Processors meet needs of modern embedded applications

The processors incorporate dual-core Arm Cortex-A15 reduced instruction set computer (RISC) CPUs with Arm Neon extensions and two TI C66x floating-point DSP cores. They include dual Programmable Real-time Unit for Industrial Communications sub-systems (PRU-ICSS) that can be used for industrial Ethernet protocols such as Profinet, EtherCAT, and Ethernet/IP.

The devices also combine programmable video processing with a highly integrated peripheral set, offer up to two embedded vision engines (EVEs), and include cryptographic acceleration.

Integrated into the processors are a robust Image and Video Accelerator - High Definition (IVA-HD) subsystem with support for 4K at 15 fps, encode and decode support for H.264 CODEC, a 2D graphics accelerator, and a dual-core 3D GPU. Other features include two-port Gigabit Ethernet, a general purpose memory controller, enhanced direct memory access (EDMA) controller, sixteen 32-bit general-purpose timers, and a 32-bit MPU watchdog timer.

Support comes in the shape of the TMDSIDK574 Industrial Development Kit (IDK), a standalone test, development, and evaluation module that enables developers to write software and develop hardware for industrial control and industrial communications applications.

The kit breaks out six Ethernet ports, four of which can be used concurrently: two Gigabit Ethernet ports and two 10/100 Ethernet ports from the PRU-ICSS subsystems.

It also includes connectors for Mini PCIe, USB 3.0, and HDMI and support for an optional TMDXIDK57X-LCD touchscreen display. The kit offers a defined set of features to allow developers to experience industrial communication solutions using various serial or Ethernet-based interfaces.

Using standard interfaces, the TMDXIDK574 IDK may interface to other processors or systems and act as a communication gateway or controller. In addition, it can directly operate as a standard remote I/O system or a sensor connected to an industrial communication network.