Synopsys rolls DesignWare ARC processor core for Blu-ray Disc players

Synopsys Inc. has introduced the DesignWare ARC AS 221 BD dual-core processor and released enhancements to its DesignWare ARC 600 32-bit configurable processor family.

The EDA vendor has delivered DesignWare ARC AS 221 BD dual-core processor optimized for high-definition audio SoCs targeting Blu-ray Disc and Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) 192 kHz/24-bit digital audio streaming applications.

Synopsys' DesignWare ARC AS 221 BD extends the company's DesignWare Sound-to-Silicon AS 200 processor family with a high performance dual-core processor and a complete software stack with the required codecs, media streaming framework, and Blu-ray Disc use cases.

The DesignWare ARC AS 221 BD dual-core processor occupies 0.81 mm2 in a 65-nm LP process, up to half the size of alternative solutions. The processor’s power consumption is at 0.26 mW/MHz.

In parallel, Synopsys said it has achieved three enhancements with its DesignWare ARC 600 32-bit configurable processor family, including an optional Memory Protection Unit (MPU), Power Management Unit (PMU) and single cycle 16x16 multiplier.

A closer look at enhancements:
- The optional MPU for the DesignWare ARC 610D and 625D cores gives software running on the core the ability to control access rights to the memory.

- The optional PMU for the DesignWare ARC 605, 610D and 625D cores allows application software control over clocking and voltage for the core, allowing dynamic power consumption management.

- The optional single-cycle 16x16 multiplier is available for the DesignWare ARC 601, 605, 610D and 625D cores. The new multiplier, an addition to the already available single- and multiple-cycle 32x32 multiplier configuration options, reduces power consumption and silicon area for applications that do not require the processing speed of a 32x32 multiplier.

Availability
Now.

For additional information about the DesignWare ARC 600 Configurable Core Family, click here.