The Blackfin processor family is extended further into the industrial and instrumentation market with the availability of an on chip eMAC which supports 1588 version 2, a 3-phase PWM generation unit and a quadrature encoder. The high performance 16/32-bit Blackfin embedded processor core, the flexible cache architecture, the enhanced DMA subsystem, and the dynamic power management (DPM) functionality allow system designers a flexible platform to address a wide range of connected applications, including motor control, power line monitoring, biometrics, pro-audio and femto cells.

The embedded eMAC of the BF518 is fully compliant with the IEEE1588 standard, version 2. With the time stamping mechanism being on the processor, users are free to choose any PHY they want to implement in a 1588 based system. This coupled with a 400MHz CPU and a plethora of other peripherals make the BF518 the most attractive choice for demanding network connected systems.

The VoIP challenge to the embedded-system designer is to choose a processing solution that is cost-effective, easy to deploy and scaleable in performance across market spaces. A “sweet spot” embedded-solution approach is to design with a platform that can implement a low channel count basic VoIP solution, yet retain sufficient capacity for value added capabilities and services – such as video, music, imaging and system control. Unlike traditional VoIP embedded solutions that utilize two processor cores to provide VoIP functionality, the ADSP-BF518 provides a convergent solution in a unified core architecture that allows voice and video signal processing concurrent with RISC MCU processing to handle network and user-interface demands. This unique ability to offer full VoIP functionality on a single convergent processor provides for a unified software development environment, faster system debugging and deployment, and lower overall system cost.

The BF518 also brings ultra low power and a removable storage interface covering SDIO, CE-ATA and eMMC for portable devices.

IP protection has become a necessary part of today’s embedded computing applications. The ADSP-BF518 provides a security scheme which balances flexibility and upgradeability with performance through the inclusion of a firmware-based solution including OTP (One Time Programmable) memory to enable users to implement private keys for secure access to program code.

At least one model within this product family is in production and available for purchase. The product is appropriate for new designs but newer alternatives may exist.