🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <1992Oct30.195547.14107@cbnewsh.cb.att.com> aaron@cbnewsh.cb.att.com (aaron.michael.chesir) writes:
>>Folks,
>>	 I am on a project where I need to pack as much DSP power as I can,
>>so I am investigating the use of Texas Instruments TMS320C40 DSPs in an array.
>>From what I hear several manufacturers make modules call TIM-40 modules that
>>contain TMS320C40 processors and local RAM, to form a mini 'C40 core "on a
>>stick". Do any of you know of any companies that make such a module? Better
>>yet, do any of you have any practical experience with the modules? Are they
>>good?

>In the Oct. 12 issue of Electonic Engineering Times (pg. 43) there is
>mention of a TI MCM (single ceramic quad flat pack) that contains the
>following:

>   Four 320C40s each with 256k/32 SRAM
>   and 256x32 bit Global SRAM

>The C40s are supposedly completely connect and 3 comm. ports from each
>C40 come off chip.  The global bus is also brought off chip.

>There really is no detailed discussion of this beast.	Just a picture.
>I don't know if this is a lab curiosity or a real/future product,
>but if you're looking to pack C40 power into a small space, well...

You are each talking about two seperate things : TI Modules (TIMs) and
Multichip Modults (MCMs)

The TIM module is a standard 4.2" by 2.5" daughterboard that contains a C40 and
anything else the manufacturer decides to put on it - SRAM, DRAM, A/D, etc. The
"mini-core on a stick" is as good an analogy as I've heard.  Since these
daughterboards all conform to a standard, users can mix and match modules from
different manufacturers.  An overview of the TIM can be obtain from the TI
Hotline at 713-274-2442.  Ask for literature number SPRV019.  It also lists the
North American manufacturers of the TIM.  In production today are Spectrum
Signal Processing (800-663-8986) and Traquair Data Systems (607-272-4417).

Multichip modules on the other hand are a packaging technology for cramming
a bunch of stuff on to a small surface area.  TI has in development a dual
and a quad C40 MCM.  The dual is the only once that has been "officially"
announced and will be sampling in about 3 months.  The quad is not
"officially" announced which is why the article mentioned didn't give more
info. Note that MCMs are not meant as cost-reduction, but for surface area
reduction.  Military people are probably the only ones who can afford it.  The
industry as a whole, however, is pushing MCMs and we might see commercial ones
in the future.

Regards,
TMS320 Hotline
(713)-274-2320       (voice)
(713)-274-2324       (fax)
(713)-274-2323       (BBS 300-9600,8,N,1)