers (OTCs) that enhances TI´s already extensive training and development support capabilities for the OMAP platform. The current OTCs include BSQUARE Corporation, DSPecialists, Delphi Communication Systems, Inc., Logic Product Development, Stellcom, Inc. and Productivity Systems, Inc. In addition, designers can draw upon the tools and resources of 400 third parties developing applications for TI´s TMS320C5000TM DSP platform, and a number of leading software developers from TI´s extensive OMAP Developer Network to quickly deliver multimedia-rich applications and services to the market. The OMAP platform is also supported by easy-to-use eXpressDSPTM software and development tools, including the Code Composer Studio for OMAP integrated development environment and a complete portfolio of eXpressDSP-compliant algorithms from TI´s third-party network.

TI Provides the Tools to Get Started Today

Developers and device manufacturers can quickly create applications for multiple market segments using the Innovator Development Kit for the OMAP platform. Supporting multiple operating systems for flexibility and cost efficiency, the Innovator Development Kit is a handheld, battery-operated development platform to help developers get started today. www.ti.com/rd/innovator

Fully integrated development environments and board support packages (BSPs) for the Innovator Development Kit are scheduled to be available before the end of 2002 for Accelerated Technology NucleusPLUS, Microsoft Windows CE.net, Linux and Wind River VxWorks.

The OMAP5910 is available today in sample quantities, and production devices are scheduled to be available beginning in the first quarter of 2003. eXpressDSP, evaluation modules and other development tools are available immediately from TI. www.omap.com/rd/omaptools

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