TI samples processors for imaging, Bluetooth applications

TI samples processors for imaging, Bluetooth applications
By Darrell Dunn, EBN
April 6, 2001 (5:10 p.m. EST)
URL: http://www.eetimes.com/story/OEG20010406S0079

DALLAS -- Texas Instruments Inc. here is continuing its push into a number of emerging markets. Leveraging its successful DSP and ARM processor platform for cellular handsets, TI has introduced a family of devices optimized for imaging applications, as well as its third Bluetooth baseband processor.

"There are a lot of applications we're targeting, but most have certain things in common," said John Daniels, product manager at TI's imaging Internet appliances group. "They can grab information off the Internet, communicate via e-mail, and take advantage of our [DSP] value proposition."

The TMS320DSC24 is the second member of TI's 'DSCx family targeted at imaging and video applications. Like the previous TMS320DSC21 designed for digital still cameras, the 'DSC24 uses a TMS320C5409 DSP and ARM7 microprocessor, added to an imaging acceleration subsystem.

"The 'DSC24's video and audio processor delivers the functions OEMs require for multifun ctional devices, including image and video loading and compression, audio processing, and communication with external devices," said Will Strauss, an analyst at Forward Concepts Co., Tempe, Ariz.

The 'DSCx roadmap includes plans for a next-generation device that would use technology from TI's Open Multimedia Applications Platform for 2.5G and 3G handsets. That solution integrates a TMS320C55x DSP and ARM9 MPU.

The 'DSC24 is sampling, with volume production scheduled for the third quarter. In quantities of 100,000, it's expected to be priced at less than $25.

TI's newest Bluetooth offering is the BSN6040 baseband processor, which when combined with the company's TRF6001 transceiver, provides a complete point-to-multipoint solution, said Bryce Johnstone, marketing manager for short-distance wireless.

The device supports a full Bluetooth data rate of 723Kbits/s, and features support for up to seven "piconet" links and three simultaneous Synchronous Connection Oriented voice channels.

The pro cessor has a variety of interfacing options. For PC applications, the BSN6040 supports a USB interface offering 12Mbit/s bandwidth, and for system interfacing, it supports two 1Mbit/s UARTs. It's designed for several Bluetooth applications, including smart phones, PDAs, music players, laptop PCs, and telematics.

Samples of the BSN6040 are available, with production scheduled for this summer. In large-volume quantities, pricing is expected to be about $5 by the second half of 2002.