New DSP Helps Engineers Meet 3G Performance Demands
In an effort to continue its lead in the digital signal processor (DSP) market, Texas Instruments (TI; Dallas) has released the latest member in TMS320C6x family of processors. The TMS320C6203 runs at 300 MHz, integrates 7 Mb of memory, and delivers 2400 MIPS performance, making it a good solution for emerging third-generation (3G) wireless base station designs.
The 'C6203 is developed using a 0.15-µm L-effective (0.18-µm drawn) CMOS manufacturing process. By using this process, the new DSP can operate from a +1.5 VDC internal voltage and +3.3 VDC input/output (I/O) voltage while consuming 660 mW of CPU power while executing 2400 MIPS at 300 MHz.
More memory
One of the key trends in the wireless market today, is the need for DSPs that provide more memory on-chip. By housing more memory on chip, base station manufacturers realize that they can eliminate some off-chip memory requirements, and thus decrease delays and reduce the overall size of their systems.
The 'C6203 is specifically designed to meet the memory requests of design engineers. The new DSP sports 3 Mb of on-chip program static random-access memory (SRAM) and 4 Mb of on-chip data SRAM. By including this memory on-chip, TI says that software does not incur the delays inherent in using off-chip memory. In addition, TI says the new DSP eliminates the need for many off-chip memory components.
Analog support
Data converter and power management products have been developed to work with the 'C6203. TI offers a pin-compatible 8- to 12-bit family of high-speed digital-to-analog (D/A) converters that are tailored to communications applications and ease communications system design. These three 100 MSample/s D/A converters, which are designated as the THS5641, THS5651 and THS5661, are able to improve the efficiency of a system's DSP.
By combining these D/A converters with the new 'C6203, TI plans to support a complete base transceiver station solution reference design. This reference design will includes four analog-to-digital (A/D) converters, a four-channel digital down converter and a 'C620x EVM with software drivers.
Development tools
TI offers a set of design tools for the 'C6203. These tools include a C compiler and the Code Composer integrated development environment (IDE). Programmers can download Code Composer for a free 30-day evaluation.
The TMS320C6203 will be available in 300-MHz and 250-MHz versions, both packaged in 18- and 27-mm2 ball-grid array (BGA). Sampling is planned for the fourth quarter of 1999, with volume production planned for the third quarter of 2000. Suggested pricing is $179 each in quantities of 25,000 for the 300-MHz version and $136 each in quantities of 25,000 for the 250-MHz version.
For more information on the TMS320C6203, contact TI at 800-477-8924 ext. 4500.