Texas Instruments announced the sampling of the TMS320DM6441 system-on-chip (SoC) based on DaVinci technology. Additional DaVinci software and development tools for the DM6441 make it possible to deliver high-quality video combined with power saving modes for portable audio and video applications, including portable media players (PMPs), consumer video security devices, medical devices, data terminals, IP netcams, automotive/in-flight entertainment systems and other digital audio and video applications. The DM6441 is a dual-core SoC that consists of an ARM9 and TMS320C64x+ digital signal processor (DSP) core plus video/imaging co-processors. By offering this device, TI expands the possibilities of DaVinci technology for those seeking video performance of H.264, MPEG 2, MPEG 4 or VC-1, among others, at 30 frames per second combined with power efficient optimizations for a whole new realm of consumer applications.
The DM6441 provides the key peripherals required for today’s portable media applications, including Ethernet, MMC and SD card interfaces, ATA hard disk drive interface, USB 2.0 and multiple UARTs, while offering developers the programmable flexibility and customization they need to design cost-effective portable entertainment products. Furthermore, the power optimization of the device makes it possible for developers to implement power over Ethernet, which is suitable for many video security systems. The advanced power saving capabilities of the DM6441 make it usefull for portable audio and video applications. With dual power modes the DM6441 can run at full speed (513 MHz DSP and 256 MHz ARM) at 1.2 V or in power-reduced mode (405 MHz DSP and 202 MHz ARM) at 1.05 V. The dual power modes allow the reduction of power consumption during operations, such as audio-only playback, when the full capabilities of the DSP are not required. Additional clock gating capabilities provide a mechanism for turning off peripherals that are not in use. Isolating the power domains of the DSP and ARM cores has made it possible to power down the DSP core individually during non-video operations. Developers can begin product design with the Digital Video Evaluation Module (DVEVM, TMDXEVM6446), which is available.
The DVEVM includes design modules for additional power savings with TI’s analog devices and microcontrollers. The DM6441 can also be paired with TI’s ultra low-power microcontroller, the MSP430. The DM6441 device’s software application programming interface and multimedia framework manages control of power to maximize battery life for portable devices with minimal effort from developers. TI has also introduced the industry-standard uClibc library. The DM6441 is pin-for-pin and software compatible with the DM6443 and DM6446 devices.
Software and Development Tools
TI is working with third party developers including ATEME, Ingenient and Ittiam, to offer reference designs for PMPs. The reference designs leverage TI’s complete suite of production-ready digital media software, including MPEG-2 MP, H.264 MP and AC3.
Pricing and Availability
The DM6441 for portable audio and video applications is sampling now and it is $24.95 each in quantities of 10,000.
