Integration makes signal processing easier
1 min read
Analog Devices has expanded its Blackfin family of processors with the addition of the BF50x series, designed to meet the needs of converged digital signal and control processing applications.
Said to deliver up to 'double the performance' of competitive processors with integrated a/d converters and flash memory, BF50x series processors have been developed to provide 'significant gains' in signal conversion and computational precision. The parts also allow advanced power control techniques to be applied, bringing greater energy efficiency for industrial applications.
Members of the Blackfin BF50x family are supplied as multichip modules; a processor, a 12bit SAR a/d converter and flash memory dice in one package. The processor runs at up to 400MHz and up to 4Mbyte of flash is available.
Anders Frederiksen, global industrial marketing manager, said the multichip module approach made sense. "If you integrate and a/d converter on chip, then you have noise problems. And, while customers may need a 12bit a/d converter at the moment, they may want a 14bit part in the future. We can take a number of dice and get the best out of both worlds."
Three parts are available. The BF504 is an automotive grade part that features the 400MHz Blackfin core, while the 504F adds the flash memory. The 506F adds a 12bit a/d converter capable of acquiring 2million sample/s. A 300MHz option is available.
Analog Devices has also introduced a low cost EZ-KIT Lite evaluation platform for the Blackfin BF50x series, providing a cost effective entry point for processor evaluation.
Click here for an exclusive interview between New Electronics' group editor Graham Pitcher and Analog Devices' global industrial marketing manager, Anders Frederiksen.
