Low-Cost Processor Targets Portable HD Video

Supporting portable high-definition video designs, the company's latest DaVinci processor--the TMS320DM355--provides HD performance while also promising to double battery life. Primed for digital and IP cameras, photo frames, and video baby monitors, the processor integrates a video-processing subsystem, an MPEG-4-JPEG coprocessor, ARM926EJ-S core, and peripherals. In addition, developers can re-use intellectual property from the DaVinci portfolio. Available in clock speeds of 216 MHz or 270 MHz, the DM355 consumes approximately 400 mW during HD MPEG-4 encoding and 1 mW of standby power. At this level of power consumption, a DM355-based digital camera can record 80 minutes of HD video while using two AA batteries. Sampling now in 13 mm x 13 mm, 329-pin, 0.65-mm pitch BGAs, prices for a 216-MHz and 270-MHz TMX320DM355ZCE216 are $9.75 and $11.49 each/50,000, respectively. A digital-video evaluation module, the TMDXEVM355, is available now for $495. TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC., Dallas, TX. (800) 477-8924.