Freescale extends family of network-ready multicore DSPs based on StarCore® technology

Dual- and tri-core MSC8112 and MSC8113 DSPs provide direct access to packet networks

AUSTIN, Texas. – Developers and designers of unified communications systems can leverage the computing power and flexibility of two advanced Freescale DSP devices based on high-performance StarCore® technology. Extending the reach of the Freescale quadcore MSC812X family of DSPs, the dual- and tri- core MSC8112 and MSC8113 devices provide a lower cost, pin-compatible and lower power solution featuring direct Ethernet interface technology and up to four independent TDM modules.

The MSC8112 and MSC8113 are optimized for wireless infrastructure, media processing blades, telecom IPBX infrastructure and media gateways. The devices can be used for general DSP applications requiring performance ranges from 600 to1200 MCPS with the added benefit of integrated Ethernet interfaces.

Using the MSC811x family, designers can migrate their software across multiple product development programs with little to no incremental cost. Pin-compatibility with Freescale’s workhorse MSC8122 helps optimize system design flexibility.

The products’ Ethernet connectivity and ability to support up to 30 complex or 60 high-density voice channels positions them for design into any media-over-IP application in small to medium business systems. Preserving existing software development, the portfolio bridges the performance range from the MSC71XX family to the MSC81XX.

Ethernet has become the de-facto low cost pervasive packet interface among the DSP array, host processors and the network. The MII, RMII and SMII Ethernet interfaces integrated into the devices provide direct access to packet networks. The MSC8112 and MSC8113 DSPs provide a glue-less interface to onboard Ethernet switches and PHYs, enabling scalable, distributed, low-cost board architectures.

Based on StarCore technology, the devices help software engineers by providing one architecture and one software that scales from low to high densities. Using other DSP offerings, software engineers would need to re-port the software as they move up the performance curve, which adds costs for porting, testing and maintenance for multiple code bases and architectures.

Freescale is not only a leading supplier of high-performance DSP products but also a global provider of technical support designed to accelerate customers’ design cycles and speed time to market.

The MSC8112 and MSC8113 multicore DSPs are shipping now. Suggested resale prices in 10K unit quantities are $52 for MSC8112@300MHz, $70 for MSC8113@300MHz, and $77 for MSC8113@400MHz. All pricing is in USD.