April 3, 2012 – Analog Devices ( www.analog.com ), a global leader in signal processing data converters and high-performance semiconductors and a leader in the worldwide data converter market, has introduced the 1GHz dual-core Blackfin® processor. The ADSP-BF608 and ADSP-BF609 feature a high-performance video analysis accelerator called the Pipelined Vision Processor (PVP) integrated as an on-chip ASIC, enabling optimal processing speeds for embedded vision applications. The PVP delivers exceptional analysis performance by consisting of various reconfigurable processing block sets designed to accelerate up to five image algorithms simultaneously. The Blackfin processor is suitable for a wide range of applications, including advanced automotive Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), industrial machine vision, security and surveillance systems, and counterfeit detectors.

Although the ADSP-BF606 and ADSP-BF607 do not provide PVP functionality, they offer the flexibility to be used in a wide range of general-purpose digital signal processing applications, such as wireless communication, industrial process control, and power grid monitoring/protection.

All four of these processors feature two 500MHz cores and the largest on-chip memory (4.3Mb) in the Blackfin family, and are optimized for low-power operation. To optimize power efficiency, a new high-bandwidth switch fabric data transport infrastructure, a diverse set of peripherals, and security-focused specifications have been newly added. Due to low power consumption, there are many advantages, such as high-temperature operation, a small footprint, and reduced system costs. The typical power consumption of the ADSP-BF609 is 400mW (maximum 1W or less).

Jeff Bier, founder of the Embedded Vision Alliance ( www.Embedded-Vision.com ), stated, “Embedded vision technology significantly enhances the intelligent capabilities and response speeds of electronic products. Because vision algorithms are highly diverse and computationally demanding, cost-effective, programmable, high-performance processors are essential for these applications. I applaud the leadership Analog Devices is demonstrating in addressing powerful architectures targeting embedded vision applications.”

"Combined with two Blackfin cores, this accelerator provides the foundation for a very powerful and flexible processor based on over 25 billion mathematical operations per second performed in PVP," said Colin Duggan, Marketing Director at Analog Devices. "Our goal is to enable the widespread adoption of embedded vision systems by providing excellent analytics capabilities with very low power consumption and a reasonable price through this new Blackfin processor."

About the Blackfin ADSP-BF60x tool
The Blackfin ADSP-BF60x processor is supported by CrossCore® Embedded Studio, a global software development toolchain for Analog Devices’ processor family. This intuitive IDE, based on Eclipse™ and featuring advanced visual capabilities, supports proprietary and open-source tools, as well as technologies such as Analog Devices’ C/C++ compilers, Micrium µC/OS-III™, Linux, and GCC. Analog Devices has integrated Micrium's industry-leading real-time operating system, µC/OS-III™, into CrossCore Embedded Studio through close collaboration with Micrium.

Key specifications of the ADSP-BF60x Blackfin processor
• Unique pipeline vision processor (ADSP-BF608/609) optimized for efficient video analysis
• Two optimized 500MHz cores and up to 4.3Mbit of on-chip SRAM
• A rich set of on-chip peripheral options
• Access to a wide range of development tools and boards, including the CrossCore® Embedded Studio software development tool, high-speed in-circuit emulator, EZ-Kit development boards, and application-specific EZ-Extender® cards, as well as access to more expanded boards.

Supply and Price
The ADSP-BF60x processor series starts at $15 per 1,000 units, and samples are currently available. Additionally, CrossCore Embedded Studio, the ADSP-BF609 EasyKit development board, and the In-Circuit Emulator family are being supplied for designers developing with this new Blackfin processor. More information can be found at www.analog.com\blackfin .

• Download data sheet or order sample: www.analog.com/Blackfin60x
• Check out the video on applications for the ADSP-BF60x product family:
http://videos.analog.com/video/products/processors-dsp/1522874826001/Introducing-the-Blackfin-ADSP-BF60x-Processors/
• Support from the ADI online technical support community EngineerZone™:
http://ez.analog.com/community/dsp/blackfin-processors
• Check out more information about ADI's DSPs:
http://www.analog.com/en/processors-dsp/products/index.html