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The DSP Development Kit
This kit is the perfect entry platform for applications that need the
ability to individually program the on-board DSP and FPGA (optional FPGA
development package required), combined with application software
controlled IEEE 1394 connectivity. The IEEE1394 API supports both,
asynchronous transactions and isochronous streaming. The FPGA-based,
direct interface to IEEE1394 chipset enables FIFO-buffered high-speed
access to IEEE1394 streaming data. A module support library provides easy
access to on-board hardware. The DSP master BSP implements a peripheral
interface for glueless connection of peripheral components. Documentation
and application examples show how to create new projects from scratch and
how to use the on-board hardware, especially the IEEE1394
subsystem. After development has finished, application code can be stored
in flash memory using the free DSK version of the FlashBurn utility. The
comfortable use of this kit makes it suitable for system engineers
who want to focus on their total system solution as a priority and who
want to get an IEEE 1394 solution being realized with a minimum of time
and effort.
Embedded IEEE1394 API
The embedded IEEE1394 API implements a full IEEE1394 transcation layer
for generic applications. The user interface is transaction oriented,
relieving the user from register-level chipset programming. Both kinds
of asynchronous transactions are supported: outgoing as well as
incoming. Asynchronous transactions are typically used for control and
status exchange, such as camera control or protocol implementations.
Isochronous and asynchronous data streaming is also supported, allowing
high-speed data transfers up to the maximum data rate of 32MByte/s
defined by the IEEE1394a standard. Streaming data transfers are done
directly between the DSP and the IEEE1394 chipset, without any protocol
overhead. Device handles provide topology-independent access to other
devices. Using the embedded API, the UC1394a-3 can be turned into a
host-like IEEE1394 device (frame grabber, HD controller) or a peripheral
device (camera, printer, data acquisition system, etc). Bus management
functions (Cycle master, isochronous resource manager and bus manager)
allow standalone operation with simpler devices, such as cameras, without
any additional host required.
The PC side of IEEE1394
When a standard protocol is implemented on the UC1394a-3, such as the
DCAM / IIDC-1394 standard for industrial digital cameras, a PC
running Windows already knows this class of IEEE1394 devices and loads
the appropriate class driver. When implementing customized protocols, it
is necessary to have a general-purpose IEEE1394 class driver installed on
the PC. This allows to individually program the PC IEEE 1394 interface in
user mode and to transmit or receive isochronous and asynchronous data
packets easily under application software control. As an example, the
FireAPI Software Development Kit from Unibrain can be recommended, which
is available from Orsys. Unibrain PC software drivers are capable to run
on any PC, equipped with IEEE 1394a or IEEE 1394b hardware, under
Microsoft Windows NT, 2000, XP or newer. Another development environment
is the VHPD1394 development kit from Thesycon. This kit sets up on the
Microsoft driver stack.
DSP Master BSP Included
The kit contains the DSP Master BSP. This board support package
consists of an FPGA design with associated software. The BSP uses the
FPGA to add FIFO buffered IEEE1394 streaming and a peripheral
interface for connection of external hardware to the basic function
of the UC1394a-3.
What if the DSP Master BSP isn't Sufficient?
For such cases, FPGA development is supported by an optional FPGA
Development Package. Besides other features, it includes the
DSP Master FPGA as a project, so that it can be modified and expanded
by the customer. Customized FPGA designs can then be used in the
DSP Development Kit just like the default, unmodified DSP Master
FPGA.
Software Development Tools
For software development, Code Composer Studio from Texas
Instruments is required. This powerful development environment provides
extensive software resources, such as DSP/BIOS and a chip support library
for the TMS320VC5501/02. Further, it supports very comfortable debugging
when using a JTAG emulator. Data can then be displayed in real time by
TI's real-time data exchange (RTDX). When not using an emulator, code can
be created and tested using the simulator configuration of Code Composer
Studio. All examples and source code included in the DSP Development Kit
were created and tested with Code Composer Studio so that they can
readily be used by the customer. For evaluation, a time-limited version
of Code Composer Studio is available from Texas Instruments.
Convenient Operation During Development
For operating the UC1394a-3 during development, the UC1394a-3 is mounted
on a small carrier board. This carrier board provides all necessary
hadrdware that is required to run the UC1394a-3 on the desk, such as
IEEE1394 connectors, power supply, RS-232 level converter, reset button,
etc. Also included is the ability to supply the DSP Development Kit over
the IEEE1394 cable, for example when connected to a PC. The carrier can
easily be plugged into individual prototype boards by using standard
0.1'' connectors. The schematics of the carrier PCB are included and can
be used for design of customized carrier PCBs. After development has
finished, the UC1394a-3 MCM is typically soldered directly on a
customized PCB. However, it can also be purchased readily mounted on the
carrier.
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