Tool Suite for the Parthus MediaStream DSP
Equipped with TASKING's highly optimized C/C++ compiler, advanced debugging capabilities and memory management features, developers can take advantage of the flexible memory-based approach of the MediaStream integrated circuit that highly complements the core's fully programmable and upgradeable solution. Code generation is facilitated by features such as graphical symbol browsing of source code to identify all cross references, navigation through application variables and functions, and display of function parameters during editing.
As audio-decoding applications balloon in size and complexity, SoC developers are confronted with the need to slash code size. Using C language extensions that enable fractional datatypes, circular and bit-reversed addressing, memory space qualifiers and other DSP-related features, TASKING's highly optimized compiler ensures that developers never trade code size for performance or have to resort to using assembly language. Through variable usage analysis, loop recognition, automatic stack overflow checking and in-line expansion of predefined functions, developers can address the code density and performance needs of the DSP. The efficiency, reliability and faster development time of the TASKING Tool Suite ensures that developers can power the expanding market of MP3 players, as well as integrate the MediaStream IP into mobile devices.
To meet the need for high performance, TASKING's assembler has been fine-tuned to automatically generate the tightest, fastest code. The assembler automatically reorders instruction sequences to avoid pipeline hazards and maximize parallel execution. Through flow analysis, instructions can be rearranged to reduce code size. By providing these capabilities, TASKING enables programmers less familiar with the MediaStream architecture to write better performing code, thereby extending the capabilities of the design team.
Given the complexity of media processing, TASKING's CrossView Pro debugger has focused on ways to ease DSP development. Graphical displays of input/output data quickly verify complex algorithms, code coverage finds areas of unexecuted code, and the contents of control registers, memory locations and stack frame are easily accessed. For granular debugging that lets the developer drill down to more elusive problems, TASKING provides advanced breakpoint handling that steps through code, offering breakpoints based on code execution, data access, timer activity, instruction and cycle counts, or a series of events. By tracing I/O simulation using probe points, developers can examine data structures without stopping code and causing an intrusion with the audio compression formats used. Through this level of depth and responsiveness, TASKING enables developers to tackle the complex design issues and deliver product quickly—a must given that the markets such as Internet audio boast rapid growth and one of the shortest time-to-market windows.
TASKING Inc., 333 Elm Street, Dedham, MA 02026-4530. Tel: 781-320-9400; Fax: 781-320-9212.