Easiest way to configure DM6437's cache, timer, etc, without using DSP/BIOS?

RobbySun

Hi,

In order to test the performance of my algorithm, I need to configure cache, timer, etc on DM6437. I also need file I/O for test vector purpose, so I can't use DSP/BIOS yet.

This used to be very simple with the CSL API; now that a CSL is no longer available for DM6437, I'll have to hand code the registers. It's not difficult, but quite tedious and error prone.

Is there a better way? And, out of curiosity, why doesn't TI simply provide a CSL for DM6437?

Thanks,

over 16 years ago

0 BrandonAzbell over 16 years ago

TI__Guru 64470 points

For the DM6437, a PSP (or Platform Support Package) was developed to encompass some of these items and allow the opportunity to incorporate into DSP/BIOS.
There are a couple of TWiki articles on the topic : http://tiexpressdsp.com/index.php?title=PSP_Overview and http://tiexpressdsp.com/index.php?title=PSP_Introduction_and_Product_FAQ.

The PSP can be downloaded from https://www-a.ti.com/downloads/sds_support/targetcontent/psp/index.html.
Select the DSP/BIOS-based Platform Support link.

0 RobbySun over 16 years ago in reply to BrandonAzbell

Expert 1120 points

Thanks for the reply.

Does the PSP come with the source code? Looks like I need to peel the LLC layer off in order to use it in my code.

0 BrandonAzbell over 16 years ago in reply to RobbySun

TI__Guru 64470 points

RobbySun said:

Does the PSP come with the source code?

Yes, it does come in source code.

0 RobbySun over 16 years ago in reply to BrandonAzbell

Expert 1120 points

An update:

I didn't use the PSP. For the cache part, I can configure caches in the same way as is done in the GEL file; for the timer part, I'm using the timestamp timer to measure cycles, as suggested by Brad (Thanks Brad):

https://community.ti.com/forums/p/2440/9244.aspx#9244

I'm finding the TSC very easy to use and accurate.

0 Jogging Song over 16 years ago

Intellectual 685 points

Hi,

I don't understand why DSP/BIOS can't be used? Does it influence the accuracy of the measurement

of the performance?

It is more easier to configure the cacheablility of external memory using DSP/BIOS. Maybe the same job

can be done in GEL file.

I found DMA is not part of DSP/BIOS. I want to know whether DMA can be used without DSP/BIOS.

Thanks

Jogging

0 BrandonAzbell over 16 years ago in reply to Jogging Song

TI__Guru 64470 points

Jogging Song said:

     I don't understand why DSP/BIOS can't be used? Does it influence the accuracy of the measurement

of the performance?

     It is more easier to configure the cacheablility of external memory using DSP/BIOS. Maybe the same job

can be done in GEL file.

    I found DMA is not part of DSP/BIOS. I want to know whether DMA can be used without DSP/BIOS.

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Easiest way to configure DM6437's cache, timer, etc, without using DSP/BIOS?