Overview
The TMS320C51, part of the TMS320C5x generation of digital signal processors (DSPs) from Texas Instruments, is a powerful 16-bit processor designed for high-performance signal processing applications. Fabricated with advanced static CMOS technology, this DSP combines the benefits of a high-speed controller with the numerical capabilities of an array processor. The TMS320C51 is built on the modified Harvard architecture, allowing for simultaneous instruction fetch and execution, and features a highly specialized instruction set for optimized performance.
This processor is part of the third generation of TMS320 DSPs, offering enhanced performance, versatility, and power efficiency. It is upward-compatible with source code from earlier generations (TMS320C1x and TMS320C2x), making it a versatile choice for a wide range of applications.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Processor Type | 16-bit Digital Signal Processor |
| Instruction Execution Time | 20-, 25-, 35-, and 50-ns (5-V operation), 25-, 40-, and 50-ns (3-V operation) |
| On-Chip Program ROM | 2K, 4K, 8K, 16K, 32K × 16-bit single-access |
| On-Chip Program/Data RAM (SARAM) | 1K, 3K, 6K, 9K × 16-bit single-access |
| On-Chip Program/Data RAM (DARAM) | 1K dual-access |
| Maximum Addressable External Memory | 224K × 16-bit (64K Program, 64K Data, 64K I/O, and 32K Global) |
| Serial Ports | Full-Duplex Synchronous Serial Port, Time-Division-Multiplexed (TDM) Serial Port |
| Clocking Options | Multiple Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) options (×1, ×2, ×3, ×4, ×5, ×9) |
| Power Consumption | 47 mA (2.35 mA/MIP) at 5 V, 40-MHz clock; 23 mA (1.15 mA/MIP) at 3 V, 40-MHz clock |
| Power-Down Modes | IDLE1: 10 mA at 5 V; IDLE2: 3 mA at 5 V; Clocks Off: 5 µA at 5 V |
| Packaging Options | 100-pin Quad Flat Package (PJ Suffix), 100-pin Thin Quad Flat Package (PZ Suffix), 132-pin Quad Flat Package (PQ Suffix) |
Key Features
- Advanced Harvard Architecture: Allows for simultaneous instruction fetch and execution, enhancing performance and flexibility.
- High-Performance CPU: Executes up to 50 million instructions per second (MIPS) with single-cycle instruction execution times.
- On-Chip Peripherals: Includes full-duplex synchronous serial port, TDM serial port, on-chip timer, and host port interface.
- Memory and Storage: Features on-chip program ROM, SARAM, and DARAM, along with extensive external memory addressing capabilities.
- Low Power Consumption: Offers various power-down modes to minimize power consumption.
- Modular Design: Facilitates fast development of spin-off devices and is upward-compatible with earlier generations.
- Enhanced Instruction Set: Includes single-cycle multiply/add, repeat instructions, and block moves for efficient program execution.
- IEEE Standard 1149.1 Test-Access Port (JTAG): Supports boundary scan and emulation logic for debugging and testing.
Applications
The TMS320C51 is suitable for a wide range of signal processing and control applications, including:
- Audio and Video Processing: Real-time audio and video signal processing, such as filtering, compression, and decompression.
- Telecommunications: Modems, echo cancellers, and other communication equipment.
- Industrial Control: Motor control, process control, and automation systems.
- Medical Devices: Medical imaging, patient monitoring, and diagnostic equipment.
- Aerospace and Defense: Radar, sonar, and other military and aerospace applications requiring high-performance signal processing.
Q & A
- What is the TMS320C51 processor's instruction execution time?
The TMS320C51 processor has instruction execution times of 20-, 25-, 35-, and 50-ns for 5-V operation and 25-, 40-, and 50-ns for 3-V operation.
- What is the maximum addressable external memory for the TMS320C51?
The maximum addressable external memory is 224K × 16-bit, divided into 64K Program, 64K Data, 64K I/O, and 32K Global memory spaces.
- What are the power consumption and power-down modes of the TMS320C51?
The power consumption is 47 mA (2.35 mA/MIP) at 5 V and 23 mA (1.15 mA/MIP) at 3 V. Power-down modes include IDLE1 (10 mA at 5 V), IDLE2 (3 mA at 5 V), and Clocks Off (5 µA at 5 V).
- What serial ports are available on the TMS320C51?
The TMS320C51 features a full-duplex synchronous serial port and a time-division-multiplexed (TDM) serial port.
- Does the TMS320C51 support boundary scan and emulation logic?
Yes, the TMS320C51 supports IEEE Standard 1149.1 test-access port (JTAG) for boundary scan and emulation logic.
- What are the packaging options for the TMS320C51?
The packaging options include 100-pin Quad Flat Package (PJ Suffix), 100-pin Thin Quad Flat Package (PZ Suffix), and 132-pin Quad Flat Package (PQ Suffix).
- Is the TMS320C51 upward-compatible with earlier generations of TMS320 DSPs?
Yes, the TMS320C51 is upward-compatible with source code from earlier generations (TMS320C1x and TMS320C2x).
- What is the role of the on-chip timer in the TMS320C51?
The on-chip timer is a memory-mapped 16-bit timer used for control operations, generating interrupts at regular intervals based on the timer's decrement to zero.
- How does the TMS320C51 handle interrupts?
The TMS320C51 has three external maskable user interrupts and internal interrupts generated by the serial port, timer, and software. Interrupts are prioritized, and a mechanism protects multicycle instructions from interrupts until they are completed.
- What are some common applications of the TMS320C51?
Common applications include audio and video processing, telecommunications, industrial control, medical devices, and aerospace and defense systems.
