TMS320C6674: Migrating from C6674 to C6678

Butters

Expert 1900 points

Part Number: TMS320C6674

Hello,

We have an existing product that uses the C6674 processor, but we are having difficulty purchasing them right now due to supply chain issues. However, it seems that we are able to get some number of C6678 processors. My question is, can I expect the C6678 processor to boot and run just as the C6674 does? As I understand it, they are pin-compatible, and I haven't found any information so far that leads me to think that I cannot simply use the C6678 processor in place of the C6674 with zero firmware changes.

I appreciate any information that you can give me regarding the viability of using the C6678 as a "drop-in replacement" for the C6674.

Thanks in advance, and best regards,
Dave

over 2 years ago

0 Shankari G over 2 years ago

TI__Mastermind 20155 points

Dave,

As far as the Software compatibility is concerned, the processor SDK 6.3 is common for both the C6674 and the C6678. https://www.ti.com/tool/download/PROCESSOR-SDK-RTOS-C667X

And all the PDK examples are supposed to run on both the cores ( except the portion where the code involves the 8 cores in C6678 whereas 4 cores in C6674).

Regards

Shankari G

0 Butters over 2 years ago in reply to Shankari G

Expert 1900 points

Hi Shankari,

Thanks for your response. So to confirm -- if I have a custom PCB that boots and runs firmware from flash memory on a C6674, I can simply solder down a C6678 processor instead and it will boot and run the firmware just the same?

Thanks,
Dave

+1 Shankari G over 2 years ago in reply to Butters

TI__Mastermind 20155 points

Butters,

It depends on the firmware. You may have to look into the firmware how it is designed... This firmware has the RTOS as it's base? Whether it is a non-OS code? It uses the MCSDK?

1. Do a walk through on the firmware code how the cores ( 1-4 ) are initialized in C6674 etc

2. If C6678 is used, the same code will initialize the 1-4 cores of C6678 and leave the 5-8 cores...or it will initialize all 1-8 cores etc...

3. Check how memory are allocated and used among the cores etc..

---

Simply , you can solder and check once, whether it throws any error, during booting. Accordingly, we can take actions.

I can only be sure of the examples of "the processor SDK 6.3" as it is designed that way to support these devices.

C6678
C6672
C6674
C6671

0 Butters over 2 years ago

Expert 1900 points

Thanks Shankari, I understand. I think that it will work as designed, and will give it a try. I appreciate the help. Have a good day. -- Dave

0 Shankari G over 2 years ago in reply to Butters

TI__Mastermind 20155 points

Thanks Butters!.

Please share your results, later.

Regards

Shankari G

0 Butters over 2 years ago in reply to Shankari G

Expert 1900 points

Hi Shankari, I just wanted to let you know that for our particular PCB and firmware design, a C6678 processor worked as a "drop-in replacement" for the C6674 -- no changes were necessary. I know that would not necessarily be the case for all designs, but for us, it worked just fine. Thanks again.

Best regards,
Dave

0 Shankari G over 2 years ago in reply to Butters

TI__Mastermind 20155 points

That's good news!.

Processors

Processors forum

TMS320C6674: Migrating from C6674 to C6678