Glossary

indirect addressing: An addressing mode in which an address points to another pointer rather than to the actual data; this mode is prohibited in RISC architecture.

instruction fetch packet: A group of up to eight instructions held in memory for execution by the CPU.

internal interrupt: A hardware interrupt caused by an on-chip peripheral.

internal peripherals: Devices connected to and controlled by a host device. The C6x internal peripherals include the direct memory access (DMA) controller, multichannel buffered serial ports (McBSPs), host port inter- face (HPI), external memory-interface (EMIF), and runtime support tim- ers.

interrupt: A signal sent by hardware or software to a processor requesting attention. An interrupt tells the processor to suspend its current opera- tion, save the current task status, and perform a particular set of instruc- tions. Interrupts communicate with the operating system and prioritize tasks to be performed.

interrupt service fetch packet (ISFP): A fetch packet used to service inter- rupts. If eight instructions are insufficient, the user must branch out of this block for additional interrupt service. If the delay slots of the branch do not reside within the ISFP, execution continues from execute packets in the next fetch packet (the next ISFP).

interrupt service routine (ISR): A module of code that is executed in re- sponse to a hardware or software interrupt.

interrupt service table (IST) A table containing a corresponding entry for each of the 16 physical interrupts. Each entry is a single-fetch packet and has a label associated with it.

IRQ: Interrupt request; see IRQ module.

IRQ module: IRQ is an API module that manages CPU interrupts.

IST: See interrupt service table.

L

least significant bit (LSB): The lowest-order bit in a word.

LED: The LED API Module.

linker: A software tool that combines object files to form an object module, which can be loaded into memory and executed.

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Texas Instruments TMS320C6000 manual IRQ Interrupt request see IRQ module

TMS320C6000 specifications

The Texas Instruments TMS320C6000 series is a family of digital signal processors (DSPs) that has gained significant traction in the field of digital signal processing since its introduction. Leveraging advanced processing technologies, the TMS320C6000 DSPs are particularly recognized for their high-performance capabilities, efficiency, and versatility, making them suitable for a wide variety of applications, including telecommunications, audio and video processing, medical instrumentation, and more.

One of the main features of the TMS320C6000 series is its advanced architecture, which incorporates a superscalar pipeline. This allows for the simultaneous execution of multiple instructions, leading to enhanced processing speeds. The architecture is designed to support both fixed-point and floating-point operations, offering flexibility for different computational requirements. The use of VLIW (Very Long Instruction Word) technology allows the execution of multiple operations in a single instruction cycle, further maximizing performance.

The TMS320C6000 family utilizes high-speed memory architectures, including a sophisticated cache system that minimizes memory access delays. Built-in hardware accelerators for specific functions, such as fast Fourier transforms (FFTs) and filter algorithms, streamline processing tasks that are critical in real-time applications. The DSPs also support a range of data formats, enabling them to handle diverse data types efficiently.

An important aspect of the TMS320C6000 series is its scalability. The family includes a wide range of devices, from low-power processors suitable for portable equipment to high-performance models designed for demanding computation tasks. This scalability ensures that developers can select the appropriate DSP for their specific application requirements.

In terms of power efficiency, the TMS320C6000 processors are designed to deliver high performance with optimized power consumption. This makes them ideal for battery-operated devices where power management is a critical concern. Additionally, TI's software tools, such as Code Composer Studio, provide developers with an integrated development environment that simplifies the design process and enhances productivity.

Lastly, the extensive support for various communication interfaces, including PCI, USB, and Ethernet, allows for seamless integration into existing systems. With a rich ecosystem of hardware and software support, the TMS320C6000 series remains a popular choice for engineers seeking powerful and versatile DSP solutions in modern electronic design.