Multicore DSP chips break $1/GMAC barrier

19 April 2006 DSP, Micros & Memory

picoChip has launched its new generation of picoArray multicore processor arrays for future wireless systems. The PC202, PC203 and PC205 are claimed to be highly integrated, high-performance and extremely cost-effective DSPs. While they each have different performances and features, they all integrate around 200 or more individual processors onto each die and deliver over 100 GIPs and 25 GMACs - considerably better performance than legacy single-core DSPs. According to the company, with pricing from just $25 in high volume, this achieves the '$1 per GMAC' metric. The PC202 and 205 also integrate a powerful ARM9 processor. All three products are programmed in standard C or assembler, making them suited to complete software radio systems, and full reference designs are available for WiMAX (both 16d and 16e) and WCDMA (including HSDPA, with upgrade to HSUPA). The PC202 integrates 198 individual DSPs, as well as an ARM 926EJ-S for control and MAC functionality. The PC203 has 248 individual processors and is designed for basestation applications. The PC205 also has 248 individual DSPs, but also includes an ARM 926EJ-S processor.

www.picochip.com

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