Efficient fixed- and floating-point code execution on the TMS320C674x core

DSP chip design has followed two distinct paths – utilizing either fixed-point or floatingpoint instruction sets to create processors targeted at different applications and performance goals. Floating-point DSPs deliver high dynamic range, high precision and a simplified programming environment. Additionally, since a majority of PC-based development tools generate floating-point code, developers can easily migrate from PC-based development environments to DSP. Fixed-point devices, on the other hand, traditionally dominate markets and applications in which low power, low cost and a high degree of connectivity with peripherals are paramount. With the new TMS320C674x core from Texas Instruments (TI), that handles both fixedand floating-point operations, designers now have access to a new breed of signal-processing platforms that reduce bill of materials (BOM) cost, facilitate faster time-to-market and deliver a unified software development environment. Efficient fixedand floating-point code execution on the TMS320C674x core delivers faster code development and reduces system cost with improved performance