Dual-core, real-time MCU combines DSP and ARM M3
The two cores are loosely integrated through shared resources but are expected to operate largely asymmetrically, in deference to the need for safety and security in the target applications.
Using shared memory to communicate means the real time control handled by the DSP will not be compromised by the M3’s links to the outside world. Based on a 65nm process, the C28x will run at up to 150MHz, faster than previous instantiations of the core on a 180nm process, which could only achieve a maximum of 80MHz.
The ARM core will run at up to 100MHz and has exclusive access to the communications peripherals, while the control subsystem integrates the DSP with nine PWMs, providing a maximum of 18 PWM outputs, 16 of which can be high resolution. The family is targeted at industrial control applications and at improving safety and IP protection, something TI is now calling a ‘megatrend’ as it is being requested by a growing number of customers.
A experimenter’s kit is now available, although the devices won’t be available until July and although the final datasheet detailing power consumption has been released yet, TI states that the Concerto devices will compare well to a two chip solution.
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