To simplify the integration of Linux and DSP applications, Empower Technologies Corp., Richmond BC, recently released the latest version of its LinuxDA Embedded Operating System (LEOs 2.3) running Linux Kernel 2.6.12. It works with the DSP/BIOS Link from Texas Instruments Inc. (TI), Dallas TX, for that chip maker’s OMAP5912 dual-core digital signal processor (DSP) and ARM general purpose processor (GPP).
According to Empower, this is the first time the Linux Kernel 2.6.12 is available with the OMAP5912 and TI’s latest software tools, such as DSP/BIOS Link, Code Composer Studio Integrated Development Environment and Reference Framework 6 (RF6) so developers can create consumer electronics products at reduced cost, risk and time-to-market.
Available in the firm’s LDK5912 development kit, this complete development product comes with a flexible hardware board based on the OMAP5912 delivering high processing performance and long battery life in a feature rich, small package. Developers can use the kit to compile, download and test applications within minutes of set-up using the latest LEOs Linux kernel and TI’s software tools, Empower says.
The kit runs LEOs with Linux Kernel 2.6.12 and supports TI’s latest DSP/BIOS Link version 1.3, DSP/BIOS real-time kernel and Code Composer Studio IDE for the OMAP5912. TI’s DSP/BIOS Link 1.3, which is only available with LEOs, offers a unified and seamless interprocessor software interface between the ARM and DSP, improving memory management and enabling developers to easily integrate applications with DSP algorithms and software.
This further simplifies development, messaging and pool application program interfaces (APIs) on the ARM to mirror those in DSP/BIOS 5.20 on the DSP. These unified APIs result in extremely efficient programming and interprocessor communication, Empower says.
“The easy integration enabled by LEOs 2.3 on the LDK5912 will allow developers to efficiently design consumer electronics applications that are feature rich and truly differentiated,” Huy Pham, TI DSP SoC marketing manager, says. “Empower continues to be a valuable member of the TI DSP Third Party Network and consistently delivers reliable, flexible solutions to customers.”
The LDK5912 also comes with five sample WAV applications that are fully compatible with TI’s RF6 version 3.1. WAV or WAVE (waveform audio format ) is a Microsoft and IBM audio file format standard for storing audio on PCs. These applications demonstrate how easily LEOs and DSP/BIOS Link can interact with DSP codecs to leverage the processing performance of TI’s OMAP5912 dual-core processor, Empower says.
Documentation shows developers how to create and download DSP codecs for their own custom device applications using an available JTAG interface and Code Composer Studio IDE.
The LDK5912 running LEOs supports multiple programs and algorithms optimized for TI’s TMS320C55x DSP generation. This robust functionality reduces software development time and empowers designers to create cutting edge products by taking full advantage of the performance of TI’s OMAP5912 dual-core processor, Empower says.
