Non-Volatile Data Storage

A variety of non-volatile data storage options are available for the embedded system developer when using micro-line DSP/FPGA boards. Depending on the specific board being used, these can include: Use of on-board FLASH for storage and retrieval of data files by the TMS320C6000 DSP during embedded run-time operation, or by a PC when connected via the mirco-line DSP/FPGA board's serial RS-232 port (optionally through RS-232/USB adapter to PC). For applications requiring more substantial non-volatile storage capacity, options include integrating external FLASH hardware.

Use of on-board FLASH

All micro-line DSP/FPGA boards are provided with on-board FLASH memory. The primary role for this FLASH memory is for initializing the on-board DSP and FPGA resources at power-up. The following micro-line DSP/FPGA boards, it is also possible for this memory to be utilized from the DSP for the purpose of permanent, non-volatile application data storage.

DSP/FPGA boards with non-volatile data storage using on-board FLASH

C6412Compact	720MHz TMS320C6412 Integer DSP + 8/32MBytes FLASH memory + 64/128MBytes SDRAM + 1M/1.5M/4MGate Spartan-3 FPGA + USB 2.0 Interface + 10/100Base-T Ethernet Interface + IEEE 1394a FireWire Interface
C6713CPU	300MHz TMS320C6713 Floating Point DSP + 2MBytes FLASH Memory + 64MBytes SDRAM + 400k/1MGate Spartan-3 FPGA
C6713Compact-2	300MHz TMS320C6713 Floating Point DSP + 8MBytes FLASH memory + 64MBytes SDRAM + LX45/LX75/LX125 Virtex-II FPGA + IEEE 1394a FireWire Interface

C-callable functions are provided for allowing DSP resident application code to read, write, and delete data files (ReadDataFile(), WriteDataFile(), DeleteDataFile()) during run-time. It is also possible to load or access data files from a host PC computer, when connected to the board via its RS-232 serial port (optionally through RS-232/USB adapter to PC).

Please note that the amount of memory available for this type of storage is limited to the amount of FLASH on each board, as well as how much of this memory is required for resident FLASH utilities, DSP and FPGA boot code.

Integration of external FLASH memory hardware

Customers can develop and integrate their own hardware with the on-board DSP or FPGA resources. Integration with the DSP is typically achieved via memory mapping to the External Memory Interface (EMIF), or via one of the various dedicated I/O interfaces supported by that device. The on-board FPGA extends the connectivity options, subject to the number of FPGA I/O pins available for external connection, and provides the means for customer defined VHDL logic for interfacing with an controlling external components.