Designing with TI's TMS320C8x is now not only easier, but also more affordable, thanks to the recently-introduced 'C8x software development tools that run on standard PC™ platforms. Specifically designed to support the 'C8x family, the new toolset includes code generation tools, a software development board (SDB), and JTAG emulation support via a standard TI XDS510. According to 'C8x marketing manager Julie Gallagher, the new tools will promote high-performance DSP-based designs for OEMs producing videoconferencing, electronic game, imaging, and digital switching/networking systems.
"The new software platform supports the 'C80 as the industry's highest performing DSP and brings 'C80 development to the PC," Gallagher said, "eliminating the need to purchase expensive workstations. This means greater access to 'C80 capabilities, especially for OEMs exploring 'C8x design for the first time."
Additional affordability benefits include reduced learning curve and training costs, since the 'C80 PC tools rely on widely-used Windows™ interfaces and commands. The tools' initial release will run under the current version of Windows NT™ (Version 3.5), and under Windows 95™ in a subsequent release expected later this year.
The system's code generation tools include optimizing C compilers and algebraic assemblers for the parallel processors and master processor, a linker, a multitasking executive, and two new utilities (register allocator and code compactor). The software development board allows development, and debugging with an actual 'C8x device. Designed to plug into a standard PCI slot, the 'C80 SDB allows designers to execute code in real time before hardware development is complete. The SDB's PCI interface allows extremely rapid frame-memory reading and writing, providing all the bus bandwidth required to develop 'C8x applications in a Windows NT development environment.
'C8x development has previously been restricted to SPARC™-compatible workstations, and these will likely remain as the platform of choice for many developers. "However," Gallagher said, "the PC tools will bring new design teams to the field, and will facilitate expansion for teams already working in the SPARC environment by allowing them to easily transfer 'C8x development from one platform to another."
The toolset includes a register allocator and a code compactor-two industry firsts, according to TI's 'C8x program manager Rick Rinehart. "These tools were specifically designed with DSP-code writers in mind," said Rinehart. The register allocator streamlines code development by efficiently managing variable usage of registers, and the code compactor allows a programmer to write code in standard linear fashion. The compactor then optimizes the code by identifying instructions that can run in parallel.
This allows the code writer to concentrate on implementing the algorithm and let the compactor take care of applying the parallel processing rules that let the code run faster and use less memory. "DSP- code writers can immediately begin writing in a form that is familiar," Rinehart explained.
The TMS320C8x PC toolset is priced as follows*:
| 'C8x Code Generation Tools | $3,500 |
| 'C8x XDS510 Software | $2,000 |
| Software Development Board | $6,000 |
Price includes one year's worth of software updates, and all components are currently available through TI and its authorized distributors.