Multicore DSP chips break $1/GMAC barrier

19 April 2006 DSP, Micros & Memory

picoChip has launched its new generation of picoArray multicore processor arrays for future wireless systems. The PC202, PC203 and PC205 are claimed to be highly integrated, high-performance and extremely cost-effective DSPs. While they each have different performances and features, they all integrate around 200 or more individual processors onto each die and deliver over 100 GIPs and 25 GMACs - considerably better performance than legacy single-core DSPs. According to the company, with pricing from just $25 in high volume, this achieves the '$1 per GMAC' metric. The PC202 and 205 also integrate a powerful ARM9 processor. All three products are programmed in standard C or assembler, making them suited to complete software radio systems, and full reference designs are available for WiMAX (both 16d and 16e) and WCDMA (including HSDPA, with upgrade to HSUPA). The PC202 integrates 198 individual DSPs, as well as an ARM 926EJ-S for control and MAC functionality. The PC203 has 248 individual processors and is designed for basestation applications. The PC205 also has 248 individual DSPs, but also includes an ARM 926EJ-S processor.

www.picochip.com

Further reading:

Industrial-grade ESP32-S3 controller
DSP, Micros & Memory
Erqos Technologies has introduced the EQSP32CE, a CE-certified, industrial-grade ESP32-S3 controller designed for developers who want the flexibility of the ESP32 ecosystem in hardware that can be deployed directly into real-world automation.

Read more...

---

Next-gen smart module powers intelligence at the edge
iCorp Technologies DSP, Micros & Memory
Quectel Wireless Solutions has expanded its smart module portfolio with the SH803FD, a new-generation, high-performance smart module.

Read more...

---

Advanced sensing powers modern drones
Future Electronics DSP, Micros & Memory
Allegro MicroSystems has a portfolio of sensors, motor drivers, and power management devices specifically designed to enhance drone efficiency, reliability, and control.

Read more...

---

Addressing latency and signal integrity challenges
Altron Arrow DSP, Micros & Memory
Strengthening Microchip Technology’s data centre solutions portfolio, its XpressConnect retimers support high-bandwidth architectures, while helping reduce integration complexity.

Read more...

---

ESP32-S31 for advanced IoT
iCorp Technologies DSP, Micros & Memory
At the heart of the device is a dual-core 32-bit RISC-V MCU operating at up to 320 MHz, delivering 6,86 CoreMark/MHz performance with MMU support for efficient memory management.

Read more...

---

Cortex-M33 performance for cost-sensitive designs
Future Electronics DSP, Micros & Memory
The STM32C5 series from STMicroelectronics introduces a new generation of entry-level microcontrollers engineered to deliver enhanced processing capability, modern security, and cost-effective scalability for connected embedded applications.

Read more...

---

Memory shortage 2026: Engineering implications for South Africa
DSP, Micros & Memory
[Sponsored] Addressing this challenge requires system-level thinking and adoption with McKinsey Electronics providing the engineering and sourcing framework required to maintain system resilience despite ongoing global constraints.

Read more...

---

Cost-effective microcontroller series
Altron Arrow DSP, Micros & Memory
The STM32C5 series from STMicroelectronics delivers an excellent balance of performance, efficiency, and affordability for embedded designs that require more capability without increasing bill of materials cost.

Read more...

---

Battery-friendly Thread and BLE solution
iCorp Technologies DSP, Micros & Memory
Positioned as an incremental upgrade to the ESP32-H2, Espressif’s ESP32-H21 adds an integrated DC-DC converter that reduces active current draw and helps extend battery life in power-sensitive consumer and industrial devices.

Read more...

---

Next generation HMI processing platform
Future Electronics DSP, Micros & Memory
Microchip’s latest hybrid MCU SiP integrates an Arm926EJ-S processor with 512 Mb of DDR2 SDRAM and is engineered to meet the rising demand for sophisticated HMI solutions in modern vehicles.

Read more...

---