NXP unveils asymmetric dual core digital signal controller family
NXP has announced the LPC4000 family, an asymmetrical dual core digital signal controller architecture featuring ARM Cortex-M4 and Cortex-M0 processors.
According to NXP, the LPC4000 allows dsp and mcu applications to be developed within one architecture and development environment. With this approach and a set of configurable peripherals, the LPC4000 enables customers to develop a wide range of applications such as motor control, power management, industrial automation, robotics, medical, automotive accessories and embedded audio.
"The LPC4000 is not just another Cortex-M4. We're introducing multicore processing to microcontroller and dsp applications," said Geoff Lees, general manager of NXP's microcontroller business line. "Equally important are the configurable peripherals that enable LPC4000 users to reduce the need for external ASIC functionality."
Lees noted the device has roughly the same performance as an mcu based on the Cortex-M3 core, but is one quarter the size. "Customers are looking for more and more software reuse," Lees noted, "but we can't make one core fit all applications."
The device is architected so both cores have access to any on chip function. "But the M0 core has its own domain," said Lees, "and can block the M4 to guarantee latency."
